Although no project will be 100% problem-free, having a detailed home renovation checklist plan can help you prepare and have contingencies in place to keep the project moving forward. Proper planning can help you familiarize yourself with the renovation process, giving you an idea of how long your project will take and how much it will cost.
Step 1: Estimating the Project’s Scope
On average, most home remodeling projects take between 3 and 6 months. However, your particular project’s length and associated costs depend on multiple critical factors, including the size of your home and the amount and complexity of the work.
Ask yourself the following questions: Why are you remodeling? What needs renovating, and why? Is it primarily cosmetic, or are substantial upgrades and renovations? Rank each element in order of priority, putting the most critical work at the top.
Perform renovation work in a specific order to minimize disruptions and save time and money. Start with:
● Demolition
● Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installation
● Drywall application
● Framing
● Painting
● Fixtures, cabinets, and furniture
● Doors and windows
● Flooring and tiling (any work involving tiles should be done near the end to prevent tile damage)
● Trimmings and finish
Step 2: Establishing a Budget
If you don’t know how much your project will cost you, the first thing to do is break down your home renovation checklist plan into its constituent elements and research what each of them costs on average.
For example, if you plan to remodel the tiling in your bathrooms, change fixtures, and repaint the walls, look into the average costs of flooring work, fixture replacement, and painting separately.
For the best results, a home renovation project should be done by a professional contractor because certain parts of the project require specific skills, such as:
● Moving or demolishing load-bearing walls
● Plumbing or electrical work
● HVAC installation
When estimating your home renovation project budget, a general rule is to use the house’s value as a starting point and apply percentages of that value for each room. A kitchen should be 5% to 15% of that value, a bathroom, 5% to 10%, and so on.
For example, when renovating the kitchen in a $400,000 home, you should spend no more than $60,000.
This principle helps to establish a fixed budget, breaking the total project costs down into more manageable elements and avoids the phenomenon of over-improvement. If you intend to sell the house later, going too far above the budget causes diminished returns and lowers the property’s potential return on investment.
Step 3: Design and Remodeling Basics
After determining your plan and budget, establish a styling master list document. The master list contains information about the styles, colors, textures, and other details on all of the furnishings you want.
You can then use this master list as a quick reference point, centralizing your project information in one place and saving you time and effort when speaking with contractors.
Step 4: Hiring Contractors
Check licensed contractors in your area, and contact at least three to get written estimates. Compare their estimated costs and timelines, and look into other factors, such as their work methods and project history. Ideally, you want an experienced, highly-rated contractor.
When contacting contractors for information and estimates, ask for their certificate of insurance (COI). A COI contains the name of their insurance company and the terms and coverage of their policy.
Lastly, get every detail in writing before signing a contract. A home renovation contract should contain:
● A complete description of the desired work, including estimated prices for each item.
● Estimated start and completion dates.
● A detailed, clearly written payment schedule.
● All applicable guarantees, including specifics (who is responsible for the guarantee, what is guaranteed, for how long it is valid).
● Signatures from both parties; avoid signing a contract with blank spaces.
Step 5: Permits and Licensing
When looking at your home renovation checklist, specific types of home renovation projects may require permits because they must meet building codes and regulations. Contact your local municipality and ask whether your project requires a permit. Unapproved or unlicensed renovation work can shut down your entire project.
A licensed contractor with extensive construction experience knows which types of home renovations require permits; typically, these include remodels that drastically change the footprint of your home, such as a deck, a carport, or room addition. But it can also include extensive plumbing or electrical work.
The homeowner is responsible for ensuring that any home renovation is completed lawfully by obtaining the correct municipal permits. Permits can cost up to 1% of the total renovation price and may take several weeks to complete the required inspection before granting the permit.
Step 6: Gather Building Materials
Ensure that both you and your contractor inspect every package as it arrives and ensure the tiling, flooring, fixtures, trimming, and other materials match the exact colors, patterns, finish, and designs you expected. If something doesn’t match your expectations, return it as soon as possible.
Call Big State Construction for Your Home Renovation Needs
Are you looking for qualified contractors with over 15 years of experience in the Gulf Coast region? Contact Big State Construction today. We can help you with your home renovation project, meeting your needs and preferences every step of the way.