The Ultimate Checklist for Preparing for a Major Home Renovation

It has already been a busy year in our household! We’re FINALLY starting our largest home renovation project! We’ve already renovated two smaller rooms in our house, a bathroom and nursery. However, those were very small projects that we did mostly DIY. Now we’re demolishing our brick backyard porch and garage to add approximately 1300 sq feet to our home! This will include a new master suite, a new laundry room, a guest half-bath, a mudroom, a pantry, and extended living room area! We are SO excited! And this time we are NOT doing it DIY haha! However now that we are actually part-way into the project, I’m finding it to be a bit more STRESSFUL than I anticipated. 🙂 

Are you also planning a major home renovation in the future or just dreaming of what it might be like to get started with one? I’ve put together this helpful checklist of all the essentials you need to consider when getting started with a major project like ours! I hope you can benefit from some of the lessons we’ve learned the hard way!

Finalize Architect Drawings

Before you can start the construction phase of your home renovation, it is crucial to finalize architect drawings that accurately reflect your vision for the project. Working closely with your architect to review and approve the final plans ensures that all aspects of the renovation are well thought out and accounted for. This step is essential in avoiding costly mistakes and delays down the line. 

I cannot over emphasize how important this step of the process is! We were apparently too naïve and started construction before really finalizing our drawings! Little things like what side of the tub had the drain in the drawings vs where we actually wanted it in real life, we didn’t notice until after the plumbing was done. *facepalm* 

Once the architect drawings are finalized to your satisfaction, you can confidently move forward with the next step of obtaining necessary permits to begin your renovation project.

Obtain Necessary Permits

To ensure that your home renovation project is legally compliant and up to code, obtaining necessary permits is a crucial step in the process. Permits are required to ensure that your renovation meets safety standards and zoning regulations set by your local government. Before you can begin any construction work, it is important to research and understand the specific permits required for your project. This may include building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and more. Failure to obtain the proper permits can result in fines, stop-work orders, and even having to undo completed work. By taking the time to secure the necessary permits upfront, you can avoid potential headaches and setbacks during your renovation project. Usually just by Googling your county permit requirements you can find the office and info you need to get this step completed.

Set a Realistic Budget

Setting a realistic budget for your home renovation is the next essential step in ensuring a smooth and successful project. It’s important to carefully consider all potential costs, including materials, labor, permits, and unexpected expenses. By setting a clear budget from the beginning, you can avoid overspending and ensure that your project stays on track. 

My husband has experience with doing house flips and has several rental properties, so he had a pretty good idea of the cost estimates for most items. We also spent a lot of time Googling prices just to get estimates for things like windows, doors, and cabinets. Your contractor should also be able to help you with this part too, if you’re using one (we did not!). Don’t forget to estimate the cost of all the little things too like the lumber package, tile/flooring, plumbing, electric, HVAC, and in our case we even needed a new septic tank (not cheap!). 

Setting a realistic budget ahead of time will really help you have a full understanding of the cost of the project and (hopefully!) keep you from spending money on random things that pop up along the way that may be “nice to haves” but not actual needs. 🙂

Hire Qualified Contractors

One of the most crucial aspects of a successful home renovation project is hiring qualified contractors. Lucky, or not so lucky for me, my husband has all the connections like a contractor and has previous experience with home flips and these types of projects. However, for anyone with out that level of experience. Hiring the right contractor can be the most critical step!

Before entrusting your home to any professionals, it’s important to thoroughly research and vet potential contractors to ensure they have the necessary skills, experience, and reputation for the job. Look for contractors who are licensed, insured, and have positive reviews from past clients. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask for references and examples of their previous work to gauge their proficiency.

By hiring qualified contractors, you can have peace of mind knowing that your renovation project is in capable hands. Once you have secured a reliable team, you can confidently move on to the next step: packing up your belongings and clearing work areas to make the renovation process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Pack Up Belongings and Clear Work Areas

To ensure a successful home renovation, it is essential to pack up your belongings and clear work areas in preparation for the upcoming project. By creating a clutter-free environment, you can help contractors work efficiently and prevent any damage to your possessions. Remember to store valuables in a safe place and label boxes for easy access during the renovation process. 

This is another lesson we’ve learned the hard way. The demo went quicker than we anticipated, so when it came time to remove the brick chimney from our current living room, ALL of our furniture was still in the room! If you don’t know this already, any kind of demo leaves a ton of dust, dirt, and overall mess! We also left playmats and rugs out in our basement, not realizing that the plumbers and electricians would be coming downstairs with muddy shoes and walking on them. I wish I would’ve considered picking up all areas of the house where workers would be. I seriously regret not having the space cleared out before starting this process!

Create a Timeline for the Renovation

Creating a timeline for the renovation is a crucial step in ensuring that the project stays on track and is completed in a timely manner. Start by outlining key milestones and deadlines for different stages of the renovation, such as demolition, plumbing, electrical work, and finishing touches. Consider factors such as weather, material delivery times, and any unexpected delays that may arise. By mapping out a clear timeline, you can better manage the project and communicate expectations with your contractors. It will also help you realize when and what areas of your house you need to have cleared and ready for the workers to use! But just remember, construction timelines can be helpful but expect them to always change and just be ready to adjust as needed!

Secure Temporary Living Arrangements

Securing temporary living arrangements during a major home renovation is a critical aspect that should not be overlooked. Depending on the extent of the work being done, it may not be feasible to stay in your home during the construction process. Consider staying with friends or family, renting a short-term apartment, or booking a hotel room for the duration of the renovation. Be sure to factor in the additional costs of temporary housing into your renovation budget.

Living off-site during the renovation can also help minimize disruptions to your daily routine and reduce the stress associated with living in a construction zone. Prioritize finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay that aligns with your needs and preferences. Additionally, plan for any pets or family members who may need to accompany you during this time.

By securing temporary living arrangements before the renovation begins, you can focus on overseeing the project without the added pressure of living in a construction zone. 

This is something we have NOT done well. We initially thought that we would have to live somewhere else during the renovation, but once it got started, we realized that we could still be in the house while the majority of the work was taking place. However, since I work from home, most days when there are jackhammers going and loud banging on the walls, I end up at my in-laws house to work instead! This has added another layer of stress to the project of not always knowing when you can or can’t be at the house. Plus it is a MESS in our backyard and I don’t really love living in a construction zone. If you have the option, I would definitely encourage you to live somewhere else during a major renovation project!

By meticulously following the steps outlined in this checklist, you are setting yourself up for a successful and stress-free home renovation journey. And you’ll already be off to a better start than we are! Take the time to ensure all aspects are thoroughly covered, from finalizing architect drawings to securing temporary living arrangements. Remember, preparation is key to a smooth renovation process. So, dive in with confidence, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to make your dream home a reality. As you embark on this exciting venture, keep in mind the words of Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Best of luck on your renovation project!