For many people, tackling a home renovation project is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it’s an exciting but challenging endeavor. We’ve worked with many Jacksonville, FL, homeowners on their home renovation projects, and know just how many details go into getting a home renovation right. We love planning, designing, and building our clients’ dream renovations, so we developed this home renovation checklist to help them understand the process better. We hope it helps you too!
Here are some possible home renovation elements to consider:
Exterior renovations
- Upgrade your gutters and downspouts
- Refurbish your roof, especially if there are leaks
- Paint your walls, windows, and doors
- Replace windows with double or triple-glazed options
- Restore decaying timber
- Landscape your garden
- Add a new curb or driveway
- Add a deck, patio, or other outdoor living space
- Use plants, flowers, and bushes to bring your garden to life
- Build an outbuilding, pool house, or shed
- Repair structural concerns
Interior renovations
- Consider layout changes, such as taking out walls to create an open-plan living space or increase room size
- Install new flooring
- Paint, tile, or wallpaper select walls
- Convert attics, garages, or basements into usable spaces
- Install new storage options
- Add extra sockets and lighting
- Replace pipes or electrical wiring
- Update your master bath
- Add usable surface area in your kitchen
- Add a new fireplace or upgrade an old one
Check out these top interior design trends for some inspo!
Do you have a home renovation concept in your head?
Trust husband-and-wife team Dana and Adam Merrill to expertly handle every detail and create a beautiful, functional space to fit your family’s lifestyle.
Home renovation checklist
Pre-renovation
- Get inspired: Explore various sources for ideas and styles to suit your tastes and lifestyle.
- Set your renovation goals and determine your budget: Determine what you want to achieve with the renovation and set a realistic budget. (Can you use your home loan to finance your renovations?)
- Identify your renovation must-haves and nice-to-haves: Make a list of the essential elements you want to include in your renovation. Prioritize your list and differentiate these must-haves from the optional or nice-to-have items that you can consider if the budget allows.
- Select your renovation team: Find a reputable general contractor who specializes in the type of renovation you’re planning. A design-build company will be able to handle all of your needs from start to finish. Discuss your budget, communicate your vision, secure permits, and evaluate safety considerations and local processes.
- Establish communication and paperwork protocols: Set up a clear line of communication with your contractor and establish protocols for sharing project updates, handling changes, and addressing any concerns. Make sure to have a written contract in place that outlines the scope of work, timelines, payment schedule, and any other important details.
- Consider practical aspects: Think about temporary living arrangements, minimizing dust and disruption, and securing any necessary permits or approvals from local authorities.
- Stabilize the structure if needed: Your contractor may make necessary reinforcements or framing according to your remodeling plan.
- Plan site access for construction team and machinery: Consider potential modifications like fence removal or doorway widening.
You may also be interested in: Upgrade your home with new tax rules on home renovations
During the renovation, your contractor may:
- Carry out demolition work: Including removal of old cabinetry, walls, or other elements, and arrange for waste disposal.
- Adjust plumbing and electrical: Relocate drains or plumbing as required for sink, toilet, tub, or laundry area changes, and address necessary adjustments to electrical and plumbing systems.
- Proceed with major renovations: Adding new structures, moving walls, installing windows, and placing large items like islands, vanities, and cabinets.
- Complete flooring installation and minor renovations: Including tile, appliance installation, painting, and aesthetic updates.
During the renovation, you should:
- Schedule regular check-ins: Maintain regular communication with your contractor throughout the renovation process. Schedule check-ins to track progress, address any questions or concerns, and ensure that the project is on track.
- Be prepared for delays and unexpected challenges: Understand that renovations can sometimes face delays due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, material availability, or unexpected issues discovered during the construction phase. Be flexible and prepared with contingency plans to accommodate any delays or challenges that may arise.
Post-renovation
- Air out the home: Once all the projects are complete, you’ll want to air the home out, especially if you’ve repainted, re-stained, or added in lots of grout, tile, or cement. Open a few windows, and let the fresh air in for a day or two.
- Compile a renovation punch list: Once the renovation is complete, live in the renovated space for a couple of weeks to identify any adjustments or fixes needed and work with your contractor to address them.
- Decorate, relax, and celebrate: Put out your final home décor touches to make the completed renovation your own. Sit back and relax in your new space and celebrate a job well done with your friends!
FREE CHECKLIST
Are you ready to turn your house into the home of your dreams?
We’re here to help you every step of the way with our free Home Renovation Checklist.
The most important step: find a trusted home renovation partner
Embarking on a home renovation project can be an overwhelming task, but with careful planning and organization, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. To ensure the smoothest journey possible, it is essential to find trusted professionals who understand the intricacies of the process. From setting your goals and budget to selecting a reliable team and navigating the various steps involved, it’s crucial to have the right professionals by your side. Work with someone who knows your local market and understands the details of overseeing the steps of a whole home remodel in your area. Many statutes and requirements change from city to city, so it’s important to work with someone who knows these requirements inside and out.
You may also be interested in:
When it comes to home renovations, finding a trusted partner like John Merrill Homes can make all the difference. With our team’s expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we are well-equipped to guide you through every stage of the renovation process. Get in touch to tell us about your next project!
