The Essential Home Renovation Checklist Every Homeowner Needs

Renovating a home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also be daunting, requiring much planning and preparation. A clear renovation plan, budget, and a team of reliable contractors are essential. Here is a comprehensive home remodel checklist to help you get started!

Design

First, you must decide why you want to renovate your home. It could add value, improve aesthetics, increase functionality, or meet your family’s changing needs. Whatever the reason, you must be clear on this to communicate it to any experts you hire and ensure that the changes made will meet your goals. Next, you must do a walkthrough of your home and write down all the areas that need to be renovated. It is advisable to prioritize repairs based on their importance, with structural issues first, followed by updates to major systems like plumbing and electrical wiring. Once you have a list, start researching a potential construction company. Get recommendations from loved ones or friends, or look up reviews and testimonials online.

Budget

You must have a clear budget for an extensive home renovation. It will help you stay under budget and enable any tradespeople you hire to give you more precise time estimates. Regarding the cost of your home improvement project, you’ll need to weigh up two fundamental things: financial return and quality of life. In the latter, your home improvement projects will be evaluated based on how much they will enhance your overall quality of life; in the former, the focus is solely on the amount of money you will likely receive back when selling. Prioritize your projects based on these two factors and decide which ones you can afford without too much stress. Remember, always get a professional opinion before you commit to any work that involves electricity, water, or gas.

Contractor

Home renovations are a great way to add value to your house while improving the look and feel of your living space. However, planning your project carefully and staying organized throughout the process is essential. Before choosing a contractor, research their work history, references, and local reputation. Ask about pricing and payment terms, and visit previous projects to see their quality. Your contractor will be responsible for most of the work, so choosing a trusted and reliable one is essential. A good home renovation contractor will provide a step-by-step checklist, informing you about the progress and upcoming steps. It’s useful for a complex renovation, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Permits

Many renovation projects require permits to comply with safety standards and building codes. It’s best to consult a professional about the project before starting work. Permits vary by city, and requirements can change depending on what you’re doing, so be sure to research. It is typically necessary to obtain a permit for structural modifications like wall additions or removals, roofline changes, and window installation. Changing electrical wiring and plumbing will also need a license. While getting the necessary permits may seem like a hassle, doing so ensures that your home improvement is done to code and avoids costly fines in the future. It’s also an excellent way to protect yourself and ensure that the contractors you hire are doing quality work.

Schedule

Once the planning phase is complete, it’s time to start construction. This phase may involve removing existing structures or adding new ones, like walls and windows. It can also include modifying the plumbing and electrical systems to accommodate your remodel. Structural repairs should be addressed first, followed by cosmetic upgrades. Hiring a contractor with experience and expertise in these projects is essential. They should also be transparent about their processes, stay on schedule, and respect your home and budget. Be prepared for delays, as they can occur during renovations, such as unforeseen issues requiring further investigation or materials delivery. It’s essential to plan and have a contingency budget. Your dream home renovation can be a reality with proper planning and the right team.