If your list for home improvements has you considering a move, a whole-home renovation can give you a clean slate without leaving the place you love. Maybe the layout doesn’t flow, the finishes are dated, or your systems are showing their age. A full remodel lets you reimagine every room, from kitchen and bath to basement and beyond, so the entire home feels cohesive, functional, and uniquely yours.
Peacock & Company has guided homeowners across South Bend and Michigan's Harbor Country through that transformation for decades. Our design-build process keeps everything under one roof. We're your team from creative design to precise budgeting to the final build, so you can focus on possibilities, not problems.
Getting ready for a whole home renovation isn’t easy, even under the best of circumstances. It’s definitely worth it, especially if you follow these tips.
Every great renovation starts with a number, and that number is determined by setting a clear, realistic home remodeling budget. It’s the foundation for every decision that follows. It’s the shape of your priorities, and the measure of what matters most. Before walls come down or drawings take form, take time to understand what you’re willing to invest in your home and your peace of mind.
A whole-home renovation provides the opportunity to rethink how your house holds your life, how spaces connect, how light moves, how each room works together. That kind of transformation deserves a thoughtful budget.
Here in South Bend and Harbor Country, we’ve seen how unpredictable older homes can be. Materials shift, systems age, surprises hide behind plaster and paint. That’s why at Peacock & Company, we spend more time planning than tearing down, so you know exactly what we're planning and what it will cost. Our fixed-price process turns possibility into something solid: a design you love, a number you can trust, and the calm that comes from knowing what’s ahead.
Head to our cost guide for more detailed information about current remodeling costs in our area.
A full-home renovation isn’t something to rush. The timeline depends on the size of your home, the complexity of the design, and how much you want to change, but thoughtful planning makes all the difference. In busy markets like South Bend and Harbor Country, contractors often book months in advance. Early contact gives you more options. Here’s a rough outline of the whole home remodeling process and timeline.
Start by defining your goals, scope, and investment range.
Meet with a design-build remodeling firm early to align vision and budget.
Collect inspiration photos, list your must-haves, and decide how you’ll live during construction.
A whole home remodel is too complex to trust to anyone unseasoned. You’re not just replacing cabinets or painting walls; you’re rethinking how your home functions from the ground up. That’s why choosing the right home renovation expert is one of the most important steps in the entire process.
Design-Build Expertise
A design-build contractor handles both design and construction under one roof, keeping communication clear and accountability seamless. This approach minimizes surprises and helps deliver your vision on time and on budget.
Transparent Pricing
Ask how your contractor handles pricing and change orders. At Peacock & Company, our fixed-price design-build process means your final price is set before construction begins, no hidden costs or shifting estimates.
Proven Experience with Whole Home Projects
Whole home renovations require coordination, technical skill, and creativity. Look for a team with a strong portfolio of complete home remodels and satisfied clients in your region. Experienced professionals know how to plan ahead, keep communication clear, and help you steer clear of common remodeling mistakes that can derail a project before they ever have the chance to happen.
Local Knowledge
Every area has its quirks, permit requirements, historic district rules, and seasonal factors. A builder rooted in South Bend and Harbor Country understands local codes, weather patterns, and the character of older homes near the lake.
Communication & Trust
You’ll spend months working closely with your remodeler. Choose a partner who listens, answers questions honestly, and keeps you updated at every step.
A whole home renovation can mean living without a kitchen, working around construction noise, or losing access to parts of your home for a while. Planning ahead for where and how you’ll live during the renovation keeps the process smooth and your stress low.
Your renovation touches every major space.
If your kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms are all under construction, staying elsewhere, even for a few weeks, will make daily life easier.
There are safety or utility concerns.
Structural changes, electrical upgrades, or plumbing work can temporarily make your home uncomfortable or unsafe to occupy.
You’re remodeling an older home.
In South Bend and Harbor Country, many older houses require system updates or lead-safe practices that may limit on-site living.
We’ll talk about living arrangements early in the design phase, so you have time to explore your options. Our team can help you:
Map out a realistic construction timeline so you know when key spaces will be out of use.
Plan temporary setups, like a mini kitchen in another room or a safe zone for kids and pets.
Coordinate utility shutdowns and reconnections with minimal disruption.
Recommend trusted local short-term rentals or extended-stay options if you decide to move out temporarily.
Some families choose to stay put with careful planning; others take the renovation as a chance for a brief getaway. Either way, your comfort and routine matter to us. With thoughtful scheduling and clear communication, we’ll help you find the right balance between staying home and staying sane.
A little preparation goes a long way. Getting your home ready for renovation protects your belongings and helps your remodeling team work efficiently and safely. Think of it as setting the stage for transformation.
Declutter and organize.
Sort through each room that will be affected by the remodel. Donate, store, or discard items you no longer need. This is a rare chance to simplify before your new space takes shape.
Pack carefully.
Use labeled boxes and protective materials for fragile or sentimental items. Store them in a safe, dust-free area, off-site if possible.
Protect what stays.
Cover furniture and flooring in rooms adjacent to the work zone. Even with barriers and dust control, fine debris can travel farther than you expect.
Define access points.
Decide which entrances, driveways, or paths your crew will use. This helps keep construction areas separate from your daily life.
Create a “quiet zone.”
If you plan to live at home during the renovation, set aside a comfortable space to retreat from the noise and activity.
Plan for pets and kids.
Safety comes first. Discuss containment areas or alternate care options during high-traffic construction days.
Plan ahead for shut-offs.
Whole home remodels often require temporary disconnections of water, gas, or power. Your design-build team will schedule these, but knowing when they’ll happen helps you prepare.
Schedule deliveries smartly.
Appliances, cabinetry, and materials should arrive when your contractor is ready to install, not weeks early when storage space is limited.
Peacock & Company walks you through every step of preparation before construction begins. From timeline planning to material protection, our team ensures your home and your peace of mind are cared for from day one. The goal is simple: when work starts, everything and everyone, is ready.
If your home’s layout, systems, or finishes no longer work for your lifestyle, but the structure and location still fit, it’s likely a great candidate. Older homes in South Bend or Harbor Country often benefit most from a full remodel because they have strong bones and room for reimagining.
A renovation restores or updates what’s already there, like refinishing floors or repainting. A remodel changes how the home functions and flows, often involving new layouts, walls, or systems. Most whole home projects combine both approaches.
Yes, though it’s best to plan everything at once, even if construction happens in phases. This ensures design consistency and helps you avoid redoing work later. Your design-build team can help you prioritize which areas to tackle first based on budget and timing.
Every older home holds a few secrets behind the walls. At Peacock & Company, we minimize surprises through detailed inspections and a thorough design phase. If something unexpected comes up, we address it transparently and offer solutions that protect your schedule and budget.
Almost always. Major remodeling typically requires permits for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. We handle all the paperwork, approvals, and inspections to keep your project compliant with local Indiana and Michigan codes.
Once construction wraps up, we complete a detailed walkthrough with you, handle punch-list items, and confirm every finish meets our standards. You’ll receive documentation, warranty details, and maintenance tips to keep your new space beautiful for years to come.
Design-build brings everything under one roof, including design, estimating, and construction. This unified approach creates fewer handoffs, better communication, and a smoother experience from start to finish. It’s how we keep projects efficient, transparent, and true to your original vision.
Ready to reimagine your home from the inside out? Let’s talk about your renovation goals. Contact our team today to schedule your consultation and start planning your next chapter at home.