Let Your Home Speak Before You Renovate

I’ve covered home renovation quite a bit since launching this blog seven years ago—from budgeting and value-boosting upgrades to timing and getting started. If you’ve followed along, you might consider yourself a renovation pro by now.

But one question I haven’t tackled—though it’s come up with clients—is this: How soon after buying a home should you start renovating?

The answer depends, first and foremost, on the condition of the home. If you bought a fixer-upper, renovation likely begins right away—sometimes even before move-in. But if the home is in good shape and only has a few things you'd like to tweak, it’s wise to take your time.

There’s no hard rule, but many professionals recommend waiting at least six months before starting major renovations. That gives you time to settle in, observe how you actually use the space, and better understand what truly needs changing. Some cosmetic or safety-related updates, of course, can be addressed immediately.

Living in your home for a bit reveals its rhythms and quirks. You’ll notice how light moves through different rooms, how people flow through the space, and where the pain points really are. Rushing into renovations without that insight can lead to costly mistakes.

That said, if the bathroom configuration is driving you nuts, you dread walking into the kitchen, or your clothes are still in storage because there’s not enough closet space—then by all means, address those issues sooner. Your comfort, convenience, and peace of mind matter. And safety concerns like faulty wiring, leaky pipes, or broken locks? Those should be handled immediately.

As Maryana Grinshpun, principal of the New York design-build firm Mammoth, puts it:“You have one pair of eyes when you just walk into a random apartment, and a different one when you wake up there every morning, when you bathe there, when you prepare your meals there.”

Without some lived-in perspective, you risk jumping the gun—and paying for it.

And if budget is a factor—as it is for many buyers navigating today’s high housing costs—a fixer-upper might be worth reconsidering. According to Zillow, they’re selling for 7.3% less than comparable move-in-ready homes, offering a potential opportunity to personalize a space while offsetting some renovation costs.

My advice: Settle in first. The right renovations will reveal themselves.