What got you started with Renovation Sells? 

Brian: Before we became Renovation Sells Owners, [Brian] was in the Navy for 25 years as a submarine officer. We lived all over the country, moved 13 times, and each one of those places we did something to the home to make it ours. 

So, we got familiar with doing home improvements, and what they could do to liven up the space and build equity. When it came time to retire, we knew that we wanted to do something together but we didn't quite know what. We went on a deliberate search for something entrepreneurial and as soon as we found Renovation Sells, we fell in love with the idea and all the people we met throughout the process. We get to work with professionals and bring our passion for home improvement to our clients - and it's really fun to watch these transformations take place.

It’s inspiring to see a husband-wife team in action. What is it like collaborating with real estate agents in your community to bring these projects to life?

Brian: The agents have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the market, which, in this area in particular, is key in guiding which areas of the house we need to strategically address and which finishes would be appropriate for the style of house and what people are looking for in this area. In New England, there are pockets of little micro markets and you really have to lean on the agents and their expertise in order to understand those fully. 

Amy: Having an agent to bridge the gap between us and the homeowner is very helpful as well. To bring someone in and who trusts us with this process is everything - and then to deliver the vision and more is pretty incredible. 

Trust and building those agent relationships is everything. What lessons or insights have you gained throughout your time as Renovation Sells Owners?

Brian: The communication required to do everything, from the sales to design process, is key. Sometimes you can get misaligned, especially in a large project, but staying proactive and keeping communication open and clear is so important to keeping projects on track. 

Amy: It can be a challenge, and I won’t lie, there are days that I think, “Can we do this?” But as long as everybody shows up and you have hard workers that are committed and dedicated, you can completely transform a home in a short amount of time with quality work.

What advice would you give to any homeowners, sellers, or agents who are on the fence or skeptical about the impact, the quality, and the speed of a renovation project with you?

Brian: We can transform anything within any reasonable budget. There's a lot of small renovations, a kitchen refresh or bathroom update, that can be done within a few weeks and at a really competitive price point that can make a big difference in a home. 

Amy: There are many things you can do within a short time, with quality work, that makes a huge impact. If you trust and find the right experts, the right people, that are passionate, it can be done. 

Why do you love what you do?

Brian: Right after I retired from the navy, I worked at an engineering firm for a few years. The people were great, the work was good, but my customers were not local. What we get with Renovation Sells is number 1: we get to work together. We each have specific skill sets that complement each other. And number 2: we get to work with professionals in our community who actually make these projects come to life. 

Amy: My favorite thing about this is the people and working in our community. For the 25 years that Brian was in the military, we moved every 2 years and I never felt a part of the community. So being in a community and helping people solve problems is huge. And of course the transformations. Watching it all transform is my favorite part. I love that final piece of photographing the projects so that we have a photo album of what we have all created.  

About the Owners: 

Amy and Brian Nowak, along with their three kids, proudly represent a Navy Submarine family. Over Brian's 25 years of active duty service, they have relocated 13 times across the US and Japan. After almost a decade in Stonington, CT, they have found their home in the coastal areas of Connecticut and Rhode Island, where they are dedicated to offering fast, stunning, and hassle-free renovations to homeowners and Realtors carried out by someone you can trust. Click here to connect with Amy & Brian.