Home Renovation Guide: How to Plan a Whole House Remodel in 9 Steps
How to Plan a Home Renovation From Start to Finish
Renovating a house is an exciting time, whether you’re turning a historic building into your dream home or flipping a house. But when you get into the details, it can also feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve never completed one before. That’s why you need to plan your remodel well in advance. Use our tips for planning a home renovation to keep your worries at bay and your job on track.
3 Things to Consider While Planning Your Home Remodel
When renovating a house for yourself or to sell, there are three key factors to consider as you decide how to plan your home remodel.
1. The Size of Your Budget
How much you’re planning to spend on a home renovation determines the scope of your project. We’ll cover how to set a realistic budget for your remodel in step three.
2. The Condition of Your Property
Remodeling a fixer-upper is more expensive and time-consuming than renovating a house that’s already in good shape. Remember this as you start planning your whole house remodel, as it impacts your budget and the projects you take on.
3. The End Goal of Your Project
Preparing to put your house on the market or flip a property you just purchased? Set on living in your home for the foreseeable future? Whatever your life plans are, map out your home renovation accordingly. If you’re interested in raising resale value, you should tackle remodeling projects that increase ROI. But if you’re updating your home to better suit your lifestyle, start thinking about rooms you spend the most time in.
“Establish what your goals and budget are and be realistic about the time it will take to complete. Take into consideration what your needs may be now and in the future. If you’re staying long term, and depending on your age, you’ll want to look into ideas for ‘aging in place’ such as grab bars in the bathroom tub and shower. Storage needs are often overlooked and regretting you should have more after the fact is not uncommon. You want to envision what your desired environment should look and feel like and go from there.”
Jody Costello, Founder, ContractorsFromHell
9 Planning Steps to Renovating a House
With our ultimate home renovation guide, you’ll be able to tackle every step with ease, from setting a budget for your fixer-upper to preparing for interior renovations.
1. Build a Detailed Home Remodel Plan
When to start: 6 to 12 months before your start date
Building a plan is crucial if you’re renovating a house with no experience. First, you should outline the work that needs to be done. This includes stating the end goal for your renovation and providing design inspiration for contractors. You should also note which rooms you want to renovate in your old home and which ones you plan to leave as-is.
Your project plan should also include:
- A list of steps you plan to DIY
- A list of steps you plan to hire a professional for
Need Some DIY Inspiration?
Check out our comprehensive list of DIY home remodeling how-to guides to help your upcoming renovations.
How to Curb Your DIY Enthusiasm
When planning how to remodel a house, it’s easy to get excited. While you may be an expert in a certain DIY area, it’s important to know when you need a professional to step in. The key to curbing your own hubris is research, research and research. Look up videos and step-by-step guides for the project you’re considering taking on. Watch and read until you have a good grasp of everything the project entails. Then ask yourself:
- Do I have experience with this general category of DIY work?
- Do I understand everything I’m being told to do when I look up tutorials?
- Do I know how to complete all the smaller tasks that make up the project as a whole?
- Do I know how to use all the necessary tools?
- Do I know how to work with all the necessary materials?
- If there are steps I don’t know how to do or tools I don’t know how to use, do I have the foundational knowledge to learn?
- Do I have enough time to complete this project on my own without rushing the job?
- Do I have friends or family I can count on to help me if I need extra sets of hands?
- Do I have room in my budget to fix any mistakes I may end up making, and any additional damage that might result from those mistakes?
If you answered no to more than a couple of those questions, then your planned project is likely beyond your current skill level. Instead of forging ahead and causing yourself a long string of headaches and wasted dollars, it’s time to call in a pro.
2. Take Time to Research Permits
When to start: 6 to 12 months before your start date
You should start investigating local zoning regulations and permits early on in planning your home renovation. Make sure your neighborhood allows for your specific remodel (some renovations, like converting your garage into a room, are not allowed everywhere) and find out if you need a permit. If you’re completing a project that will change the structure of your home or how you use a room, you’ll most likely need to contact city officials.
If you do need a permit, wait to apply until you’ve hired a team and settled on a timeline. Depending on where you live, your contractor may need to obtain a building permit for you.
3. Set a Budget for Your Project
When to start: 6 to 12 months before your start date
The next step in planning a home remodel is determining how much you’re willing to spend. Your home renovation budget should include the costs for permits, building materials, labor and cosmetic touches.
If your cost estimates don’t fit into your budget, use your home improvement project plan from step one to eliminate elements of your job that are a lower priority. You should also request estimates from multiple contractors to find the best option for you.
“When you remodel a home, pay attention to your budget so you don’t overbuild in your neighborhood. For instance, if you get the top-of-the-line appliances, flooring, counters and cabinets for your kitchen remodel and it is far above what other homes have in the neighborhood, you may not get your money back. Many homeowners take their eye off of their budget and realize that they overspent on their project when the bill comes.”
Elizabeth Dodson, Co-Founder, HomeZada
Choose the Right Materials for Your Home Remodel
Materials are always one of the biggest costs for any remodel. Your renovation costs can change dramatically depending on the materials you use for construction. For example, choosing high-end handmade tile that ships from Italy can skyrocket your budget. If you’re looking for ways to save, opt for more common materials, like classic bright-white subway tile. Here are some general guidelines for material costs:
- Hardwood floors: $3 to $10 per square foot
- Tile floors: $3 to $10 per square foot
- Cabinets: $80 to $90 per cabinet
- Countertops: $40 to $100 per square foot
- Paint: $25 to $100 per hour if you hire a painter
Want to avoid overspending on your next remodel?
Learn how to budget for your home renovation with our helpful guide.
4. Hire Contractors
When to start: 6 to 12 months before your start date
Once you’ve built a home remodeling plan and set a budget, you’ll need to hire your team. At this point in your renovation plan, you should know which projects you’ll complete yourself and which ones you’ll hire out for. Make sure to start reaching out to contractors early in your house flipping process as some contractors may have a wait list of up to 12 months.
Friends and family are generally the best place to start for referrals for reputable contractors. You can then use the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s website to find contractors near you who are members. Start assembling a list of certified contractors to follow up with to assess how qualified they are for the level of work your remodel requires.
Don’t choose your contractors based on cost estimates alone. When interviewing and selecting your contractors, think about:
- Years of experience: A contractor with several years of experience may be a safer bet than someone new to the business.
- Contracting license: Make sure your contractor has all the required certifications specific to their line of work. Please note your contractor may not need a license depending on the state you live in.
- Certificate of insurance: Contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance for their work type.
- References: Request and call references. This is a great way to make sure your contractor isn’t just good on paper. It’s always a good idea to check out online reviews, too.
- Payment schedule: A reputable contractor won’t ask you to pay the full price upfront, and the Better Business Bureau advises not to. However, it’s important to discuss payment terms before construction begins. In some cases, it’s better to spend a little extra to get someone you’re comfortable working with.
“A thorough vetting process is key to finding a competent, ethical contractor. And that means going beyond license checks and referrals. License checks are a necessary formality but they don’t give you the bigger picture about the contractors’ business ethics. The same goes for referrals; don’t choose a contractor solely on these two checks alone. Dig deeper by checking the internet for complaints that others have made by googling their name and company as well as checking sites like Yelp, Complaints Board and the Better Business Bureau.”
Jody Costello, Founder, ContractorsFromHell
5. Decide Which Projects You’ll Tackle First
When to start: 2 to 3 months before your start date
As you plan your home remodel, consider which projects you’ll take on first. To prevent big issues later on, we recommend tackling messy, large-scale home improvements before focusing on the smaller details. If you’re working with a contractor, consult with them to make sure you’re on the same page. It’s important to note the order of your remodel process affects when you schedule crews for different parts of your project.
“Where you start your home remodel depends on what’s important to you as a homeowner and how much you want to spend. Kitchen and bathroom remodels add value to your home but cost a lot of money and can take more time to complete. Maybe finishing out a basement, updating the flooring in your family room or adding a patio to your backyard will add value to your property and the time spent with your family.”
Elizabeth Dodson, Co-Founder, HomeZada
How to Organize Your Exterior and Interior Renovations
Start With Utilities
You can’t live in your dream home without electricity or running water. Before you make any major home improvements, check that your plumbing, HVAC and electrical lines are all in place. If you’re adding onto your home in any way, from building an addition to putting in another bathroom, it’s important to add any necessary utilities before you start building. If you don’t do this first, you’ll have to backtrack so your new appliances and fixtures run properly.
Move Onto Large Projects
If you’re changing your original floor plan or building onto your home, put that project at the top of your list. Making large, time-consuming home improvements will save you hours of work down the road. Don’t plan on making any major home upgrades? Start with the room you spend the most time in.
Schedule Smaller Projects Towards the End
It’s a good idea to make minor home updates toward the end of your remodel. This includes installing new lighting fixtures and tackling small room renovations, like converting your spare bedroom into an office. For this step, focus on giving your home personal flair.
Save Finishing Touches for Last
Once your appliances and fixtures are installed, decorate the inside of your home. This includes choosing paint colors for each room and hanging curtains.
Pro Tip
For organization, use a calendar to plan each step of your remodeling project. Confirm with your team that your timeline is realistic and keeps you within budget. According to RenoFi, here’s how long it typically takes to renovate each room of your home.
- Kitchen: 6 to 12 weeks
- Bathroom: 3 to 10 weeks
- Room Addition: 12 to 20 weeks
- Basement: 4 to 8 weeks
- Flooring: 1 to 3 weeks
6. Set a Timeline for Your Project
When to start: 2 to 3 months before your start date
Once you have a budget and team in place for your remodeling plan, set a timeline. First, choose a desired start date. If you’re hoping to have it completed by a specific time, work backward from that date. Consult with your contractors to determine how long each portion of the project will take. You should also discuss which steps of the remodel process need to be completed first, how long they will take and which can be completed concurrently.
Additionally, make sure your timeline:
- Includes time to clean out the project area.
- Allows for the shipping and delivery of materials.
- Accounts for any holidays your contractor may take off.
- Includes a few days’ worth of wiggle room for each step in case of unexpected issues.
7. Plan for Problems When Remodeling
When to start: 2 to 3 months before your start date
Even the most detailed home remodeling plans go awry. Don’t let it get you down. Prepare for unexpected issues by setting aside a chunk of your budget and allotting a few extra days in your timeline. This helps you reduce stress and spend less throughout the remodel process. Listed below are three common problems that come up during home renovations — keep them in mind as you complete your project.
Common Renovation Problems to Look Out For
- Foundation cracks. Foundation damage is one of the most expensive problems homeowners face. If you notice two or more of these foundation issues in your house, call a professional.
- Water damage. It’s not uncommon for water damage to put home remodels behind schedule. If you find damage from leaks and floods in your home, your contractor must assess how severe it is and fix the problem. This will put any ongoing renovation projects on hold.
- Outdated electrical work. If your electrical work isn’t up to code, update it to keep your house safe. Plus, old wiring can’t handle the power generated by modern appliances, which you’ll probably install during your home remodel.
8. Prepare for Your Renovation
When to start: Make plans 2 to 3 months before your start date; pack up 1 to 2 weeks before your start date
Now that your home project planning is nearing an end, prep your first room and try to avoid using it while it’s under construction. Whether you should live in your home during construction depends on the projects you’re completing. If you’re flipping a property to put it on the market, you don’t have to worry about being inconvenienced. Regardless, you must prepare each room of the house before getting to work.
- Kitchen remodel: If you’re remodeling your kitchen, build a temporary place to cook and remove all your dishes as well as major appliances. It’s a good idea to clean out your refrigerator and pantry so nothing goes to waste.
- Bedroom remodel: When renovating your bedroom, find somewhere to store your furniture and make new sleeping arrangements. To avoid excess clutter, pack away any clothes you don’t plan to wear in the foreseeable future.
- Bathroom remodel: If your whole family is using one bathroom until you’re done remodeling, condense the number of products you use. It might be helpful to schedule a bathroom routine for each family member to avoid traffic jams.
- Basement remodel: Before renovating your basement, make sure you don’t have to worry about any code violations. You should also check with city officials to see if you need a permit.
If you’re remodeling your whole house in one fell swoop, you might want to move out completely for a short period of time. Whatever your situation looks like, make any necessary adjustments so you can live comfortably until your home renovation is complete.
Planning a renovation? That's a lot of cleanup.
A dumpster can help. Here's what you need to know.
9. Plan Ahead for Your Cleanup
When to Start: 2 to 3 months before your start date
It’s easy to forget about cleanup when you’re planning a big project. Don’t wait until your contractor is piling concrete in your driveway to think about waste removal. Factor the cost of getting rid of debris into your budget and make sure to discuss plans with your contractor before starting your job.
You have several options when it comes to your junk removal method:
- Rent a dumpster: You can rent one or multiple roll off dumpsters for a stress-free cleanup. We’ll deliver your bins directly to your driveway or street. You can plan for staggered delivery or have all your containers delivered at once. Need more than one dumpster but don’t have the space? Use our convenient empty-and-return service.
- Use dumpster bags: These may work best for your smaller projects, final touches or any leftover debris at the end of your project. Simply fill your bags, set them at the curb and let the manufacturer pick them up.
- Go to the landfill yourself: You always have the option of hauling your renovation debris to the landfill yourself. Make sure you have a truck large enough to carry all your remodel debris.
- Work with your contractor: Your contractor may have a plan to get rid of debris baked into their service. Confirm with them before hiring.
Put Your Home Remodel Plan Into Action
Now that you know how to start remodeling a house, it’s time to get to work. Use the following guides to renovate each room of your house with ease.
