Home renovations give homeowners the chance to transform their house into the home of their dreams while also enhancing the property’s value. And, with the changing of seasons, you may have decided it’s time for something new. With the aid of our remodelling a house checklist, you can make your ideal home a reality, whether you recently purchased an older property or have lived in the same house for years.
Renovating a house can be a daunting concept. Where should you start? Who do you call? But before you get overwhelmed, we’ve created a checklist to help you answer all your questions and navigate the home renovation process. Read on to learn how to make renovating a house much easier, from developing a strategy and budgeting to hiring a professional and putting the finishing touches on your property.
Renovating a house checklist: Where to begin
As you research what to expect during a home renovation, you should also outline your ideas and plans. Maybe you’re interested in adding an office or redoing the kitchen. The possibilities are endless. Make sure you know what your goal is and your understanding of the renovations’ purpose is, and that the project will most likely not be completed all at once.
Prioritize which projects are on the top of your list and what you can live without to establish your budget. Need help figuring out which improvements to make? Consider local home trends to help narrow down your options. Make sure to budget for any issues that could arise during the initial structure inspection, as well as any problems during the demolition process. Creating a budget buffer can give you peace of mind if there are any unexpected issues or surprises down the road. Once you have established your budget, you can begin creating a reasonable time frame to help you stick to a schedule. After planning your renovation, you’ll need to be sure you have the appropriate home improvement permits depending on the type of projects you have in mind.
Take advantage of this opportunity to review your renovation plans and decide which professionals would be a good fit to renovate your house. There are numerous professionals who can assist you in achieving your home renovation goals, ranging from structural engineers and plumbers to architects and constructors.
1) Begin with the Fundamentals
For a total house renovation, the rule of thumb is simple: make sure the structure is solid before starting on major projects. This includes checking the foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, flooring, and roofing. Older houses are more likely to develop these problems, but before starting any project, it’s important to check all your bases, no matter how old your house is.
Luckily, there are ways for you to confirm the condition of your home’s structure, but when you do start to see issues arise, it is essential that you include a structural engineer to help resolve any problems.
Foundation
For signs of foundation issues, look for doors and windows that do not shut properly or cracks and gaps along the edges of the wall and floor. If you suspect any issues with the foundation, a structural engineer can help you assess the problem and devise a repair strategy.
Plumbing and electrical
You should also have your plumbing and electrical systems checked before beginning any renovations. To accommodate modern appliances and piping, both the plumbing and electrical systems should be modernized. If your house was built before the 1960’s, it is a good idea to replace your pipes and wiring, making your home more reliable for many years to come.
Roofing
No matter where you live, a strong and protective roof is essential. You should be aware of when it needs to be repaired vs. replaced. If the roof is on the newer side, keep an eye out for loose shingles and make repairs as needed. Wall and ceiling stains caused by leaks and trapped moisture, attic leaks caused by broken shingles, external paint flaking caused by trapped moisture, and cracked shingles are all examples of roof deterioration that may necessitate a total replacement.
2) Interior demolition
Now, it’s time to start designing your interior. If you plan on demolition, you have two options: DIY or hire a contractor. Whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional will be determined by your budget.
Constructing the interior of your home can mean totally reinventing your living space. Take down walls to free up your space or reconstruct your home’s floor plan and add new walls. If you upgraded your electrical systems or plumbing, your walls will be exposed, so now is a good time to insulate and seal them with drywall. Interior demolition should be done room-by-room, which will help keep the renovation on track. Here are four interior improvements to consider adding to your checklist:
Built-ins
Believe it or not, built-ins can provide value to a property. Built-ins are custom-made, permanent storage units that add character to your home. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including storage, eating nooks, closets, and much more. Built-ins are a great way to conserve space while also adding a distinctive and long-lasting element to your home.
Windows
Upgrading windows can not only enhance your curb appeal, but can improve your home’s efficiency. That way you’ll be able to appreciate the seasons through crystal-clear windows, while also increasing the value of your home.
Cabinets
Although mostly a decorative touch, upgrading your cabinets can enhance the design of any space—kitchen, bathroom, or hallway. If new cabinets aren’t in the cards, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward giving a recently refurbished house a new look.
Flooring
Flooring plays a huge role in your home renovation. Should you opt for tiles or carpet? Real wood or vinyl? These are considerations for your home improvement project. Maybe you have a pet that likes to scratch up carpet? You may want to opt for tile. Maybe you live in a city with cold winters like Vancouver, BC, or Buffalo, NY? Carpet may be a better fit. Deciding what flooring fits best with your needs will help you answer these crucial renovation concerns.
3) Home furnishings
Now you’re on the home stretch. Home furnishings will tie in everything you have accomplished during this renovation process and bring your home to life. New wall paint, plant additions, pillows, and rugs can make all the difference. Once you’ve added these new items to your house, including basic feng shui home design in your area can assist in guaranteeing that your room is filled with positive energy.
The commanding position is one of the most important feng shui principles to help align your home. With this position, you are not directly in line with the door, but are facing it. Just make sure your furniture is never positioned so your back is turned to the door. This simple trick can boost your energy and give you the style you’ve been looking for.
After your home is furnished, the renovation process is complete. Take a deep breath and appreciate your accomplishments. There are several ways to renovate a home, but we hope that this remodelling a house checklist will assist you in getting started on the correct track to building your ideal home.
Originally published on Redfin.