Deciding to do a complete home renovation is a bold step with significant financial consequences. It can be a challenging project, especially when you do not understand the ins and outs from the different processes from such important steps like a future design to different not so big but also meaningful steps like windows replacement.
This article discusses how to plan your home renovation project. We take you through the processes involved when renovating your home. This way, you can confidently plan your renovation, knowing what to expect.
Decide on a Design and Plan
Before anything else, you need a clearly defined design. It could be as simple as a sketch drawn on a napkin or complex architectural plans—whichever the case, you need to create a plan and highlight the course you’d like the project to take. That way, it is easy to spot mistakes in the design and address them before the project starts.
You also need to be sure that you can fund the renovation comfortably. Some homeowners distinguish between tasks they can handle and those they leave to professionals—to save on materials and labour.
You can create a Yes/No list of DIY projects and the projects you’d like contractors and subcontractors, like new construction plumbing services, to handle.
There’s a downside to the DIY approach, though:
- You may cause costly damages since you lack the expertise and professional skill required to handle specific projects.
- You risk spending more in the long run because of using substandard materials in your effort to cut costs.
- There’s a lot of paperwork involved, as you may need to apply for the necessary permits. A professional contractor will take care of the permits.
Prioritize Bigger Projects
As you begin renovating your home, you need to prioritize bigger projects. That is because these projects usually impact subsequent projects. These big projects include:
- Fixing the house foundation,
- Roof repair/replacement,
- Windows and siding installation or repair,
- Fixing water infiltration.
Roof, Windows, and Siding
You need to repair or replace your roof if you notice signs like mould in the attic and paint peeling from your walls.
Consider replacing completely damaged windows. If the damage is not severe, you can save the repair for later.
As for the siding, you can replace it if you see signs of water infiltration—a sign of severe damage. You can repair the siding later if it has minor damage.
Window Installation
Installing windows or windows replacement adds to the aesthetic appeal of your home—whether it is partial or whole-house. While using a DIY approach seems like a fun and cheap alternative, it could cause warranty invalidation. Furthermore, poor installation can damage your window frames and hardware, such as hinges. It’s safer and cheaper in the long run if you let a professional do the installation.
Foundation
Fixing the foundation should come first; the contractor needs to secure it and fix any structural problems. Any mistakes could jeopardize future renovations, as your house could collapse. Pay attention to the following:
- Joists,
- Carrying beams,
- Weakened walls,
You also need to keep the foundation dry.
Plan Your Insulation and Drywall Installation
You need to set up the insulation before installing the drywall. You need insulation in your walls and attic, and other areas, depending on your options.
Once the insulation is complete, you install the drywall by:
- Hanging,
- Mudding,
- Sanding.
Professional drywalling involves the processes of:
- Hanging drywall sheets,
- Applying a drywall compound,
- Allowing the compound to dry,
- Sanding it smooth—with a bit of patience.
Refine Your Carpentry Skills
Now comes the interesting part, where you can perfect your fine carpentry skills. You can trim:
- Doors,
- Windows,
- Bookcases,
- Breakfast nooks.
Since you are looking for the perfect finish, we recommend hiring a professional.
Interior Painting, Wallpapering, and Other Finishes
The time for doing a detailed-oriented finish is a chicken-and-egg situation. For instance, painting after laying the flooring could cause damage to the flooring. The reverse could result in the sander scuffing the walls. It’s best to hire an experienced professional for the best results.
Flooring Installation
You need to have the floor covering unique to each room. Here are some suggestions:
- Living and bedroom: engineered wood, laminate, carpet, or solid hardwood.
- Kitchen and bathroom: vinyl, marble, tile.
Whichever style you decide on, we recommend installing the flooring last to prevent damage to your surface.
Work on the Exterior
It is time to wind up the renovation by installing exterior components like gutters and siding. You can also install your sunroom, front porch, or any other additions separate from your house.