Renovation Planning Workshop
Confidently Navigate Your Home Remodel
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 is about translating the organizational and project management skills you already possess into the context of renovation.
We look at the homeowner’s role — how to prepare, how to evaluate information, how to structure scope and budget, how to communicate expectations, and how to stay grounded when the project is in full swing.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen or bath, upgrading aging systems, expanding your home, preparing for aging in place, creating multi-generational space, or evaluating a fixer-upper, the principles are consistent.
Learn to think like a construction project manager, have successful engagements with professionals, save money, have fun, and achieve desirable outcomes for your home!
All genders are welcome.
What We Cover
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
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is designed for homeowners 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
Registration is Open!
Washington, DC. Saturday, March 28. 10am – 4:30pm.
Lunch and light refreshments are included.
Optional Happy Hour to follow.
Host
This workshop is created and presented by Erin Helland of HardHat Diplomat.
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.
Sponsor & Venue
This workshop is generously sponsored by Alison Scimeca of RARE DC 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 helping homeowners understand the financial return on investment of various remodeling activities. Her commitment to informed, prepared homeowners aligns closely with the mission of HardHat Diplomat. The workshop will be hosted at the office of Compass Real Estate: 1313 14th St NW.
We will be joined by workshop sponsor Denny Cruz, a licensed and insured general contractor serving DC & MD. His boutique
construction firm, AGC Custom Builders, specializes in major additions, whole house renovations, and challenging design-build projects. Denny cares about the homeowners and remodeling projects he takes on and is committed to project quality and homeowner satisfaction. He will join to comment on building sciences and best practices for engaging with construction professionals.
Community Commitment
Community Commitment
10% of workshop proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Ayuda.
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.
HardHat Diplomat
Website: hardhatdiplomat.com
Instagram:@HardHatDiplomat
Facebook:@HardHatDiplomat
the RARE DC
Website: theraredc.com
Instagram: @theRAREDC
Facebook: @theRAREDC
AGC Custom Builders
Website: buildwithagc.com
Instagram: @agccustombuilders
Invite Your Friends to Join Us!
Optional Happy Hour
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.
Course Origin
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 “Renovators 101” 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!
FAQs
Compass Real Estate: 1313 14th St NW. We encourage use of public transit or ride-share. Use of the extremely limited Zone 2 metered street parking is discouraged. The Spot Hero app may help you reserve a nearby parking lot space at discounted rate.
Please come through the glass front door on 14th street. Someone will have to escort you up to the 4th floor via elevator, so please arrive on time.
Yes. A light lunch and refreshments are provided.
Bring a pen and paper to take notes. Dress comfortably. Come ready to share and learn together!
No. The material applies to both first-time renovators and experienced homeowners who want a more structured approach.
The focus is on planning, budgeting, contracts, communication, and project management – the foundation that supports any design direction. But indeed you will learn how to organize your design selections as you research and order fixtures and finish selections.
POLICIES
We require a minimum of 6 participants to hold this workshop as scheduled.
Due to the nature of this workshop, refunds are: 100% if canceled 14 calendar days prior. 50% if canceled up to 8 days prior. No refunds for no-shows or week-of cancellations.
Please wear a mask if you are not feeling 100%.
