Ready to bring your dream of a home remodel to reality but don’t know where to begin?
Whether you want to fix up a bathroom or renovate an entire floor, we can help you through your remodel. Despite the size of the project, the general gist of what you will need to do is the same. Taking the time to plan, consider your options, devise a practical budget, and hire the help you need can make the process go much more smoothly.
Check out our guide here that breaks down 10 steps to remodeling a house.
1. Make a plan – map, style, and design
No matter the project, you always need a plan. Think about the rooms you have and the things you want from your newly remodeled space.
For example, if you are remodeling your bathroom, do you want a large shower? Shower and bath combo? Or is a free-standing tub your dream feature?
Another thing to consider is how you will live in your home during the remodel. Do you have a second bathroom you can use while the remodel is ongoing? Are you going to have to survive off take-out because your kitchen is out of commission? Making a plan before the time comes will surely save you some headaches along the way.
During this step, you should map out where the utilities you may need access to are located, where you might want walls to be, and how you want your space to be laid out.
2. Establish a budget
Alongside every plan is a budget. This can be done in consultation with a contractor. Consider all of the costs, from the sheetrock to the electrical, to the details like paint and other finishing touches.
Many remodels go over budget for various reasons, so you may want to work in a buffer. This can prevent you from ending up with a half-finished remodel and no money to spare.
3. Determine what you can do yourself
Depending on the project, your capabilities, and your timeline, you may want to take on parts of the remodel yourself. This can be anything as simple as paint to complicated aspects like plumbing. It all depends on your skill level and what you are comfortable doing.
Keep in mind that even though you can save money by doing things yourself, the DIY approach can also prolong the timeline of your remodel. Contractors are available to work during business hours, while you may have to undertake your DIY projects on nights and weekends only.
4. Contact contractors
You want to talk to contractors to continue planning and solidify costs and timelines. If you can, try and get recommendations from people you know that have had remodels done. Word of mouth can be a great way to understand the value of what you’re getting.
5. Start demolition
The first “physical” step to remodeling a house will likely be demolition. The scale of your remodel will dictate how long this phase will last and how much demolition will have to occur.
This is often a step where you can do some DIY work. And depending on how you look at it, could be the most fun!
6. Roughing in
After demolition comes roughing-in where things start to be rebuilt. This is when utilities are installed and typically includes things like changing or installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and rerouting any water access, gas lines, and electrical wiring that needs to be revised or installed.
This is the most technical phase of the remodel and will likely require electricians and/or plumbers.
7. Wall work
Once the internal workings of the remodel have been established, any walls that need to be built can be installed, and sheetrock can be hung.
At this point, painting or wallpaper will also probably go up. This is when you will see your vision coming to life!
8. Cabinetry, doors, and windows
Cabinets, doors, and windows come next as the room is built up from the inside out. Revisit your design plans to ensure that all the features of your room match to create a cohesive picture.
9. Appliances
Depending on the room and the size of your remodel, this step may or may not be relevant.
10. Detail work and finishing touches
Once all the heavy lifting is done, the final aspects of the remodel will come together. This is going to include the installation of light fixtures, hanging of trim, shelving, and any other features you want to achieve your remodeling goals.
Is Remodeling Right For Me?
Now that you are familiar with the steps to remodeling a house, you may still be wondering if remodeling is right for you. Many homeowners desire a change to their space and have to decide between moving on to a new house or trying to make the house they are in work for them for years to come.
Luckily, we’ve already covered what goes into choosing whether to remodel or move to help make your decision easier. Click below to learn more.