6 Steps to a Home That Breathes: The Swedish Death Cleaning Guide
This checklist helps homeowners assess readiness, plan wisely, and avoid surprises—so your remodel is smooth, beautiful, and built to last.
Use this list to understand how your home is working for you, uncover any pain points, and plan for the changes you’d like to make.
1. Assess Your Lifestyle Needs
☐ Do your current spaces function well for the way you live each day?
☐ What use do these spaces serve now, and what use will it serve in the future?
☐ What works well and what would you like to change about each space? (Remember-even the spaces that feel hopeless may have their good points!)
☐ Are your outlets placed where you need them for lamps, coffee machines, or other daily essentials?
2. Evaluate Your Budget & Investment Goals
☐ Do you have a realistic budget that includes design, construction, permits, and contingency funds?
☐ Which things are high priority for your remodel, and which ideas would you compromise on if budget or time is limited?
☐ Have you weighed the lasting benefits of custom cabinetry compared with standard, off-the-shelf cabinets?
☐ Will your remodel enhance both your lifestyle and your home’s resale value?
3. Review the condition of your home carefully.
☐ Are there hidden issues that could impact construction, such as water damage, outdated wiring, or structural quirks?
☐ Have pre-construction inspections been scheduled?
☐ Are permits and local code requirements accounted for?
4. Define Your Design Priorities
☐ Identify must-haves versus nice-to-haves, and clarify whether you want a timeless aesthetic or a space that reflects current trends.
☐ Assess the furniture and personal pieces you already own & love and plan how they will fit into your remodeled space.
☐ Plan for storage in each room so every item has a designated place both during and after the remodel.
5. Plan Your Living Situation During Construction
☐ Can you live comfortably in your home while work is underway, or will you need to arrange short-term accommodations?
☐ Have you planned for temporary storage, protective measures, and daily logistics to keep your home functional and your belongings safe?
6. Choose the right team.
☐ Are you working with a design-build firm that integrates interior design and construction? (Hint: you should! It helps control costs, adds value, and keeps your project moving efficiently.)
☐ Does the team have experience with Milwaukee homes and trusted local partners and suppliers?
☐ Are project timelines, budgets, and communication systems clear?
☐ Are there contingency plans for material or trade delays?
☐ Does the team provide project management keep your project (and budget!) on track?
7. Trust Your Instincts
☐ Do you feel confident and excited about your remodel plan, or do you feel you need more inspiration and ideas?
☐ Does your team listen to your ideas and respect your lifestyle needs?
☐ Are you assured your home will stay functional and clean during construction?
Designer Tip: Answer each item honestly. If several boxes feel uncertain or you need more time to figure things out, take a step back and reflect before moving forward. If you can confidently answer most or all of the items, it’s a good sign to schedule a consultation with a professional design-build team who can guide you confidently through your remodel journey.
…And a bit about us:
We don’t aspire to be cool. We want to be the lovable nerd you’d choose to partner with in a high school chem lab—because you know we’ll do the heavy lifting and make you look brilliant. We want to be the wise sherpa who knows the best route up the mountain, carries all the right gear, and yes… brings the good snacks. In short, we’re here to guide you with expertise, care, and a little bit of joy every step of the way.
Are you ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with Refined & Co., and let’s make your dream home a reality—beautifully, efficiently, and without hidden headaches.
