If you’re planning a home renovation, you probably have your ideal improvements in mind. The real question is, in what order should you tackle the renovation?
That’s precisely what this step-by-step home renovation checklist will answer.
We’ll give you the steps for a DIY home renovation.
Use this checklist to guide your project.
Before The Work Checklist
Identify and Set Your Goals
Every successful remodeling project begins with proper goal-setting, which provides direction, focus, and efficient decision-making. Start by clarifying your vision for the space, prioritizing needs over wants, setting a realistic budget, and creating a reasonable timeline. This preparation reduces stress and ensures a smoother transformation of your living spaces.
List down your motives for renovating. What problems do you want to solve? Are they aesthetic or functional changes? How will they benefit your family now and in the future? Are you trying to sell your house in an off-market sale?
Be Prepared To Move Out
Embarking on a remodel while living in your house can be challenging. Moving out is often the best option, especially for large projects like kitchens, bathrooms, and whole house remodels. Living in a home during a remodel can be stressful, disruptive, and potentially unsafe. Moving out can save time, money, and sanity by allowing contractors to work more efficiently and safely. Considering the remodel’s size, scope, and impact on daily life is important before deciding whether to stay or move out.
Create A Security Plan
- Increased Hazards During Construction: A house under construction or renovation is more susceptible to damage, accidents, theft, or fire due to unstable conditions, incomplete structures, and unsecured property.
- Insurance Limitations: Insurers often limit coverage during construction or renovation, so it’s important to communicate with your insurance advisor to navigate exposures and protect your home.
- Contractor’s Liability: Choose contractors carefully, ensuring they are properly insured, have no criminal record, and can insulate you from potential liability. Verify their reliability through references and background checks.
- Protection Measures: Implement theft and fire protection measures such as installing motion sensors, burglar alarms, outdoor lighting, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms. Clean up the work site daily to remove debris and flammable materials.
Put Items Into Storage
During a renovation, large parts of your home will become unavailable. If you have no space for items like a fridge or dining table, consider putting it in storage. Large items will get in the way of contractors and risk breaking. Renting short-term self-storage or portable containers can solve this issue.
If you have space in the garage or a spare room, protect items by covering them with padding. If you have valuables in your home that you don’t use daily, lock them in a storage unit or keep them with family.
Take Before And After Photos
The fun part of a home renovation is when the job is complete, and you get to look at the before and after. If you want to share the work on social media, take before photos with matching angles of your after photos.
Assess Your Home’s Needs
Before you hammer a nail, you need a solid plan.
This step can help you determine what parts of your home designs require remodeling and renovation and what budget you should allocate for each item or project. Gather input from each household member to understand what areas everyone wants to improve.
Make a list of both must-haves and nice-to-haves in order of priority. You’ll also want to consult a qualified inspector and assess any maintenance or repair needs on the exterior of your home.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Why Are You Remodeling?
- What Are The Must-Haves?
- How Much Can You Afford?
- When’s The Deadline?
- Will I Need Outside Help?
Create a Comprehensive Renovation Budget
Start by developing an overview of your project. Identify what needs to be done, gather materials estimates, and add in any other costs that may arise. Set a realistic budget and be prepared to adjust if the project exceeds your funding limitations.
Prioritize your renovations and consider what changes will have the most impact. You may also want to check your area’s most affordable property services before you decide to move forward. Make sure to check https://www.qualityhmsolutions.com to get the most out of your budget.
Hire Professional Help
According to NAR’s 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, 40% of homeowners did their remodeling project DIY. 37% hired a professional for the entire job. 10% hired the labor but purchased the materials themselves.
If you’re not doing the project DIY, your next step is speaking to a professional contractor about your project. You want to find someone local and experienced.
So, how do you find that person/company?
- Ask For Referrals: Vetting contractors involves reviewing their past work, checking licenses and insurance, and seeking recommendations from previous clients. Instead of doing that legwork yourself, you can ask friends, family, and social media acquaintances who they trust.
- Check Credentials: Never work with contractors that aren’t legally authorized to perform the work and have met the necessary qualifications and standards. You can verify a contractor’s license by visiting your state or local licensing board’s website and entering the contractor’s license number.
- Read Reviews: Reading reviews is also important as it provides insight into the contractor’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service. Reviews from previous clients can help you gauge the contractor’s professionalism and ability to deliver on their promises, enabling you to make an informed decision when hiring a contractor for your project.
- Get Multiple Estimates: Never go with the first estimate, at least until you’ve received at least three. When getting estimates, avoid contractors that don’t give you personalized feedback or take measurements. They should give you an advanced interpretation of what you’re looking for. Their price may not be the lowest, but they’ll be able to justify it between labor and materials.
Obtain Necessary Permits and Inspections
It is important to check with your local building department to determine what permits are required for the desired work. Once you know what is needed, you must complete the paperwork and apply for the necessary permits.
Once approved, keep the copies on hand and make sure they are visible for the inspections. Depending on the type of work and locality, inspections may be required throughout the renovation.
Working with a licensed contractor can speed this process up.
Collect Materials and Start Drawing Up Plans
A checklist for this step typically includes visiting home improvement stores to compare prices and selection, taking measurements of the area being renovated, reviewing the existing utilities, and researching different approaches to the construction process.
List the materials you need to buy for your project, including tools, building supplies, and finishing touches. Also, prepare a budget to keep track of your spending and reach your renovation goal.
Start Demolition
DIY demolition can save you money if you have the skills, but it takes a lot of work and foresight. This article shares 51 things to remember when doing a demolition project. If you’re undertaking a minor renovation, do the demolition DIY. If not, your contractor should have the manpower and tools to do the job correctly.
Have a plan to safely and legally remove bulk waste either through your contractor or by renting a dumpster.
Handle Mechanicals/Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical
Before handling the “pretty” renovations, take the time to inspect your mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. During a renovation, you’ll have access to parts of your house that you don’t usually see.
You also need to inspect these systems before a renovation because upgrading your house can change usage. For example, adding square footage to your house can increase your heating and cooling needs.
Follow a Strict Construction Schedule and Time Frame
Create a timeline of when each item in your home renovation project needs to be completed. Assign deadlines for each project stage, such as installation or demolition work. Ensure that all components of your home renovation plan are properly marked and documented.
Follow This Step by Step Home Renovation Checklist Today
Home renovations can be daunting, but a simple step-by-step home renovation checklist can make your project simple and organized. By following the steps outlined, you’ll have a successful renovation before you know it.
And don’t forget to take safety precautions during each step of the way. Start your beautiful house renovation today!
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