Blog Post

5 Keys to Successful Home Renovation

  • By Duval Acker
  • 03 Oct, 2018

As a professional Realtor (now), I see horrible home renovations almost every day! This article discusses 5 key elements of successful home renovations, written by a Licensed Contractor/Interior Designer (FASID) who's performed hundreds of home transformations ~ successfully.  

In more than 33 years of home renovations, mostly kitchens & baths (through our business, Kitchens By Design, Inc. in Mt. Pleasant), I believe true renovation success exhibits 5 key elements:

  1. Building Permit
  2. Licensed (and insured) General Contractor, who hires licensed specialty sub-contractors
  3. Excellent workmanship & clean work site provided by folks who're proud of their work
  4. Finishes, materials & colors are well-coordinated & congruent, based on design plans
  5. The results are applauded by owners, friends & family - everyone raves about the results!

Evidence of a professional Interior Designer's (and possibly Architect's) presence and guidance throughout the process is seen when the finished home meets the client's expectations (possibly exceeding them), is very functional, enduring, and a joy to live in day after day.


Value (in dollars) of homes are greatly enhanced by thoughtful, well-planned renovations.


Training, credentials, proof, references and creditworthiness are all marks of professionals in the field of interior design, architecture and contracting.


Asking about these, getting them and checking them all can be a solid beginning to a satisfying home renovation journey.   Your ideas? Questions? I'd love to chat....



August, 2018

© Copyright Duval Acker, Realtor

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