How Do I Phase a Remodel Over Time Without Wasting Money?
Spokane & North Idaho Homeowners’ Guide to Smart, Strategic Remodeling
Not every remodeling project has to be all-or-nothing. In fact, many of our clients across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and North Idaho choose to remodel in phases — whether it’s due to budget, time, or life circumstances.
But here’s the catch: If you don’t plan for phasing from the start, it can cost you more in the long run.
At The Building Company, we work with homeowners to prioritize their projects in smart stages — without wasting money, tearing up finished work later, or making decisions they’ll regret.
Here’s how to do it right.
🧭 Start With the Big Picture — Even If You’re Only Doing a Small Part Now
The #1 mistake we see is tackling one room without considering how it fits into the overall plan for the home. This can lead to:
- Layout decisions that don’t make sense long-term
- Electrical or plumbing runs that need to be redone
- Finishes that clash once the rest of the house gets updated
We always recommend working with a designer or design-build team to create a master plan — even if phase one is just the kitchen or a bath.
🪜 Common Phasing Strategies
Here are a few smart ways to break a remodel into logical chunks:
1. Interior Before Exterior
- Focus first on kitchens, baths, and major interiors
- Save siding, roofing, or decks for phase 2
2. Systems First, Surfaces Second
- Upgrade electrical, plumbing, HVAC early — especially if opening walls anyway
- Then move on to flooring, cabinetry, paint, and finishes
3. Floor-by-Floor
- Tackle main living areas first
- Move to secondary spaces (like basements or guest areas) later
4. Lifestyle-Based
- Do the areas you spend the most time in first
- Prioritize work that improves functionality and day-to-day use
Example: In a Liberty Lake home, we started with a full kitchen and laundry remodel. A year later, we came back to do the primary bath and a partial basement finish — all based on the original design concept.
💰 How to Avoid Paying Twice
A few ways we help clients save money and reduce future headaches:
- Run future utilities now: Even if you’re not finishing the basement today, we can rough in plumbing or electrical while walls are open
- Prep for future finishes: Subfloor leveling, added blocking, or pre-framed openings can make future phases faster and cheaper
- Buy materials in bulk when smart: Flooring or tile that will span multiple phases can often be purchased all at once to ensure consistency and availability
📑 Permitting & Design Considerations
If you know you’ll be remodeling over time, we may recommend pulling a master permit (where allowed) or submitting a set of phased drawings. This helps:
- Reduce future delays or code conflicts
- Provide a smoother experience with inspectors
- Make future resale easier with clean records
Every city (Spokane, CDA, Hayden, etc.) handles phased projects a little differently — we handle that coordination so you don’t have to.
👷♂️ How We Help Homeowners Plan a Phased Remodel
When you work with The Building Company, we don’t just ask, “What do you want done now?”
We ask:
“Where do you want your home to be in 5 years — and how do we build toward that?”
Our process includes:
- Site walk and goal alignment
- Partnering with designers to create a master plan
- Transparent phasing strategy that protects your investment
- Coordinated scheduling for future stages
Ready to Build a Long-Term Plan?
If you're considering a remodel — whether it's all at once or one step at a time — let's talk. We’ll help you make smart choices now that set you up for success later.
📱 Call or text: 509-890-0222
📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com
The Building Company
is a proud member of NAHB and NARI, committed to professionalism, craftsmanship, and long-term relationships throughout Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the surrounding Inland Northwest.
