A step-by-step guide for home renovation. The pre-renovation planning, what to expect during the process, tips for moving back into your home, and more.
Home renovation is thrilling yet unnerving for many homeowners. Many of us resist the home renovation project even though our homes need it badly. Why? Because it requires detailed planning beforehand, careful decision-making, vigilant supervision, and brash time management.
Whether it’s a single-room upgrade or a full house renovation, knowing what to expect throughout the process of home renovation is necessary. Pre-planning, proper budgeting, creating a realistic timeline, and working with the right professionals are the key elements of a smooth home renovation project.
In this step-by-step home renovation guide, we will walk you through each stage of your home renovation project so you are fully equipped to handle this tricky process without stress.
Purpose of Home Renovation:
Knowing the purpose of your home renovation is the foremost step.
There are various types of home renovation, such as structural renovation, functional renovation, cosmetic renovation, single-room, or entire home renovation.
Say there are any structural problems like leaking roofs; in that case, your home requires structural renovation. If you solely want to improve the functionality or the aesthetics of your problem-free home, then your home falls into the category of functional and cosmetic renovation.
Pinpointing the exact nature of your home renovation and the desired outcome is vital.
A step-by-step guide for home renovation:
For your convenience, we have split the whole home renovation process into four main stages and elaborated them further.
- Stage 1: Planning
- Stage 2: Preparation
- Stage 3: Execution
- Stage 4: Post Renovation
Stage 1: Planning:
Before jumpstarting your home renovation project, diligent planning is necessary to stay on schedule and within the budget.
- Setting goals and getting inspired
At this stage, you should already know the purpose of your home renovation, as discussed earlier. Now it’s time to surf the internet and flip through home renovation magazines to know the latest home remodeling trends and get inspiration.
Take notes and draw a clear vision of your renovated home. Consider the trends that best match your personal taste and liking instead of blindly following.
- Budgeting
Budgeting is one of the most crucial steps of home remodeling to avoid unexpected setbacks and work delays. Take multiple quotes from various designers and contractors to compare the cost.
It is necessary to allocate 15-20% of your total budget for unexpected expenses.
- Hiring contractors
Obtaining numerous quotes from various contractors is wise for cost comparison, but hiring the lowest bidding contractor is not a good decision.
Working with the right professionals is necessary to ensure a smooth home renovation project and the long-lasting value of your property.
Verify the licenses and credentials of your contractors and ask for references.
Stage 2: Preparation:
The second stage of a home renovation project is to mentally prepare yourself, your family, and your home to start the renovation process. This stage also includes the first practical steps toward launching your home renovation project.
- Final designing
Sit with your designer to conclude the minor details with complete renovation designs. It is good to share the final picture of the whole project at the beginning with your team of designers, contractors, and yourself.
Make a step-by-step renovation plan, including timelines and costing details.
- Getting legal permits
If your home renovation includes structural changes, check with your local housing authorities if you need any legal approvals for your required changes.
Obtaining the legal permits is to avoid unnecessary delays and costly fines.
- A realistic timeline
Discuss your complete renovation plan with the contractors to get an estimated completion date. Whether it’s the bad weather or material shortage from the supply chain, be mindful that delays happen.
Set a realistic timeline for the completion of your home renovation project, and also prepare a backup plan for the delays.
- Decluttering & preparing the home
Prepare your home, depending on the nature of your renovation project. If it’s a room-wise renovation, then declutter the room and remove the valuable furniture and other belongings.
Say you are renovating your kitchen, then set up temporary cooking arrangements.
For the entire house renovation, consider temporary relocation and move your valuables to a safe place.
- Start the most fun part of the renovation, purchasing.
It is highly advisable to purchase all the materials, especially home appliances, to get the exact measurements. Plan the later delivery date with your supplier at your required time.
Buying all the materials at the start of the home renovation project can save unwanted construction amendments, saving the cost and time delays.
Stage 3: Execution:
After the planning and preparations comes the stage of execution, which means it’s time to dive into the actuarial home renovation project.
- Site Preparation
This stage involves the demolition of unnecessary walls and flooring and clearing out old fixtures. This step also includes preparing the site for the new installations.
Vigilant supervision is vital at this stage.
- Structural Repairs
Add the newly designed structures, room expansion, and load-bearing walls, and fix the foundation issue, if there are any.
Fix window frames, false ceilings, and other structural changes.
- Plumbing & Electrification
Install new plumbing lines wherever required. Upgrade outdated electrical wiring.
Following the design plans, ensure the proper connections of power plugs and sockets and the locations of lighting and plumbing fixtures.
- Insulation & System Updates
With the help of professionals, assess the heating and cooling systems for required upgrades.
If necessary, install the insulation materials for energy efficiency. Fix the drywalls and sand & prepare them for the smooth paint application.
- Flooring & Tiling
Prepare the surface for the even installation of the floor and wall tiling. Moisture-resistant tiles are suggested for the bathroom and kitchen. Do the tile work, ensuring proper sealing and grouting.
Depending on your flooring material, prepare the base and leave. Fix your wood flooring or laminations at the finishing stage.
- Woodworks
After the wet finishes, the woodwork starts.
At this stage, start preparing and fixing your cabinetry, doors, and other woodwork.
- Marbles & counter tops
Get your large marble slabs and countertops delivered.
Bring your bathrooms, kitchen and other featured elements towards finishing.
- Painting
The stage of painting the house brings the news of finishing the project. Use high-quality paints for durability.
Weather-resistant paints for the exterior of the house are always a good idea.
- Finishing
Start fixing the hardware, fixtures, and trims for a polished look.
Conduct the final walkthrough with your contractor for any remaining work. Do a thorough inspection.
Stage 4: Post Renovation:
The post-renovation stage starts with a thorough cleaning, inspection of electrical and plumbing works, and testing of working appliances.
- Cleaning
Hire a team of professionals to clear out the post-renovation debris, dispose of extra building materials, and clean dust.
Conduct a deep cleaning before starting the furnishing or bringing back the furniture.
- Moving back in
It’s time to decorate your newly renovated home with your personal belongings and conduct new decoration plans.
- Loving your space
Hurry, you are done with the liability and tiresome process of home renovation. Love your fresh space and make it home.
After thoughts:
Home renovation is a lengthy and tiring process, but it is also rewarding. Whether it’s a minor or a major one, the home renovation project always adds to your living experience and the value of your property.
Planning a periodic home renovation can keep your home prim and help it stand strong for the long run.
