Remodeling in 2025 Is All About Strategy 🛠️
You scroll through Pinterest, daydreaming about your dream kitchen—sleek counters, brand-new appliances, the works. But then reality hits: the quotes come back at eye-watering price tags, and suddenly your dream feels like an endless credit card number. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Summer 2025 want more—but not at any cost. Enter phased remodeling: a strategy that lets you upgrade space by space, step by step, without draining your savings account or losing your sanity.
At Southern Mesa, we’ve seen the magic happen for dozens of Colorado Springs homes using this approach. It’s not just about doing less—it’s about being smarter with how and when you do it. This blog will walk you through why phasing works, how to budget realistically, and when it makes sense to do it all at once. By the end, you’ll have a solid roadmap for transforming your home—without breaking the bank.
What Does It Mean to “Phase” a Remodel?
Phasing means breaking your remodel into smaller, doable stages rather than tackling everything at once. Think of it like leveling up—each phase boosts your space a bit more until you hit your home’s ultimate form.
Common Phased Remodels:
- Kitchens — Begin with paint and lighting, then tackle cabinetry, and finish with appliances and flooring.
- Basements — Start with rough-ins (framing, wiring), add drywall and lighting next, and finalize with glam elements (bathrooms, wet bars).
- Bathrooms or Mudrooms — Paint and fixtures first, followed by surfaces like tile, and finish with extras (custom storage, skylights).
Phasing makes your Reno feel manageable—not overwhelming.
Phased Kitchen Remodel: Stretching Your Budget Without Sacrificing Style
Even a basic kitchen remodel can feel daunting, but when done in phases, it doesn’t have to drain your wallet—and your patience.
Step 1: Paint, Lighting & Hardware
- Cost Estimate: $3,000–$10,000
- Fresh paint, updated light fixtures, new cabinet hardware
- Major impact for minimal investment—instantly refreshes the space
Step 2: Cabinets & Countertops
- Cost Estimate: $10,000–$30,000
- You don’t need full custom cabinets—semi-custom does the job
- Durable, stylish countertops (e.g., quartz or butcher block)
Step 3: Appliances, Backsplash & Flooring
- Cost Estimate: $10,000–$20,000
- Includes energy-efficient appliances and stylish backsplash
- Finishes with flooring that ties the whole kitchen together
By spreading these across seasons (or years), your dream kitchen becomes budget-friendly and fun, not frantic.
Basement Finishing in Stages: From Storage to Livable Square Footage
Transforming a basement doesn’t have to feel like a race against time—or cash.
Step 1: Framing, Insulation & Rough-Ins
- Cost Estimate: $25,000–$40,000
- Consists of framing, insulation, and rough electrical/plumbing
- Lays the functional foundation without finishing touches
Step 2: Drywall, Lighting & Floors
- Cost Estimate: $15,000–$22,000
- Finishes the room’s shell and basic fixtures
- Makes the space usable for things like family room, home theater, or gym
Step 3: Bonus Features
- Wet bar, full bathroom, cozy built-ins—what makes it your space
- Additional Cost: $10,000–$20,000+, depending on scale
You stay organized, your project stays on budget, and you don’t lose your mind—or your house—to dust and chaos.
How Much Should You Budget for Each Phase? (Realistic 2025 Numbers)
Here’s a full picture to help you plan:
Remodel Type | Phase | Estimated Cost |
Kitchen | Paint & Lighting | $3,000 – $10,000 |
Cabinets & Counters | $10,000 – $30,000 | |
Appliances & Flooring | $10,000 – $20,000 | |
Basement | Rough-In Phase | $25,000 – $40,000 |
Shell Phase | $15,000 – $22,000 | |
Final Finishes | $10,000 – $20,000+ |
Note: Costs vary depending on layout size and scope of work required. Prices reflect 2025 Colorado Springs market rates.
When Does It Make Sense to Wait—and When Should You Do It All at Once?
Sometimes staging is smarter. Other times… one-and-done makes more sense.
Go Phased If:
- Budget feels tight or unpredictable
- You prefer minimal disruption and dust
- You’re motivated but not ready for massive commitment
Go All-in If:
- You’re financing the entire remodel (e.g., through a HELOC)
- Project coordination is simpler with one big contractor job
- You have a major life event upcoming (e.g., a sale or growing family)
Phasing isn’t about doing less—it’s about timing your commitment smartly.
Tips to Keep Phased Remodeling Organized and On Track
Define Each Phase Clearly — Don’t lump painting and cabinets together—treat them as distinct steps
Flexibility Is Key — Prioritize changes if supply issues or desires shift
Work With a Trusted GC — A cohesive plan, even phased, helps everything flow smoothly
Keep a Remodel Fund — Plan for unexpected costs—always.
How Southern Mesa Helps You Remodel on Your Timeline
At Southern Mesa, we pride ourselves on being more than a contractor—we’re your renovation partner. Here’s how we make phasing easy:
- High-quality craftsmanship with each step—no “Phase One sloppiness”
- Budget transparency & open communication—just like customers say
- Colorado-savvy sequencing—when it comes to seasons we know the best times to tackle certain projects
- Material flexibility with expert guidance — We help you choose the right materials for your lifestyle, balancing durability, maintenance, and budget—without locking you into a one-size-fits-all option.
Real Project Snapshot:
One local family, short on time and money, remodeled their kitchen in two phases—painting and lighting in spring, cabinets and appliances the following autumn. They’re loving the new space—and their wallet stayed intact.
FAQs: Phasing Remodels in 2025
Q: What should I remodel first—kitchen or basement?
A: Prioritize the space that affects your daily comfort most—kitchens offer the biggest emotional ROI; basements give livable square footage.
Q: Is phasing more expensive than doing it all at once?
A: It is possible. You may pay slightly more over time (pricing fluctuations and rising labor rates) but you also gain flexibility, lower financial stress, and fewer disruptions.
Q: How do I know my home is a good candidate for phased remodeling?
A: Any home is a candidate! Just make sure early phases finish with clean, workable results—no half-baked construction zones lingering in your living areas.
Q: Can I use one contractor for all phases?
A: Absolutely. In fact, using one general contractor (like Southern Mesa) ensures consistency, scheduling ease, and design flow throughout every phase. You won’t have to catch the next contractor up on what has happened and what the next phase is. Consistency is key when you’re phasing a project out.
Final Thoughts: Your Remodel, Your Pace—and Our Expertise
Phasing your remodel means you’re in control. You set the timeline, the budget rhythm, and the pace of transformation. At Southern Mesa, we’re pros at planning and executing these step-by-step kitchen and basement projects with clarity, care—and craftsmanship that speaks for itself.
If you’re ready to start your first phase—or curious about how to price it—we’re ready to help. Let’s discuss your vision on a budget that feels smart and sustainable.
