TV shows like DIY Network and HGTV portray as if house renovations are done in about 24 minutes. We all know that this isn’t true, but the fast-paced style of remodeling led by glib hosts dilutes the idea that home renovation is hard and long.
When you decide to redo your whole house, it’s essential to know what you’re getting yourself into. Take a look at the parts of a big home renovation to get a sense of how it’s like and plan your work better.
Where To Begin?
Plan And Design
Whether you start with a cocktail napkin sketch or comprehensive architectural designs on free online home remodeling software, it’s vital to have a plan for the job. Fixing problems before a makeover is cheaper and less stressful at this point. Before you start any remodeling project, consider your financial situation.
Make a “yes/no” list of things you can do and want someone else to do. Find contractors and subcontractors to help you with tasks you don’t want to perform yourself. Some jobs you can undertake on your own, but for some, you’ll need permission from the authorities. Contractors can help you out with that.
Consider The Projects’ Size
More extensive works include roof replacement or repair, foundation repair, water infiltration repair, and window and siding installation or repair. Major projects must be completed first, as they influence later initiatives.
As you work on future modifications, watch out for the house. This includes fixing the foundation and structural flaws. Make complete foundation repairs to weakened walls, joists, and beams, and secure the foundation.
Demolition Strategy
You will demolish and dispose of home elements that future builds will replace. This is a large undertaking that many homeowners miss until it begins.
You’ll need to rent a large container for waste. Deconstruct all or some of the house areas that will be carefully renovated. If you are not going to live in the house, demolish as much as necessary.
Caution is advised when removing lead-based paint and dealing with asbestos as they are a severe health hazard prevalent in older homes. Consider consulting a specialist.
Consider Carpentry
Structural carpentry supports other tasks. Some instances of this are relocating or erecting new walls, adding beams to support larger loads upstairs, punching in new doors (or removing old doors), adding framing for new construction windows, or significantly expanding window apertures. Some of these projects, like enlarging window openings, may require the services of a contractor.
Plan Ahead Of Time For Your HVAC, Electrical, And Plumbing Projects
When the walls and ceiling are exposed, it is necessary to provide vital services. Because of the open walls and ceilings, the HVAC company can easily install ducts for central heating and air conditioning, and electricians and plumbers can run new electrical and plumbing systems.
The building code in most nations requires that this remodeling component be completed only by those who are professionally licensed to do it. Examine the requirements in your area thoroughly.
Drywall And Insulation
Insulation must be installed before drywall. Examine the many types of insulation available and plan to utilize them in various house places. You’ll need it in the walls and attic, and you can do everything yourself.
Consult the electrician before sealing the walls (and perhaps the plumbing inspector). They’ll let you close the doors and windows.
Once the walls are drywalled, hang, mix, and sand them. Drywall installers hang drywall sheets, apply drywall compound, then wait for it to dry. They sand it dry. Repeat as necessary until the surface is smooth. With a lot of work and patience, you could do this yourself.
Fine Carpentry
Then there’s the non-supportive carpentry, which includes things like baseboards, molding, window and door trim, and built-ins like bookcases and breakfast nooks. Fine carpentry completes the look of your property.
Interior Painting, Wallpapering, And Other Finishing Touches
Most homeowners can paint inside walls, hang wallpaper, paint molding and trim, and stain and finish their homes’ trim. This job should be done last because it may affect other areas of the process. Should you paint first, then install or sand your flooring or vice versa? This is a debate. Paint can get on floors if they are set down before painting. Painting before sanding may scuff walls.
Set Up The Flooring
Depending on the room, you might choose laminate, solid hardwood or engineered wood, carpet, or vinyl as your floor covering. You might also choose vinyl, tile, or marble for your floor for bathrooms and kitchens. Plan to put the floor down as late as possible in the renovation process, no matter what you choose. This will keep your floor from getting a lot of damage.
Movie Outside
It’s time to work on the outside of the house when the inside is done or almost done. It’s safe to put on the gutters and siding now that the house is close to being done. Only do this if you need to because doors and windows could be ripped out, and the outside project would be ruined.
You can now think about adding things outside the house, like a front porch or a sunroom. It’s also a good time to think about things that aren’t part of the house, like detached garages or swimming pools.
Conclusion
Remember that the end product will likely be satisfying. So enjoy the remodeling process. Record your progress with lots of photos — everyone loves a good before and after! Another sensible option is to keep track of what went well and what went wrong during the renovation process.
A significant home renovation can be intimidating, but it all starts with a plan. Taking it one step and focusing on the outcome will help reduce stress.
