your home, unstuck

behind the unstuck home

Hi, I’m Ellen — mom of two, homeowner, and founder of The Unstuck Home.I’ve been where you are: staring at a space that doesn’t feel right, juggling ideas, budgets, and next steps. Over the years, I’ve planned, designed, and managed everything from DIY updates to full additions—learning what really works (and what doesn’t) along the way.Before this, I founded and led a boutique tech recruiting agency in Raleigh. But my real passion has always been creating homes and landscapes that work beautifully for real life. After reimagining my own spaces and helping friends do the same, I realized how much I love guiding others through that process. The Unstuck Home grew from there—helping homeowners find clarity, avoid costly missteps, and fall back in love with their homes.

the unstuck way

My two-step process is simple: we walk through your space together to workshop what's working and not working. Then I give you a clear, actionable plan to make it happen.

FAQ How The Unstuck Home Works

Do I need a general contractor, designer, or architect — or can I just hire The Unstuck Home?
_{It depends on your project — and this is exactly where I help you get clarity. For big, structural renovations (moving walls, additions, major reconfigurations), you’ll likely need a general contractor who brings an architect and full-service designer into the project. If that’s the case, I’ll tell you right away so you don’t spend money on conceptual design you don’t need. For smaller renovations — kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, flow fixes — you often don’t need full-service design or architecture. Many homeowners hire handymen or individual trades, but those trades still need a plan and layout to work from. That’s where I come in. I create conceptual floor plans, visual direction, and clear next steps so you can confidently hire trades yourself — without paying $5,000–$10,000 for full-service design. If your project does require a GC or architect, I’ll point you in that direction and you’ll only pay for the walk & talk.}


Can you help with kitchens and bathrooms?
_{Yes — these are some of the most common spaces I help with. Most kitchen and bath updates don’t require permitting or full-service design. My conceptual plans usually give trades enough clarity to price and start work. If your project needs more than that, I’ll tell you honestly and guide you toward the right professionals.}


Do you also help with outdoor spaces, gardens, or landscape design?
<sub>Absolutely — outdoor projects are a big part of what I do. I focus on practical, approachable outdoor improvements that make your home feel more functional, welcoming, and connected to how your family actually lives. This includes things like:
- Front-yard and curb-appeal makeovers
- Backyard layouts, patio/deck concepts, and kid-friendly play zones
- Garden beds, planting ideas, and long-term garden planning
- Simple, strategic improvements that add beauty, shade, privacy, or usability
- Helping you determine whether you need a landscape contractor, a handyman, or a DIY weekend plan
- Plant selection is available as an additionally service billed at my hourly rate
Like my interior work, the deliverables are concept-level — layouts, sketches, plant palettes, and clear next steps — so you can hire the right person (or DIY confidently) without paying for a full-service landscape designer. If your project is large-scale, requires engineered plans, or involves major grading or drainage work, I’ll point you in the right direction. But for most homeowners who feel stuck with their yard, garden, or outdoor flow, this process works beautifully.</sub>


Can your drawings be used for permits or contractors?
_{My drawings are conceptual, but many are detailed enough for a handyman or tradesperson to execute. Some may also be sufficient for certain kinds of permits. What I don’t create: engineered plans, structural drawings, or highly polished elevation sets. What I do create: clear, directional plans that help you hire the right people and move forward. If your project needs engineered documents, I’ll tell you and point you to the right resource.}


Why wouldn’t I just hire a full-service designer?
_{For some projects, that’s the right call — and I’ll tell you if that’s the case. Most full-service designers require large budgets, long timelines, and high fees. They often control sourcing and don’t give itemized pricing or transparency. I’ve personally experienced that frustration, which is why my process is different. If you need highly polished, fully-rendered spaces with purchasing and project management, a full-service designer is a great fit. If you need ideas, clarity, a plan, and confidence — fast and affordably — that’s where I come in.}


What do I actually get from your Deliverables & Plan package?
<sub>You get:
- Conceptual floor plans
- Hand-drawn layout options
- Mood boards and visual guidance
- A roadmap outlining who to hire, what to do next, and what to expect
It’s everything you need to take action — without months of design fees.</sub>


Will you judge my home?
_{Absolutely not. My approach is positive and action-focused — I’m here to help you spot opportunities, simplify decisions, and identify realistic improvements you can make right away. No shame. No overwhelm. Just clarity and momentum.}


Do you manage contractors or coordinate installations?
_{No. I don’t manage trades, coordinate schedules, or handle on-site build days. I give you the ideas, the plan, and the direction so you can move forward smoothly with the right people.}


Can you help with product sourcing or shopping?
_{Not as part of the core package. But if you want help selecting specific items (fixtures, furniture, plants, materials), I offer hourly add-on support.}


What if my project ends up being too big for your services?
_{Then I’ll tell you — and I’ll tell you early. You’ll still walk away from the walk & talk with clarity and a better sense of direction, but I’ll point you to the right full-service designer, architect, or GC so you don’t waste time or money.}


What kinds of projects are you best for?
<sub>- Kitchens & baths
- Laundry rooms & mudrooms
- Living/dining room flow
- “Blah” spaces that need elevation
- Outdoor living areas
- Entryways & curb appeal
- Spaces you’ve been avoiding or second-guessing for monthsIf you’re overwhelmed, unsure what it would cost, or don’t know who to call first — you’re exactly who this service is for.</sub>


What kinds of projects are you not the right fit for?
<sub>- Major structural renovations requiring engineering
- Whole-home design to the last detail
- Large additions or full rebuilds
- Highly polished 3D renders
- Procurement and construction management</sub>


How many spaces are included in Step 2, and how does pricing work if I have more than one?
_{Step 2 (Deliverables & Plan) is priced at $695 per space, and each space receives its own full set of deliverables. If you move forward after a Walk & Talk, the $195 Walk & Talk fee is credited toward your first space. For example, if you want help with a primary bathroom and the adjoining bedroom, that would be: $695 + $695 – $195 credit = $1,195 total. A “space” is typically one room or one defined project area (e.g., bathroom, kitchen, backyard layout, living room flow). For larger or more complex rooms, we’ll decide together whether it counts as one space or would be better split into two.}


How many concepts or layout options do I get?
<sub>Each Step 2 package includes one full set of deliverables, which usually contains:
- 2–3 layout or concept options
- Mood boards and aesthetic direction
- Hand-drawn sketches or simple renderings, depending on your project
- Your roadmap outlining next steps and who to hire
These deliverables are clean, digital PDF files you can easily share with handymen, contractors, or trades.</sub>


What if I want changes or another version of the design?
_{Step 2 includes one complete set of concepts. If you want additional iterations or revised concepts, those are available at $195 per iteration. I price revisions separately so Step 2 stays affordable, and you only pay for extra refinement if you want it.}


How fast will I receive my Step 2 deliverables?
_{Typically within 7 days of your Walk & Talk. While I aim for that one-week turnaround, it’s not a guaranteed timeline — occasionally I may need a few extra days to get it right, and if so, I’ll let you know. Quality beats speed every time.}


Do you offer in-person or virtual Walk & Talks?
_{I offer both. In-person sessions are preferred and available across the Triangle region of North Carolina. Locations more than 30 minutes from North Raleigh may include a $50–$75 travel fee depending on distance. I will let you know upon receipt of your booking.
Virtual sessions are an option depending on the project — and they still work beautifully using photos, videos, and a simple sketch of your layout.}


Do you share referrals to contractors, handymen, or trades?
_{Yes — sharing trusted referrals is a core part of my service. I only recommend people I’ve worked with personally or would use in my own home. I also maintain a running pricing database from recent client projects so you can see what homeowners in the area are actually paying for common scopes of work. While I provide the best guidance possible, I can’t guarantee contractor performance, pricing, or availability.}


What is your payment policy?
_{The Walk & Talk session is paid upfront when you book — you’ll check out by credit card through Stripe to reserve your time.
If you move forward with Step 2 (your deliverables + plan), or if you add extra iterations or hourly help later on, those are billed separately by invoice. You can pay by check at the end of our Walk & Talk or mail it afterward — whatever’s easiest for you.}


“Do you offer refunds?”
_{Because this is a consultation-based, idea-driven service, all sales are final once your session or deliverables begin.
That said, I want every client to feel great about the process — if something feels unclear or unfinished, I’ll always work with you to make sure you have the clarity you need to move forward confidently.}


What if I need to reschedule?
_{No problem — life happens. You can reschedule your session with at least 48 hours’ notice at no cost. Cancellations inside 48 hours are not refundable, but I’m always happy to find the next available time.}

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Disclaimer
The Unstuck Home provides design guidance, planning, and consultation. We do not perform construction, installation, or guarantee results of DIY or contractor-led projects. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring compliance with local codes, permits, and safety standards.