What Comes First in a Home Renovation

There are many reasons to invest in a home renovation as it improves the overall appearance and resale value of a home. Everything has to be planned in detail because of the large amount of time and effort put into a home improvement project. Renovating a house can be an exciting and potentially profitable project as it adds both style and functionality. The success of a major renovation relies on planning ahead of time for what lies ahead including adjustments that may occur in the future. This article looks at the initial factors you need to consider during a home renovation.

Design and Planning

The first step of any home renovation project involves design and planning. Whether you already have a firm set of thoughts on how to go about the renovation process, a simple sketch on a piece of paper gives a general guide of what you are looking to achieve once the project is over. It is less frustrating and cheaper to correct mistakes at an earlier stage before the renovation project takes physical form. You can hire a licensed home inspector to assess the condition of your house and provide an estimate of the areas that may require renovation.

Budget Estimate

Based on the information you have about the areas you want to renovate in your home, you need to come up with a budget. This estimate determines the amount of financial investment required for the entire renovation project. It is a challenge for most people to stick to a budget especially if they have no idea of the source of financing. Engaging in larger projects that you might have never done before might even be a bigger challenge as it requires a detailed plan and extensive research.

Purchasing the Necessary Supplies

You can shop around for suppliers on local home improvement stores or reputable companies that offer good value for money. It is important to hire a professional if you will be dealing with large renovation projects. You can always negotiate on the price to get the best deals. A professional contractor can also advise you on the type of materials needed and where to get them at an affordable price.

Demolition and Waste Disposal

Next, you need to demolish and dispose of sections that will be replaced during renovation. You can cut costs by doing small demolition tasks on your own. However, large demolition projects that involve plumbing or electrical may require the skills and expertise of a professional. For instance, ripping off your bathtub recklessly could damage your plumbing fixtures attracting extra costs for repair. You can either rent a large container or hire a dumpster truck for your waste management needs.

Starting with Large Projects

It is important to start with large projects as they have a significant impact on subsequent projects. Some of the major renovation projects include foundation fix, roof replacement or repair, siding and window repair, and stopping water infiltration. Once you are done with large projects, it is easier to finish other small renovations as they often stem from major renovations. A professional contractor will start with structural carpentry that supports other work such as windows, doors, new or moved walls and drywall. This may involve removing or installing new doors and windows.

Plumbing and Electrical

The HVAC company installs ductwork with the ceiling and walls open to allow for central heating and air conditioning. Afterward, you can install new plumbing and electrical systems after electrical and plumbing inspectors have assessed them. Once this is complete, you can lay the insulation in your walls and ceiling which often takes a very short time. The walls are then closed up with drywall by hanging, mudding, and sanding.

Interior Painting and Other Surface Finishes

Finishing is the last thing you will need to do when renovating your home. This involves painting interior walls, staining, and applying a sealing trim. It is still debatable whether you should paint your walls first or lay your flooring. Painting your walls initially means that the sander on the floor may scuff your walls while layering your floor first risks the paint getting on the flooring.

It is important to decide whether you will be remodeling the whole house or specific rooms as it determines the overall amount you will spend on your budget. You should factor everything in your plan and budget to avoid experiencing delays or standoffs once the project begins. While a home renovation may seem exciting at first glance, it comes with many hidden costs that need to be resolved before you can achieve your dream home.