Home remodeling and renovations are definitely exciting! The aspect of building your own custom space is a dream come true, but that does not mean that it is not overwhelming. Unless you are in the construction industry, you likely have an idea of what you want the finished project to look like, but getting there is often the hard part. The best way to go from Point A to Point Z is to make a list and check it twice. At Clean ’n’ Brite, we understand that it can be difficult for our clients, therefore, we devised this checklist to keep your renovations in check! Whether it is renovating a living room or a whole home remodel, spelling it all, helps reduce chaos, keeps you on budget, and can ease some of the angst that comes with home remodeling.

Whole-Home Remodeling Steps

There is no way to anticipate all of the many factors and components that go into remodeling a whole house, but this is a good outline for you to get a gauge of what all needs to be done, the decisions that need to be made, and a realistic timeline to keep it all on track.

1. Demolition

Unfortunately, you have to tear things up before you can build anew. Demolition can range from a total gut of the drywall down to the stubs to removing walls and other structures. The key to demolition is really “getting in” to see what can stay and what needs to be altered or removed. When it comes to remodeling and renovating, you never really know the full scope of the project until you get in and see what is lurking behind the walls. Sure, it is a messy job, but keep your eyes on the prize!

2. Framing/Rebuilding

When it comes to rebuilding and framing, it will depend on what you have to work with, and what you don’t or can’t. Some renovations will involve just a few studs being placed, while others will have an entire living-space added on, which will need to be built from scratch, while also accommodating what you already have in place.

 3. HVAC/Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanicals

This is the step that involves the “meat and potatoes” to your remodeling and renovation. Typically, this stage runs in tandem with the framing. Making decisions about these systems needs to be completed so that you know what needs to go where and behind what walls or ceilings. Sometimes it can include major electrical upgrades, while others it is simply adding HVAC to a newly built living space. While addressing this step, also consider some energy efficiency musts to save you money down the road.

4. Walls

Once the framing and the mechanicals are in place and your walls have been insulated, comes the drywall. The drywall is first cut and pieced together in sheets, and then it needs to be taped and muddled. After the first layer of mud goes on, it needs to be sanded and then repeated, sometimes several times. It is a messy job, but it is a point where you are nearing the end. After the drywall is complete, the walls will be smooth and will require a primer before you can put up paint. Painting is sometimes completed at this point so that you don’t have to worry about avoiding lighting fixtures and other finishing touches.

5. Flooring

Sometimes contractors will wait for the “dust to settle,“ literally, and the paint to dry, and then start the floors. But there is some wiggle room in the flooring stage. Your contractor will walk you through this step to see what is best for your particular build.

6. Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the last “build” steps. The cabinet stage is where your kitchen cabinets will be secured and your bathroom vanities set up. At this point, you will really start to see it all come together.

7. Appliances

Now comes the time to fill in the gaps. Things like dishwashers, refrigerators, and stoves, as well as mechanicals, are completed in this step. At this point, you will have a fully functional space to work with.

8. Accessories/Furniture/Final Touches

This is the end stage where the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed. Things like backsplashes are the icing on the cake and are there to show off your newly-placed faucets. This is also a time to think about things like wallpaper or wall accents.

Your Whole House Remodeling Checklist

Each step will involve some to-dos by your builder and by you. You must have clear communication and stay on task. You don’t want to get to a scenario where you are waiting on the contractor, or they are waiting on you. If you both are on the same page, things will run as smoothly as possible. And you can also eliminate all the little hiccups that can hold things up.

The key to any home remodel or renovation is hiring the right professional. Your builder is not only there to build; they are there to walk you through the process and keep you on track. It is a partnership that only works when two people are pulling their weight. At Clean ’n’ Brite, we believe that communication is the key not only to keeping your remodeling on track, but also, to staying on budget, on time, and delivering a finished product that well exceeds your expectation. Contact us today so we can start making your vision, your reality!