Renovation Planning Workshop

Renovation is not something most people do often. When they do, the financial, logistical, and emotional stakes are real.

The homeowners who attend this workshop are capable, organized people. They manage careers, households, and budgets every day — but construction feels different. It has its own language, contracts, procedures, and risks.

If you’re considering a renovation, you may be asking:

• How do I know if this contractor is legitimate?
• What should I understand before I sign anything?
• How do I make so many decisions and not spiral?
• How do I protect myself without becoming adversarial?

This workshop focuses on translating the project management skills you already use in your life into the context of renovation.

We look at the homeowner’s role clearly — how to prepare, how to structure scope and budget, how to evaluate estimates and contracts, how to communicate expectations, and how to stay steady when the project is underway.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen or bath, upgrading systems, expanding your home, preparing for aging in place, creating multi-generational space, or evaluating a fixer-upper, the underlying principles are consistent.

The goal is not to turn you into a contractor. It’s to help you think like a project manager when it matters.

All genders are welcome.

During this workshop, we work through the practical mechanics of renovation from the homeowner’s side, including:

• How to clarify your goals before you hire anyone
• How to realistically align scope, budget, and timeline
• How to find and properly vet contractors
• What to look for in estimates and the contract
• How to make design and material decisions without blowing your budget
• How to communicate clearly and set expectations early
• How to stay organized and steady when issues arise
  

This workshop is designed for homeowners, homebuyers, and home sellers who want to approach renovation thoughtfully.

It’s especially helpful if you are:

• Planning a kitchen, bath, or larger remodel
• Upgrading aging systems
• Expanding your home
• Preparing for aging in place or multi-generational living
• Evaluating a fixer-upper
• Trying to decide whether to renovate or move

This workshop is created and presented by of . Erin is a board-certified national home inspector and renovation coach with experience spanning residential, commercial, and industrial construction environments. She has rehabilitated multiple properties, developed long-term and short-term rentals, and coached homeowners across the United States through projects ranging from modest room updates to multi-million-dollar renovations.

Since 2019, she has led this workshop in more than 20 cities across 12 states and continues to reach homeowners nationally through in-person sessions and her online course platform.

Erin’s work focuses on helping capable homeowners translate the organizational and project management skills they already use in their careers and households into the context of renovation. Her goal is straightforward: to help you ask better questions, evaluate information clearly, and make steady, informed decisions about their homes.

HardHat Diplomat

Website: hardhatdiplomat.com

Instagram:@HardHatDiplomat

Facebook:@HardHatDiplomat

Sponsor

This workshop is generously sponsored by Alison Scimeca of and Compass Real Estate.

RARE DC (Radically Authentic Real Estate) is a full-service real estate brand focused on helping clients approach buying, selling, and homeownership with clarity and confidence. With a strong appreciation for design and community, Alison offers real estate guidance alongside interior design services and educational resources for homeowners.

Alison has sponsored our community workshop initiatives for four years. Her commitment to informed, prepared homeowners aligns closely with the mission of HardHat Diplomat.

the RARE DC

Website: theraredc.com

Instagram: @theRAREDC

Facebook: @theRAREDC

Venue

The workshop will be hosted at the office of Compass Real Estate: 1313 14th St NW.

Invite Your Friends to Join Us!

A Workshop to Educate Women About Home Renovation

This workshop was created to address something repeatedly observed in the renovation space.

Single women purchase homes at twice the rate of single men. Yet, many pass on great purchase opportunities because they are intimidated by the renovation process or do not know where to begin. Their anxieties range from worries about being a victim of the “pink tax” to how to live in a construction zone.

In response to a clear need for supportive resources that demystify the renovation process, HardHat Diplomat developed this workshop to help those who feel overwhelmed or vulnerable when engaging in remodeling activities.

While inspired by the challenges women often face in the renovation space, this workshop has always welcomed all genders and is for anyone who wants a clearer understanding of home improvement and construction project management.

Be prepared to make informed and cost-effective decisions when buying, renovating, and maintaining your home!

Early Bird Registration: $199
Early Bird Partner Add-On: $129
Regular Registration: $259

Renovation decisions are often shared decisions. A limited number of Early Bird Partner registrations are available for those attending with a spouse, co-owner, or renovation partner. (Partner registration must be purchased at the same time. Limited availability.)

Lunch and light refreshments are included.

10% of workshop proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit .

Since 1973, Ayuda has served thousands of low-income immigrants throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services to help low-income immigrants in our neighborhoods access justice and transform their lives.

Renovation conversations don’t always end in class For anyone interested, we’ll head to a nearby spot after the workshop for an informal happy hour. It’s a relaxed way to continue conversations, meet other homeowners, and ask the questions that come up once the material starts settling in.

Also check out other Workshops in Washington, Nonprofit events in Washington, Virtual events in Washington.