Home renovations provide homeowners with the opportunity to take their house and turn it into a home they’ve always dreamed of. The idea of renovating can be intimidating. Where do you start? Who do you call? But before you get overwhelmed, we’ve created a checklist to help answer all your questions and guide you through the home renovation process. Whether you recently purchased a fixer-upper home in Denver or have been living in the same house in New York for years, you can make your dream home a reality with the help of this renovation checklist.
1. Make a plan for your home renovation
Before you embark on your home renovation journey, make sure you outline your ideas and plans. Maybe you want to add a home office or redo the kitchen. The possibilities are endless. Make sure you know what you want the end result to look like and keep in mind that the project likely won’t be completed all at once.
Before you grab a hammer or start browsing paint colors, ask yourself:
- Why am I renovating? (To add value, fix issues, or improve comfort?)
- Which areas need the most attention?
- What’s my ideal timeline?
PRO TIP: “Dare to dream! Work with someone with the expertise, insight, and creativity to make those dreams a reality.” – Essential Habitat
2. Set your renovation budget
To determine your budget, decide which projects are the highest priority and what you can live without. Need help figuring out which renovations you want? Consider popular home trends in your area and projects that can add value to your home. Make sure to budget for any problems that could arise during the initial structure check or during demolition. Once you’ve established your budget, you can begin creating a reasonable time frame to help you stick to a schedule.
3. Inspect your home’s structure and systems
Before taking on a major renovation project, make sure the home’s structure is solid. This includes checking the foundation, electrical systems, plumbing,…