Renovating your house is the most exciting yet difficult process. It is fun to redesign your home the way you want, but it comes with a series of responsibilities, like planning the budget, creating a plan, hiring professionals, buying materials, etc. To help you with this, we present you with a home renovation guide that will make the whole process simple and fun for you.
What is Included in House Renovation?
House renovation consists of a variety of tasks that are designed to improve or upgrade your home. This may include kitchen remodeling to make the cooking area well-furnished or replacing the cabinets and appliances. Bathroom renovation is also part of it, which deals with upgrading the tiles, toilet bowl, sink, fixtures, faucets, etc. In addition to this, remodeling the living spaces can make the house look bigger and aesthetically pleasant. Renovation may also involve structural changes like altering walls, adding windows, or improving insulation, or it could be about exterior enhancements and upgrading systems like electrical, water, etc.
Beginner’s Guide to Home Renovation
To simplify the renovation process, follow our home remodeling guide, which is explained in easy steps.
Step 1: Purpose of Renovation
Before starting the whole process, make a list of what kinds of renovations your house needs and what you have on your mind about your dream house. Find out what parts of your home need to be repaired immediately. You must also know the goal behind this renovation process, whether it is for enjoyment, basic needs, or resale value. Also, understand the features and styles your new house should possess.
Step 2: Budget Your Renovation
If you don’t want to disturb your finances while renovating, it is always a better plan to make a budget beforehand. It will give you an idea about your expenses and how much luxury you can afford for your house. The cost to remodel an apartment or house depends on which places you are renovating. A complete kitchen remodel usually costs around $15,000 to $40,000, depending on your kitchen size and the types of appliances you add. On the other hand, bathroom remodeling costs about $5,000 to $25,000, covering all the small and major upgrades.
For living space updates, spare a budget of around $5,000 to $15,000 for minor updates, and can be increased depending on the luxury you want to incorporate. For exterior enhancements, you may need to replace or paint the fascia and soffit, for which the cost is around $400 to $2,800. If your house exterior trim also needs renovation, it will cost around $2.28 – $4.67 per linear foot to paint it.
Step 3: Create a Design Plan
After defining the goal and budget, start designing the plan for your renovation. You may refer to architecture for a better design or choose the one that fits your taste. With the help of design software, lay out your vision. Also, get inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or other online sources. Choose materials, finishes, fixtures, and appliances according to your style and budget. You can add a garden to your outdoor place. Another way to is to build an outdoor kitchen on the deck, only if your budget allows you.
Step 4: Apply for Permits
If you are doing major renovations, you may need some permits to comply with building codes. It is important to get permits because illegal renovations can cause you to be fined or delays in your work. Do research about your area’s regulations and apply for the necessary permits. This may include:
- Structural modifications
- Electrical and plumbing work
- Exterior updates
Step 5: Choose Between DIY and Hiring Professionals
Before proceeding with renovation, you must decide whether you need to hire professionals for the work or whether you can do it yourself. Hiring professionals for the work is a good option if your budget allows you. This way, your work will be done earlier and better. But, if you are conscious about budget, divide the task into two groups. The one that can be done by you or the other that needs professional help. This way, you can do the renovation while staying within budget.
Step 6: Prepare Your Place for Renovation
Before starting the actual process, prepare the place so it will be easy for you to do the work, and so your belongings will be safe. For this, remove furniture and personal items to protect them from dust. It is also best to remove rugs and carpets to avoid any damage or dirt accumulation. Also, take down curtains, blinds, or wall-mounted decorations. Use plastic sheets to separate the renovation area from the rest of your home. Ensure that areas under renovation are not accessible to pets and children for safety purposes.
Step 7: Start The Renovation Process
With everything in place, start the renovation. Renovation can include tearing down walls or removing old fixtures. Installation of new structures, electrical systems, and plumbing could also be a part of it. Remodeling will also involve final touches like painting, flooring, and decorating to make your place appealing. Communicate with your hired professionals to keep the project on track.
Step 8: Do the Final Inspection
Once the renovation is complete, thoroughly inspect the house:
- Check for any issues or unfinished work.
- See if everything is according to what you wanted.
- Address any concerns with your contractors before completing the project.
Conclusion
This guide is an answer to all the questions about how to remodel a house or how to plan a house renovation. There are several responsibilities involved in house remodeling and you have to consider many things. By following a step-by-step process, you can make the house renovation a fun task.
