Step-by-Step Home Renovation Checklist

Having a home renovation checklist is key — no matter how big or small your project is. Even when you’re using a professional home remodeling team like Criner Remodeling, a solid checklist can help you prepare for your renovations, as well as stay abreast of what’s happening, what’s next, and what to expect as you get further along.

As you begin to check off these items, keep in mind that the renovation itself is best left to Criner’s hardworking team or a licensed professional, from tear down to clean up.

1. Consult a pro. You’ll want to talk to a professional contractor about your project, as well as have them evaluate your home’s structure and condition. Are there any safety issues to be concerned about? What items will you need a permit for? Use someone local and experienced, so they know the exact processes in your area.

You might need various permissions from the city or county building department, as well as post-project inspections in order to stay up to code.

2. Stabilize the structure, if necessary. If the home is particularly old or in disrepair, you may need to instruct your home remodeling company to make structural reinforcements before moving forward with your project.

This could include adding underpinning or piling to the existing foundation or inserting steel beams where necessary. Reputable and certified contractors should be able to help you stabilize the structure before they begin the remodel.

3. Plan site access. How will your construction team access the space they’ll be renovating? More importantly, how will the large machinery and construction tools necessary for the project enter your property? Will you need to remove a fence or widen a doorway? It’s important to garner more information about these tools from your contractor and how these tools will be directly applied to your renovation project.

4. Do any demolition work. Your trade contractors should have the manpower and the correct tools when carrying out demolition work, such as removing old cabinetry, tearing down walls, or opening up new windows or doorways.

You should plan to have contractors remove any bulk waste, things like walls, ceiling beams, floors, large cabinets, and counters, etc. Most contractors will include disposal in their process and price, so consult with them on how their process works.

5. Relocate any drains or plumbing. You might need to do drain or plumbing relocation if you’re moving your sink, toilet, or tub or adding any new ones. This is also necessary if you are adding or renovating your laundry area. Rest assured that you don’t have to walk through this step alone when you hire a full-service remodeling company.

6. Major renovations. The next step in your home renovation checklist is the big stuff: adding the structure of the new addition, moving the walls and doorways, installing the windows, and putting in large items like islands, vanities, cabinets, and more. You’ll want to clearly communicate with your contractor during this step as the placing and structure of these items are crucial to how your home will look in the end.

7. Flooring and minor renovations. Minor projects are next: adding in the new tile, installing the appliances, painting the walls, and making the aesthetic updates you’ve chosen.

Try to be clear to your contractors about how these new additions are placed and constructed. If you clearly communicated your plans long before these installations have started, then you should start to see your new interior come to life before your very eyes.

8. Final punch list. At the end of it all, you’ll do a final walk-through of the space to make sure everything’s been completed to your liking. You’ll make a final punch list of items — things like paint touch-ups or other minor changes — and your contractors will get to work on final repairs.

10. Dry out the home. Once all the projects are complete, you’ll want to dry the home or room out, especially if you’ve repainted, re-stained, or added in lots of grout, tile, or cement. Open a few windows, and let the space dry out for a day or two before utilizing it.

11. Decorate, relax, and celebrate. Now is the chance for you to put out your final home décor touches to really make the completed renovation your own. Sit back and relax in your new space and celebrate a job well done. Invite your friends over to show off all the hard work you and your remodeler have done!

Keep in mind that this home renovation checklist is only a loose one. Depending on the size and scope of your project, as well as the condition of your home, there may be more (or fewer) steps in your unique remodel.

If you live in the Newport News or Yorktown areas, Contact Criner Remodeling today for a full breakdown of what your home remodel will look like. Our certified and reputable contractors are ready to start working with you today!