In what order should home renovations be done?

However, before doing any work, you have to plan, hire contractors, obtain permits, etc., all of which take time. The most important aspect of the planning process is to ensure that you have enough money to pay for the project, regardless of how big or small the scope of the work is. So, the second step in planning a home remodel is to make a simple list of the work you want to do and decide if it's something you can do yourself or not. Once you have your plan ready and you've chosen your contractor, it's time for the demolition to begin.

To make way for the new, you must first clean the old. This involves not only demolition, but also the removal of debris, so you'll likely have to rent a large rolling container to manage waste. This will minimize risks and clutter during your demolition project and allow you to finish it as quickly, safely and seamlessly as possible. If you decide to do any of the demolition work yourself, be careful and follow all safety precautions.

Demolition can be very dangerous, especially if done at random. Once the demolition work has been completed, the “preparation” process can begin. Because wiring and plumbing may need to be reinstalled, do all roughing work before working with floors, drywall, and paint, as they could be damaged in the process. Once all plumbing, electrical, and HVAC upgrades are addressed and approved, it's time to address frames and drywall.

Painting is something you can do yourself, but it can also be a tiring job. You can also choose to base this decision on starting with interior or exterior renovations. We often see the best results when homeowners place exterior renovations, such as roofing or siding, at the top of their list. However, this always depends on what is most important to you or what time of year you are in.

If you want to start renovating in January, you might get a better result starting with interior projects. Week 1: site preparation and demolition Week 4: drywall and finishes Week 5: interior trim and cabinets. Curtains, blinds and other decorative touches will be the final steps to complete the renovation of your home. For a complete renovation of a 2,500 square foot home, the process can take 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the scope of work, change orders, damage, inspections, specialty work, weather, and errors.

Everyone knows this isn't true, but this rapid remodeling style presided over by simplistic hosts eliminates the central idea that renovating a home is complex and difficult. No matter what this step looks like for you, it's time to put the finishing touches to give your newly renovated home the unique personality you've always wanted. The roof, exterior cladding, beams and foundations are the bones of your house and you must ensure they are solid before proceeding with further cosmetic renovations. If you're planning a large scale home renovation, a phased approach is a great way to break down that large and overwhelming process into smaller, easier to digest steps.

A look at the elements of a major home renovation will give you an idea of what it entails and will help you plan your projects effectively.