Renovation planning, in plain English
Figure out what your home project actually involves — before you call anyone.
HomePlan walks you through permits, costs, and contractor bids the way a knowledgeable friend would: in simple language, with every number sourced and dated. Built for US homeowners, with city-specific workflows added one at a time.
Guides
6 guides available
- SeattleBackyard cottage (DADU)Workflow
Seattle backyard cottage (DADU): full permit + build workflow
How a Seattle backyard cottage (DADU) actually gets built — SDCI permit, SPU side sewer, City Light hookup, real costs, real timeline. 30 steps, 7 phases.
7 phases · 30 steps · Last verified 2026-05-26
- PortlandBackyard cottage (DADU)Workflow
Build a backyard cottage in Portland: the project workflow
Step-by-step workflow for a Portland, OR DADU project. 30 steps across 7 phases, from feasibility check to occupancy. Click any step on the project map to read the detail.
7 phases · 34 steps · Last verified 2026-05-26
- Seattlesecond-story-additionWorkflow
Second-story addition in Seattle: SDCI permits, cost, timeline
Adding a second story to a Seattle Craftsman in Ballard, Wallingford, or West Seattle — SDCI permits, foundation retrofit, real costs. 30 steps, 7 phases.
7 phases · 30 steps · Last verified 2026-05-26
- Portlandsecond-story-additionWorkflow
Add a second story to a Portland older home: the project workflow
Step-by-step workflow for adding a second story to a Portland bungalow or older home. 31 steps across 7 phases, from feasibility check to final inspection. Click any step on the project map to read the detail.
7 phases · 31 steps · Last verified 2026-05-26
- Seattlewhole-house-remodelWorkflow
Seattle whole-house remodel and addition: the project workflow
Step-by-step workflow for a whole-house remodel + envelope addition on an existing Seattle home. 33 steps across 7 phases, from feasibility check to final inspection. Click any step on the project map to read the detail.
7 phases · 33 steps · Last verified 2026-05-26
- Renton-wawhole-house-remodelWorkflow
Renton WA whole-house remodel and addition: the project workflow
Step-by-step workflow for a whole-house remodel + envelope addition on an existing Renton home. 7 phases from feasibility to Certificate of Occupancy. Click any step for the detail.
7 phases · 34 steps · Last verified 2026-05-26
Don’t see your city or project type?
We’re building HomePlan into a dynamic tool that answers renovation questions on demand. While that’s in progress, our team handles requests one by one — tell us what you’re planning and we’ll try to put together a sourced answer for you.