Order of Home Renovation: From Planning to Completion

Home renovation can be a daunting task, but breaking it down into a clear order can make all the difference. First, you need to plan your renovation, which involves setting a budget, determining your needs, and gathering inspiration.

Before you start tearing down walls, it's essential to have a solid plan in place. According to the article, a typical home renovation project starts with planning, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. This stage involves creating a scope of work, selecting materials, and hiring professionals.

A well-planned renovation can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. By understanding your needs and creating a realistic plan, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your renovation stays on track.

To ensure a smooth renovation process, it's crucial to prioritize tasks and create a schedule. This involves breaking down the project into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, and allocating resources.

You might like: Home Renovation Project Manager

Planning a home renovation requires a clear vision and a well-thought-out plan. Determine your end goal for the project, whether it's to increase the value of your home, add more space, or achieve a specific aesthetic.

To start, create a wish list of everything you want to achieve with the renovation, from structural changes to aesthetic updates. This will help guide your decisions throughout the project. A clear vision will also help you set a realistic budget for your renovation.

Research the costs associated with your desired renovations, including materials, labor, permits, and contingencies. Allocate funds for unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process. Consider consulting with a contractor or architect to get a more accurate estimate.

Here's a rough breakdown of the different elements of a home renovation project:

By breaking down the project into these different elements, you can create a more detailed renovation timeline and plan for each stage of the project.

Demolition and Preparation is a crucial step in any interior renovation. It's a chance to clear out the old and make way for the new.

First, you need to demolish existing structures that are no longer needed. Proper preparation lays the foundation for a successful renovation. This stage involves removing old fixtures and clearing out debris.

Demolition can be a messy process, but it's essential to get it right. You want to make sure the space is completely clear before moving on to the next stage.

Expand your knowledge: Old Home Renovation before and after

Planning the design of your home renovation is where the magic happens. It's where you get to think about the overall look and feel of your space, and make decisions that will shape the final product.

Start by brainstorming ideas and making a wish list of everything you want to achieve with the renovation. This can include structural changes, aesthetic updates, and everything in between. Consider enlisting the help of an architect or interior designer if you want to get really elaborate.

To get started, try playing with online design tools to get a basic idea down on paper. This will help you visualize your space and make decisions about things like layout, color schemes, and materials.

Here are some key things to consider when planning the design of your home renovation:

Remember, the key to a successful renovation is to have a clear vision and a plan in place. By taking the time to think through the design of your space, you'll be able to make informed decisions and avoid costly changes down the line.

Demolition and removal is a crucial step in any home renovation project. This stage involves tearing down walls, removing old fixtures, and making space for new installations.

Demolition is where the action starts, and it's essential to be mindful of what's behind the walls - plumbing, wiring, and any support beams that need preserving. Clearing the old makes way for the new, and it's a great opportunity to inspect and repair any underlying issues.

Proper preparation lays the foundation for a successful renovation, and this stage is no exception. Demolition and removal can be messy and time-consuming, but it's a necessary step to get to the new and improved version of your home.

Whether you're removing cabinets, old flooring, or knocking down non-load-bearing walls, clearing the old is a critical part of the process.

Structural work and framing are crucial steps in any home renovation project. This is where the foundation of your home is assessed and any necessary repairs or upgrades are made.

Before framing, a thorough inspection of the foundation is necessary to identify any cracks or uneven settling. This inspection should be conducted by a professional to ensure any issues are addressed early on.

Framing is also the stage for any inside-the-wall work, including the installation of new plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, or HVAC systems. This needs to happen before walls go up to ensure everything is safe and meets code requirements.

If this caught your attention, see: Home Inspection before Renovation

A walkthrough with your contractor at this point is valuable to make sure outlets, plumbing fixtures, and other elements are exactly where you want them.

Here are some essential services that should be addressed during the structural repair phase:

By prioritizing these structural repairs and essential services, you create a solid foundation for the rest of your renovation project.

Before starting insulation and drywall installation, it's essential to complete plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work to avoid reopening walls or ceilings later.

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems should be properly installed and tested to ensure the overall integrity of your walls.

For insulation, choose materials that suit your home's climate, such as spray foam, fiberglass, or mineral wool.

Before starting insulation and drywall installation, it's essential to complete plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. This ensures that pipes, wires, and ducts are properly installed and tested.

Choose insulation materials suitable for your home's climate, such as spray foam, fiberglass, or mineral wool. This will help maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce energy bills.

Professionals will tape, mud, and sand drywall to achieve a smooth, even finish. This process requires careful attention to detail to ensure a polished appearance.

Ensure all pipes, wires, and ducts are properly installed and tested before insulation and drywall installation. This step is critical for maintaining the overall integrity of your walls and avoiding additional costs.

After plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are in place, it's time to insulate walls and ceilings to enhance energy efficiency. This step is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Investing in the right things can make a big difference in the long run. Homeowners often overspend on flashier products like high-end countertops, but experts agree these aren't worth splurging on at the expense of fundamentals.

Better insulation, windows, and heating systems are where your money should go. These investments can save you a lot in operating costs and maintenance issues.

Some people are reluctant to spend on things like heating and cooling while splurging elsewhere. This can lead to long-term problems and expenses.

Investing in energy-efficient air-conditioning, for example, is always money well spent. It's a smart move that can pay off in the long run.

Builders who just meet the building code are often settling for mediocrity. They can do better and make their homes more efficient and comfortable.

After the drywall is up, you can start installing major fixtures like cabinets, built-in shelves, or vanities in bathrooms. These additions bring the renovation to life and give shape to the new layout.

In the kitchen, cabinets should be installed before countertops are measured and installed so everything fits perfectly. A professional's touch can make a big difference in cabinet installation, especially if you're doing it yourself.

Ensuring cabinets are level and securely anchored is crucial, and it's a task that's often tricky for DIYers.

Installing fixtures and cabinets is a crucial step in bringing your renovation to life. This is where you install cabinets, built-in shelves, and other custom features that give shape to your new layout.

You'll want to install cabinets in the kitchen before measuring and installing countertops, so everything fits perfectly. This is especially important if you're doing it yourself, as cabinet installation can be tricky.

In bathrooms, installing vanities and cabinets is a great way to add functionality and design to the space. For kitchen and bathroom renovations, cabinetry plays a significant role in both functionality and design.

Always ensure cabinets are level and securely anchored, especially if you're installing them yourself. A professional's touch can make all the difference in cabinet installation.

Installing major fixtures like cabinets, built-in shelves, or vanities brings everything together and gives your renovation a sense of completion. This is the final stage of your interior renovation, where you add the final touches that complete the look and feel of your space.

See what others are reading: Mobile Home Kitchen Renovation Ideas

It's essential to install flooring after painting to prevent damage to your new floors. Proper sequencing of tasks is crucial in home renovations.

Installing flooring after painting helps prevent damage to your new floors and ensures a cleaner edge where the walls meet the floor. This is especially true for hardwood, carpeting, or tiles.

Floors become damaged during renovations, so it’s best to do them at the end. This means that flooring installation should be done after the painting stage.

Whether you opt for hardwood, tile, carpet, or another material, this step should be executed with precision. Properly installed flooring provides a durable and attractive foundation for your home’s interior.

Here are some common flooring options and their characteristics:

Installing flooring at the end of the renovation process keeps it safe from heavy foot traffic and potential scratches. This ensures that your new floors remain intact and look great for years to come.

Upgrading an older electrical panel to 200 amps can be a cost-effective move, as the labor required is the same as upgrading to 100 amps.

Better contractors will suggest ways to maximize your investment when you've got tradespeople on the job. They can help you make the most of your skilled labor.

A little extra tubing can go a long way, especially if you're running PEX tubing for hydronic radiant floor heating. Running it outdoors can melt snow on walkways and patios.

The cost of extra tubing and labor may seem daunting, but it's worth it in the long run. Homeowners often don't realize that most of what they're paying for upfront is the time it takes to set up OSHA-compliant staging for workers to access the roof.

Replacing just five bricks may not be worth the time and money, but fixing the chimney cap and replacing punky mortar can save you from worrying about those issues for decades to come.

The final stage of your home renovation is where everything comes together. Fixtures and finishes, such as light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and hardware, are added to complete the look and feel of your renovated space.

Painting is often one of the final interior steps, and it's essential to start with the ceiling, move to the walls, and finish with the trim for the best results. A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in how your space feels.

Touch-ups are also crucial at this stage, including caulking gaps and adjusting cabinet doors. These final details can make or break the polished and professional look of your renovation.

Painting is often one of the final interior steps, and a fresh coat of paint can make a space feel complete. Start with the ceiling, move to the walls, and finish with the trim for the best results.

A crucial part of the painting process is touch-ups. Caulking gaps and adjusting cabinet doors are what give your renovation that polished and professional look. Painters may also come back after completing all other work.

To ensure a smooth finish, it's essential to prepare the spaces before starting with any painting work. Remove furniture, fixtures, and cover any remaining items with protective coverings. Clean surfaces to be painted thoroughly.

Here's a simple sequence to follow:

By following these steps, you can achieve a high-quality finish and a polished look in your home renovation project.

It's natural to want to splurge on the little things, like fancy trim kits or hand-cut subway tile. Kevin advises keeping splurges to high-impact areas.

Consider installing an expensive pendant light fixture in the entryway, where everyone will see it, and going for less-pricey fixtures in adjacent rooms. This way, you'll get the impact you want without breaking the bank.

Prioritize what's most important to you, and allocate your splurges accordingly. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, paying the premium for a workstation sink with custom butcher-block and drainboard inserts might be a good investment.

The dining room, on the other hand, might be a space you use only a few times a year, so it might not be the best place to splurge.

Budgeting and costs are crucial aspects of any home renovation project. A 10-15% cushion for unexpected costs is essential to avoid going over budget. You should also consider consulting with a contractor or architect to get a more accurate estimate.

Researching the costs associated with your desired renovations, including materials, labor, permits, and contingencies, is vital. Allocate funds for unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process. For example, renovating a house that is 1,250 to 1,600 square feet can cost an average of $52,040, but you can pay up to $189,000.

To give yourself a better initial idea of what to expect, use a home renovation cost estimator. You can also consider hiring a contractor or architect to help with budgeting and planning.

Consider reading: Estimate Home Renovation Costs

Planning and budgeting are crucial steps in any home renovation project. Determine your ultimate goal for the project, whether it's to increase the value of your home, add more space, or improve functionality.

Start by making a list of your main priorities and setting a realistic budget that includes a 10-15% cushion for unexpected costs. Research the costs associated with your desired renovations, including materials, labor, permits, and contingencies.

The average cost of a home renovation can range from $15 to $60 per square foot, depending on location, materials, and scope. Renovating a 1,250 to 1,600 square foot home can cost between $52,040 and $189,000.

It's essential to consider your budget and prioritize your needs. Think about your priorities, such as new kitchen appliances or updated bathroom fixtures, and allocate your budget accordingly.

To give yourself a better idea of what to expect, use a home renovation cost estimator or consult with a contractor or architect. They can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific project.

Here's a rough breakdown of the costs involved in a home renovation:

Remember to also consider the costs of unexpected expenses, such as changes to your original plan or delays in the project.

The RenoFi Index provides a valuable resource for homeowners looking to plan and budget for renovation projects.

Manufactured Stone Veneer is the top-ranked project on the RenoFi Index, with an average cost of $9,357 and an average resale value of $8,943. This means that homeowners can recoup 95.6% of the cost of this project when selling their home.

Garage Door Replacement is another affordable project, with an average cost of $3,695 and an average resale value of $3,491. This project has a high return on investment, with homeowners recouping 94.5% of the cost.

Here are the top 5 projects on the RenoFi Index, ranked by average cost recouped:

These projects offer a good balance of cost and return on investment, making them a great starting point for homeowners looking to plan their renovation projects.

Explore further: Diy Home Renovation Projects

Creating a Detailed Project Plan involves gathering all the details of your project, from architectural plans to renderings, to establish priorities and address any initial questions with your contractor.

This will also be necessary for your home loan application process, so make sure to get everything in order. It's like laying the foundation for a successful renovation project.

To ensure both you and your contractor are on the same page, establish a good relationship with open communication throughout the project. This means setting regular check-ins and expectations throughout construction.

Here are some key factors to consider when creating your project timeline:

By considering these factors, you can plan for a realistic timeline and avoid potential delays.

As a homeowner, you want to ensure your project is managed effectively to avoid costly mistakes and delays. Hiring a contractor is a great way to achieve this, as they have experience and can guide you through any issues that arise.

Contractors have a network of qualified subcontractors and specialists in your area, which saves you time from searching for them yourself. They can also get better pricing on materials, lumber, etc.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a contractor is that they're licensed and insured, which protects you in case there are any issues with the finished project. This peace of mind is priceless, especially when dealing with complex projects.

Here are some key points to consider when hiring a contractor:

Ultimately, hiring a contractor can be a game-changer for your project, ensuring it's completed on time and within budget.

Creating a Detailed Project Plan is crucial to managing your project. This involves gathering all the details of your project, from architectural plans to structural plans, floor plans, renderings, and any other drawings or designs that your contractor may use.

You'll want to establish priorities and address any initial questions with your contractor to ensure both of you are on the same page. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth project.

To create a detailed project plan, gather the following documents:

This will not only be necessary for your home loan application process but also give you a clear understanding of the project's scope and timeline.

Setting a Timeline and Milestones is another critical aspect of project management. Talk to your contractor about their bandwidth and how many other projects they'll be working on at the same time. This will help you understand their availability and plan accordingly.

You'll also want to know the availability of all your finishes and materials, as delays can push completion dates. It's essential to plan for a buffer, as projects tend to run slightly over their desired timeline.

Procuring Necessary Permits and Approvals can be a complex process. Every city has different requirements, and your contractor will typically agree to pull the necessary permits. However, you'll be responsible for covering the costs.

Make sure to file for permits in advance of construction day to avoid delays. Some projects may not require any building permits, while others may need various types, such as electric or plumbing permits.

Before you can move on to the final touches of your home renovation, it's essential to conduct thorough inspections and checks on the systems and work done. This helps ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.

You'll want to check the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems to make sure they're working as they should. It's also a good idea to have a third-party inspector review the contractor's work to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

Here are some key areas to inspect: PlumbingAppliance and fixture installationElectrical and HVACImperfections or damageCode violations, permits, or inspection paperwork

An initial inspection is crucial before starting any major renovation work. This is because it helps identify any immediate issues or upgrades needed.

Before you begin, it's essential to bring in licensed professionals to evaluate your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. They will ensure that all problems are properly diagnosed and addressed.

An initial inspection can save you a lot of time and money in the long run by catching potential problems early on.

Additional reading: Home Renovation Inspection

Inspections are a crucial step in the renovation process. They ensure that the work is up to code and meets the necessary safety standards.

The local municipality will typically do a final inspection once the work is complete. However, it's a good idea to hire a third-party inspector to check the contractor's work before the municipality does. This way, any errors or weaknesses can be corrected before the final inspection.

Items to inspect include plumbing, appliance and fixture installation, electrical and HVAC systems, imperfections or damage, and code violations, permits, or inspection paperwork. It's essential to be thorough and check everything carefully.

A third-party inspector can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.