When a whole-home remodel makes sense
- Most rooms need updating, and you would rather live through one project than several.
- The floor plan has walls or hallways that cut the home into small, dark rooms.
- Electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems are near the end of their life.
- You bought a home and want to renovate before moving in.
- Your household has changed, and the house needs to work differently.
Scottsdale homes and what they usually need
Scottsdale’s housing spans many eras. Each brings its own typical issues:
| Home era | Common traits | Typical renovation focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s to 1960s ranches (south Scottsdale) | Block construction, low rooflines, smaller closed rooms. Four city historic districts are from this era. | Opening plans, updating electrical and plumbing, respecting historic guidelines where they apply. |
| 1970s to 1980s (e.g. McCormick Ranch) | Larger lots, sunken rooms, dated kitchens and baths. | Level floors, brighter kitchens, updated baths, new windows. |
| 1990s to 2000s (central and north) | Big rooms, Tuscan or Santa Barbara finishes, dark cabinets. | Lighter finishes, modern kitchens and baths, better flow to outdoor space. |
| Custom desert homes (north) | Large glazing, complex rooflines, ESL rules on site disturbance. | Careful interior updates, systems, and exterior work that respects ESL limits. |
If your home is in a historic district, the City of Scottsdale has preservation guidelines for alterations. See the Historic Preservation Program.
What a whole-home plan covers
- Layout: which walls stay or go, how rooms connect, and where natural light enters.
- Systems: electrical capacity, plumbing, HVAC and insulation, decided before finishes.
- Finishes: one palette carried through floors, doors, trim, cabinetry and fixtures.
- Sequencing: the order of work, which rooms are usable when, and whether you stay in the home.
- Approvals: city or town permits, HOA review and any historic or ESL review.
Living through it
For a true whole-home remodel, many families move out for the main construction phase. A phased plan can keep part of the home livable, but it usually adds time. We help you weigh the two based on your scope.
Thinking about scale? Read what to consider before a whole-home renovation. For a smaller set of rooms, see multi-room remodeling. For high-end homes, see luxury home remodeling.
