Have you decided to renovate your home? Whether you’re doing an extensive renovation or renovating a part of your home, it can be a monumental task. With so many things to do, it’s best to have a proper checklist or guide to make the process easier. The last thing you’d want is to be halfway through your renovation before discovering that you’ve missed out on a couple of things.
Working from a checklist will also provide you with some clarity and complete transparency about what needs to happen and when. Tasks will be managed more efficiently, and you’ll be sparing yourself a considerable amount of stress. While steps can differ depending on the renovation project, here are some key stages that you’ll encounter on your renovation journey.
Planning and design
During this phase, it’s all about doing the proper research and brainstorming on ideas. You can create a mood board with your preferred furnishings, check out some home modeling and renovation ideas, and even craft your own Pinterest board.
As a tip, you should try and keep things simple, and be as final about your decisions as possible. Changing your designs halfway during the renovation process can result in delays and blow your budget.
Deciding who you need
Once you’ve done your planning and figured out the design you’d like, you need to figure out if you’re going to do the renovation on your own or if you’re going to hire someone to help you. Hiring a builder can help you manage the entire project, and you’ll also be entitled to warranty after the work is completed.
If you decide to go ahead with renovation works on your own, you’ll need to hire the right individuals and make sure that the work is done to the appropriate standards. Before you commence the renovation process, it’s always a good idea to get a copy of their licenses and insurances in case anything goes wrong.
Getting approval
Before beginning your renovation, you’d also need to check and clarify local regulations before getting started. Some areas may not allow you to extend your deck beyond a specific area or add additional stories to your home. Others will require you to get approval before making significant changes to the appearance of your home.
Figuring out what needs to be purchased
Then, you’ll need to look at what needs to be bought and budget accordingly. Items like roof tiles and hot water systems can incur a hefty cost and stretch your budget. Equally important to consider are decorative elements, such as painting, tiling, and landscaping.
You’d also want to purchase all of your fittings and furnishings at least six months before installation to reduce the chance of delays.
Getting the sequence right
When it comes to the renovation process, it’s best to work from the top to the bottom of a room. Here’s a suggested sequence:
- Figure out the design and speak to the parties involved on feasibility and costs involved.
- Remove all of the rubble, so there’s a clear space to work. You’d also want to pull up the flooring and remove any cabinets.
- New wall framing goes in – this includes plumbing, gas, and electricals.
- Install walls and ceilings
- Install doors and windows – this includes trims and skirtings.
- Install cabinets, but don’t install the doors until appliances are in.
- Installation of bench sink and taps.
- Then, you’d get the painting done before laying out the flooring, installing the appliances and lighting, and finally, the cabinet doors.
Paint last
For painting, try not to paint the room too early as you could risk damaging your freshly painted walls during the renovation process. As a rule of thumb, you should only paint your room after:
- The completion of electrical and plumbing work
- The installation of drywall and spackling
- Windows, trim, major finishes are complete
- Installation of large pieces
- Completion of most of the flooring
It’s best to hire a professional painting service to assist you with the project. They’d be able to recommend the best time to paint your space to ensure that it’s well-protected – especially your floors, along with the best paint techniques for the most even finish.
Completion
Remember that renovating isn’t a linear process and will most likely be messier and a tad more expensive than originally planned; however, if you stick to your checklist and original budget, you’ll be good to go. Before you know it, you’ll be done with your renovation and can unwind and relax in your new space.
