Welcome to the RenovateDSM.com Renovation Guide!

This online "book" is intended to provide background information to people who are either exploring renovation for the first time or looking for a fresh point of view on the residential renovation process. Those who are undertaking smaller-scale projects such as a kitchen remodel, addition, or deck, may still find a lot of useful information.

This renovation guide is a work in progress much like most renovation projects! It is arranged chronologically starting with background information on renovation in general and ending with the final occupancy inspection. I suggest that anyone considering renovation for the first time read through the entire online guide from start to finish. Renovators looking for specific information can navigate to specific sections or categories of information using the table of contents.

Renovation is a very individualized activity. Not everyone will go through the same process, have the same goals, or obtain the same outcomes discussed in this booklet. With this in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Wonderful World of Renovation! Despite all the warnings on the following pages, renovation is both fun, rewarding. When done right you can turn an abandoned shell of a building into a unique home that meets modern comfort and use needs while retaining its character and history.

Disclaimer and Copyright

Content will be updated regularly (or as I have time!), I would appreciate contributions from anyone with their own bits of wisdom and experience they wish to share and credit will of course be given when appropriate.

Unless otherwise noted, all text and images on this web site are copyright Steve Wilke-Shapiro. Out of respect for the time and energy that went into the creation of this online guide, I request that any use of text and/or images be approved by me beforehand. For approval, please contact fill out the RenovateDSM contact form - I'll get back to you as soon as possible.