How to Remodel a Home? A Step-By-Step Roadmap for First-Time Remodelers

For first-time remodelers, the process can feel daunting and confusing. Especially when you are unsure about where to start, who you need to contact, and what steps to take. Below is a roadmap of some important steps to take to better help you navigate this process.

The Why

The first step in any remodel is to clarify your reasons to renovate your space. Is it to accommodate a growing family, upgrade your lifestyle, prepare for a sale, or simply just for maintenance purposes.

Budget & Timeline

Arguably the most important step in the process is determining your budget, how much you’re able to invest in your home. This budget will serve as a guide for what’s realistically possible with your renovation. Alongside your budget, establishing a clear timeline is essential. Consider when you’ll be ready and available for the project to begin.

Define Your Style & Inspiration

Start by gathering inspiration from social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Save photos of design that you’re naturally drawn to. Identify the overall style or them that resonates with you the most, whether it’s Modern, Coastal, Farmhouse, or Traditional. Finally, create a list of your ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’ to help prioritize your design decisions.

Understand the Scope

Understanding the scope of your remodel is essential before any work begins. This means clearly defining what areas of the home will be affected. Whether you’re simply updating finishes, redoing the layout, or addressing structural elements. Knowing the full extent of the project helps set realistic expectations for the timeline, budget, and required approvals.

OPIONAL PIT STOP - Plans

If you are 100% certain that you want to proceed with a home remodel and invest the money…

Depending on the size and complexity of your remodel – such as additions, new builds, or full home remodels – this is an ideal time to connect with a design/architectural firm to create detailed plans. Having plans in place allows you to present a clear idea and vision to contractors when requesting bids, which will in turn lead to more accurate pricing. Without plans, on large projects, estimates are more likely to be broad or speculative, increasing the risk of unexpected costs down the line.

Research Contractors & Collect Estimates

Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important steps in a successful project. Start by researching for local and licensed professionals with a strong reputation. Once you’ve narrowed down your list to at least three contractors, start reaching out to collect estimates. Each estimate should outline the scope of work, timeline, and costs. Don’t automatically go with the lowest bid. Evaluate each proposal with quality and professionalism in mind. A good contractor is not always the cheapest contactor. Remember the saying – Buy Once, Cry Once – It’s better to spend more money upfront for a high-quality item that will last, rather than buying a cheaper, lower quality item that will need to be replaced more frequently.

Finalize Contract & Schedule

Once you’ve selected a contractor, the next step is to finalize the contract and project schedule. Ensure the contract clearly outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and timeline. Review the contract carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear. It is also important to establish and confirm how changed or unexpected issues will be dealt with during the project. Lasty, establish a schedule and set expectations to help avoid misunderstanding and keep the project on track from start to finish.

Secure Permits & HOA Approval

If you haven’t already obtained the necessary plans or permits, now if the time to do so. Work closely with your contractor and your local city building department to determine what is required. If you live in a community governed by an HOA, be sure to check whether HOA approval is also needed. In fact, it’s often best to receive HOA approval first. The HOA will review whether the proposed remodel aligns with the community’s aesthetic guidelines, while the city will evaluate whether it complies with local and state building codes.

Keep in mind – Even if you receive city approval, your HOA can still reject the project if it doesn’t meet the community’s standards.

Prepare Your Home

Prior to the start of construction, it’s important to properly prepare your home to minimize disruptions and protect your belongings. You can start by clearing out areas that will be remodeled. Remove furniture, personal items, and anything that could possibly be damaged or get in the way. If possible, set up a temporary living space in another part of the house.

Construction

Once construction commences, expect your home to be an active work zone. Depending on the scope and location of your remodel, there may be noise, dust, and limited access to certain areas. The contractor should provide regular updated and keep you informed on the overall progress, as well as if any issues have arisen. While it may feel disruptive at times, the construction phase is when your vision will start to take come to life. Each day you are brought one step close to your finished space.

Final Walk Through

As the project nears its completion, the final walkthrough is a critical step in ensuring everything has been finished to your satisfaction and is inline with the plans, if plans have been provided. During the walkthrough, review the work with the contractor and create a list of agreed upon items to be completed. Update this list as the project comes to a close to ensure no items slip through the crack. This is also a good time to ask about maintenance instructions, warranty information, and extra material – if any are available.

Enjoy Your New Space

Once the remodel is complete, it’s now time to enjoy the results. Take pride in the transformation and the comfort it brings to your daily life. Make sure to personalize the space with your favorite décor, show it off to your friends and family, and settle into a space that better reflect your style and personal needed. Congrats, you’ve earned it!