Knowledge Builders

what do you do first when remodeling a house

by Joanne D'Amore Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What to Do First When Remodeling Your Home

  • Get inspired.. The first step in the remodeling process is finding out what you like. ... Create a physical file of...
  • Plan it out.. After you’ve got an idea of the desirable color scheme and general design style (and feel would be a good...
  • Find an interior demolition contractor near you.

  1. Step 1: Planning. Nail down a budget. ...
  2. Step 2: Demolition. ...
  3. Step 3: HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing. ...
  4. Step 4: Framing and Drywall. ...
  5. Step 5: Painting. ...
  6. Step 6: Cabinets & Fixtures. ...
  7. Step 7: Doors & Windows. ...
  8. Step 8: Clean House & Air Vents.

Full Answer

How do I start remodeling my house?

Determine your budget. Decide on the design and style of your home. Acquire the appropriate permits. Research builder’s risk insurance. Create a timeline and stick to it. Get started! Take a look at the video below for more great tips. Home remodeling is daunting to say the least.

Can I remodel my entire home?

Remodeling your entire home is a tall task. If you’re planning to remodel your entire home and don’t know where to start, follow these steps below. Determine what you can remodel yourself – and what requires a contractor.

How long does it take to remodel a house?

Without one, home remodeling could take years. You may run out of time yourself and just never get the chance to finish up the project. Or you might be waiting on a contractor to follow up with you for several weeks, which keeps the remodel from moving forward. Creating a timeline can help you move this process forward.

How to decide on the style of your home renovation?

When deciding on the style of your house, consider hiring an interior designer and consult with them. Or, if you don’t have that luxury, at the very least talk with your friends and family about your whole home renovation or spend time collecting ideas on Pinterest. It’s always good to get a second opinion before pursuing such a large project. 4.

What is the first step in remodeling?

How much return on investment can a kitchen remodel give?

Why is it important to freshen up your kitchen?

What to do after you have an idea of the color scheme?

Can you leave carpeting on after a remodel?

Is it expensive to install new flooring?

See 1 more

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Step 1. Is House Remodeling Worth It?

Before you begin, think about how you use your house. It will go a long way toward shaping your house remodeling plans. Need some assistance?

Step 2. Set Your Home Remodeling Budget

It’s easy to figure out what you want in a house remodel, but calculating how much you can afford is harder. Use this four-step plan to help you. S...

Step 3. Plan Your Perfect Project

Starting with a home remodeling idea is like facing an enormous blank slate. Here’s how to get inspired, get motivated, and get started.

Step 4. Choose Your Team

The people you select should be problem solvers, good listeners, and budget watchdogs. Ask these questions before you hire.

Step 5. Map Out Your Schedule

Even if you aren't Type A, living in a construction zone can be difficult. Half the battle is knowing your project timeline.

Step 6. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Filling out forms may be the least fun part of house remodeling, but you have to do it. Here’s an overview of what you will need.

Step 7. Plan For Problems

You can expect equipment breakdowns, supply shortages, and miscommunications with just about everyone when remodeling your home. Keep problems at a...

Step 8. Keep Your House Remodel Project on Track

Lose your focus on the project and you may pay for it—literally. Here are seven smart ways to stay on top of the job.Bonus step: Throughout the pro...

What is the least fun part of a house remodel?

Filling out forms may be the least fun part of house remodeling, but you have to do it. Here’s an overview of what you will need.

Does realtor.com make commissions?

The realtor.com ® editorial team highlights a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration; clicking a link to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission.

Why is Planning a Renovation Important?

The first thing to do when preparing to renovate a house is to plan, plan and plan some more. This phase of the journey usually takes up to a month. It involves meticulous record-keeping that will require maintaining an inventory of materials and services needed, figuring out a workable budget, and being realistic about the timeline.

Getting to Know Your House

First, you’ll want to evaluate each part of your house. Make an assessment of the floors, furnishings, walls, and other features to find any glaring issues.

Some Practical Tools

Though paperwork is probably unavoidable, technology can still be an amazing tool for organizing and categorization purposes. There are tons of apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to experiment with and visualize design choices while providing a steady stream of inspirational ideas.

Up to Code?

Before you can jump into remodeling, you have to make sure that you’re aware of local laws, rules, and regulations. Ask yourself: Do I know where my property lines are? Am I familiar with my city’s ordinances and building codes? It’s okay if you answered no to any of those questions.

When a Land Survey is Needed

Though not usually an issue for remodeling indoors, land surveys are more relevant for renovations that involve adding on to your property. If you’re planning demolition for the purpose of replacing an existing structure, if you’re extending or constructing an outbuilding, this section is for you.

Homeowners Association Requirements

If you’re a member of the HOA, you more than likely know that any external modifications you’re planning will definitely have to get approval. However, many HOA members aren’t as informed about approval for interior remodeling projects.

Planning for the Future

There are multiple things you should do to plan for the future when thinking of renovating a house. Let’s take a look below.

How to renovate a house?

While consumers like “new,” renovating with small projects is effective. Paint the house, inside and out, to give it a fresh feeling. Replace the flooring, using wood if you can, to add value. Re-landscape the front and back lawns for curb appeal. Install new bathroom and kitchen hardware if a total renovation is out of your budget.

What happens if you upgrade your bathroom?

If you’re going to upgrade your bathrooms, be sure your plumbing can tolerate increasing pressure and usage. Repairing leaky fixtures, damaged flooring and improper ventilation results in lower water bills. If they're not repaired and you’re selling the house, the problems will be pointed out by the buyer's inspector.

Why is it important to downsize appliances?

Homeowners are guided by energy efficiency. The importance of downsizing and using energy efficient appliances is reflected in the Energy Star ratings attached to appliances today. Renovating a kitchen with granite, stainless steel, new cabinetry and flooring is the second most requested renovation project, the NAHB says. A new kitchen increases your home’s value, and installing energy-efficient appliances attracts a buyer’s eye.

Does a complete renovation increase your value?

In most markets a complete renovation only increases your value slightly , according to a report issued by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB).

If you're handling the renovation yourself..

If your remodeling plans are on the mild side—or if they are mostly cosmetic (think painting, tiling, or flooring)—you might attempt to tackle them yourself. If so, Farkash says that you should choose your plan of attack based on how comfortable you feel about living alongside an ongoing remodel.

If you're hiring a professional..

If the remodel is more extensive and requires a professional's help, your order will typically be dictated by specialists who have to come in and handle them. For example, in most cases, plumbing and electrical work will have to be done at the same time.

Whatever you do, don't choose wrong

Working in the incorrect order can have disastrous results (which is another reason why hiring a professional team is so critical). Farkash notes that you may run the risk or wasting time and money by having to make repairs (especially if your mistakes involve paint or flooring stain).

What is the first step in remodeling?

The first step in the remodeling process is finding out what you like. Create a design “file.”

How much return on investment can a kitchen remodel give?

Begin where you spend the most time. The average kitchen remodel can yield a 70% return on investment. Not to mention, a great kitchen can sell a house faster than almost any other room or feature in the house. Knowing this, it could be safe to say that tackling a kitchen remodel first would be the best place to start.

Why is it important to freshen up your kitchen?

Freshening up your kitchen sooner than later will breathe new life into the home, which can lead to feeling inspired and motivated—all great things for moving on to your next project! On the other hand, because kitchen remodels can be so messy and inconvenient, sometimes they’re best left for the end.

What to do after you have an idea of the color scheme?

After you’ve got an idea of the desirable color scheme and general design style (and feel would be a good fit for your home), make a list of the projects you want to tackle.

Can you leave carpeting on after a remodel?

If installing carpeting, this is generally best left for the end of the remodel, as carpet can stain and get dirty easily. If you're installing hardwood floors, laminate, or another smooth flooring surface, then it's up to you.

Is it expensive to install new flooring?

The fact is: It depends. Installing new flooring is a big, oftentimes expensive job. Not to mention, it can be a very dirty and time-intensive undertaking.

image

Why Is Planning A Renovation Important?

  • The first thing to do when preparing to renovate a house is to plan, plan and plan some more. This phase of the journey usually takes up to a month. It involves meticulous record-keeping that will require maintaining an inventory of materials and services needed, figuring out a workable budget, and being realistic about the timeline. Before you com...
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

Getting to Know Your House

  • First, you’ll want to evaluate each part of your house. Make an assessment of the floors, furnishings, walls, and other features to find any glaring issues. Record expenses involved in the repair of any issues as you go along,especially if they are beyond your expertise to fix. Then, do some research on multiple contractors available in your area so you can compare bids. As you’r…
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

Some Practical Tools

  • Though paperwork is probably unavoidable, technology can still be an amazing tool for organizing and categorization purposes. There are tons of apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to experiment with and visualize design choices while providing a steady stream of inspirational ideas. The Spruce website, an authority on home remodeling advice, includes a co…
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

Up to Code?

  • Before you can jump into remodeling, you have to make sure that you’re aware of local laws, rules, and regulations. Ask yourself: Do I know where my property lines are? Am I familiar with my city’s ordinances and building codes?It’s okay if you answered no to any of those questions. Once you affirm that, yes, you’ll need to apply for a permit. Determine whether you’ll be doing renovations y…
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

When A Land Survey Is Needed

  • Though not usually an issue for remodeling indoors, land surveys are more relevant for renovations that involve adding on to your property. If you’re planning demolition for the purpose of replacing an existing structure, if you’re extending or constructing an outbuilding, this section is for you. You want to try and avoid disputes with your neighbors! Land surveys are also referred t…
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

Homeowners Association Requirements

  • If you’re a member of the HOA, you more than likely know that any external modifications you’re planning will definitely have to get approval. However, many HOA members aren’t as informed about approval for interior remodeling projects. For example, any changes that entail rewiring electrical systems, rerouting plumbing, or removal of walls will all need to be signed off on. You …
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

Planning For The Future

  • There are multiple things you should do to plan for the future when thinking of renovating a house. Let’s take a look below.
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

Conclusion

  • That art studio room you were dreaming about…don’t give up on it now that your head is swimming with rules and regulations and all the inventory you haven’t made a list for yet. Take advantage of the apps mentioned earlier in this article. Make Excel your best friend. The better you plan, the more smoothly your renovation process will unfold. You want to enjoy the project a…
See more on elementhomeremodeling.com

1.What to Do First When Remodeling Your Home

Url:https://www.hometowndemolitioncontractors.com/blog/what-to-do-first-when-remodeling-your-home

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Url:https://elementhomeremodeling.com/what-is-the-first-thing-to-do-when-renovating-a-house/

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