There comes a moment in every home project when it hits you.

Maybe it’s when you’re staring down 47 shades of a specific colour in the paint aisle (none of which are the right shade… or maybe too many are the right shade?). Or maybe it’s when your contractor casually drops into conversation that moving your plumbing is going to cost as much as a tropical vacation.

It’s that exact moment when you realize—winging it doesn’t work.

In fact it’s expensive.

And stressful.

And usually ends with someone dramatically whispering, “Wish we just bought a new house.”

But it happens all the time. And it’s not because they don’t care or didn’t try—it’s because they didn’t have a clear plan in place from the start. 

Let’s break down what actually happens when you try to “figure it out as you go.”

The Plan to “Figure It Out as You Go”

I hear this one a lot.

“We’ll just start and make decisions as they come up.”

The classic “We’re flexible.” 

Trying to act cool and calm is not going to help.

A home project is a series of interconnected decisions—changing (or forgetting) one thing often impacts five others. If you don’t have a clear vision and plan in place, small adjustments lead to big (and expensive) pivots or missing parts.

Think about it this way: You decide you want to go on a road trip so you hop in the car and leave. At some point you run out of fuel because you had no idea where the closest gas station was, you get lost because you don't have a cell signal for Google map, you have to sleep in your car a few times because the nearest hotels are booked, and when you finally get one, you realize you didn't pack your bathing suit for the beautiful pool they have.

You wouldn’t start a road trip without knowing your route, estimating fuel stops, or having a general idea of where you’re staying each night. A home project is no different. Without a roadmap, you’ll waste time, money, and energy backtracking.

And if you’re asking “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Trust me. This entire process will be an adventure.

If you want to check out some adventures, read our Behind the Build articles.

Why a Plan Saves You Thousands

A solid plan saves you money. Full stop.

When you walk into a showroom already knowing your budget, your priorities, and what’s non-negotiable—you don’t spiral into panic purchases.

You make clear, confident decisions.

You stay in control.

Homeowners who plan ahead save significantly more money than those who wing it. Here’s why:

• You avoid impulse decisions that come back to bite you later.

• You have time to find products and professionals who are right for the job (instead of choosing under pressure).

• You’ll catch potential issues early before they turn into expensive fixes.

• You avoid timeline delays by setting clear expectations for your team.

Planning ahead isn’t about perfection. It’s about direction.
And it’s the difference between a project that runs smoothly… and one that spirals.

As one HQ member put it “It’s like a wedding planner for your home project”. 

The Confidence Factor

Most homeowners aren’t taught how to navigate a home build or renovation. And when you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re expected to make hundreds of technical decisions, on tight timelines, with money on the line, all while everyone is speaking industry jargon around you.

No wonder so many homeowners end up overwhelmed or frozen.

When you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is why having a system matters. It gives you the knowledge and confidence to navigate the process with clarity instead of uncertainty.

When you have a structure to follow, and a clear path in front of you, the fog lifts.
You know what’s next. You know what questions to ask. You start to actually enjoy the process.

“Thank you again, I’m so appreciative you guys encouraged me to get more information and be more clear with the contractor. I feel a lot better.”

And that’s the goal, right? You’re investing all this time and energy into your dream home so let’s make sure you’re still smiling at the end of it.

What’s Next

That’s why I created something to change the game before you even break ground.
It’s called Private HQ, and it’s designed to make sure you never find yourself crying in the tile aisle again.

It’s not a bunch of rigid rules. It’s a flexible, clear, step-by-step plan that walks you through every stage of your project—from the dreaming phase to the final walkthrough.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone would just tell me what to do,” this is for you.

If you want to feel prepared, confident, and in control of your home project, this is your moment. Get on the waitlist. It launches September 26th.