According to the popular DIY Network and HGTV programs, remodeling a home takes about 24 minutes. Although everyone is aware that this is untrue, the underlying idea that house improvement is complicated and arduous is undermined by the fast-paced remodeling style presided over by affable hosts.
When deciding to renovate your entire house, it’s crucial to know what you’re getting into. You can get a sense of what’s involved and better plan your projects by taking a look at the components of a big home remodel.
Start with planning and design
A rough design on a cocktail napkin, detailed architectural drawings, or simply a clear idea of how the remodel should proceed are all ideal places to start. Before the redesign actually takes shape, faults can be fixed more easily and for less money. Making sure you have the financing for your remodeling is one of the first things to think about.
Make a straightforward “yes/no” list of DIY projects and tasks you want specialists to complete. For the tasks you do not wish to perform yourself, look for contractors and subcontractors.
Apply for permits so that you can perform the tasks on your own (if necessary). If you hire a contractor, they’ll probably take care of the permits.
Think upon the larger projects
The largest tasks you might do include window and siding installation or repair, foundation repair, foundation replacement, and roof replacement or repair. Large projects must be completed first since they have an impact on smaller initiatives.
Make sure that the house won’t fall on you in order to protect your next renovation job. That includes taking care of the structure’s foundation and any other issues. Make significant foundation repairs to weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams as well as secure the foundation.
With siding, the same applies. Replace or repair the siding if it is so damaged that it will enable water infiltration. If not significantly harmed, put it off until later.
The demolition strategy
Parts of the house that will be replaced by later renovations will be destroyed and disposed of. Many homeowners ignore this major project until it gets started, at which point they start rushing to catch up. For garbage, you’ll need to rent a sizable container. Carefully demolish all or a portion of the house’s refurbished parts. If you won’t be residing in the house, demolish as much as you can.
Think about the Windows
Whether whole-house or partial, window installation is nearly always a factor in home remodeling projects. Many homeowners can attempt the task of installing new windows or replacement windows, but you should be aware that doing it yourself may void the manufacturer’s guarantee. Look into the conditions and get professional assistance if necessary because that guarantee may spare you a lot of trouble in the future.
Consider structural woodworking
Structural carpentry is a subset of carpentry that supports other types of work. Moving or building additional walls, adding beams to hold more weight upstairs, installing new doors (or removing old ones), adding framing for new construction windows, or considerably increasing window apertures are some examples of this.
Many of these tasks can be completed by a resourceful do-it-yourselfer, but others, like increasing window openings, may necessitate a contractor’s expertise.
Plan your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC projects
When the walls and ceiling are open, these essential utilities must be implemented. It is simpler for an HVAC provider to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning, as well as for electricians and plumbers to run new electrical and plumbing systems, when walls and ceilings are open.
Plan the drywall and insulation
Insulation needs to be installed before the drywall is put up. Consider your insulation options and decide which kinds to employ in which parts of the house. You’ll need it in the attic and walls, but you might be able to handle everything on your own.
With drywall, you’ll finish the walls by hanging, mudding, and sanding it. Drywall installers hang drywall sheets, apply compound, and allow compound to cure. They smooth it out after drying. On occasion, they will keep going until they have a smooth surface. You might be able to accomplish this on your own with a little effort and persistence.
Refine your fine carpentry techniques
The non-supportive carpentry follows, including baseboards, molding, window and door trim, and built-in furniture like bookcases and breakfast nooks. Your home gets that finishing touch thanks to fine carpentry. Continue with the inside painting, wallpapering, and finishing tasks.
Painting interior walls, hanging wallpaper, painting molding and trim, and staining and sealing trim are tasks that many homeowners are capable of performing. Because they can harm subsequent stages of the process, all of these meticulous surface finishes should be among the last things you complete indoors. For instance, is it better to paint first and then install or sand your flooring, or vice versa? This is up for debate. Painting the flooring could result from laying it down first. It’s possible for the floor sander to scratch your walls if you paint first.
Putting in flooring
Depending on the room, your final floor covering may be made of laminate, solid hardwood, engineered wood, carpet, or some combination thereof. For bathrooms and kitchens, your final floor covering may be made of vinyl, tile, or marble. Whatever you decide, schedule the flooring installation as late as feasible in the renovation process. This will prevent serious harm to your flooring surface.
Make it your way outside
It’s time to start working on the exterior of the house once the interior is finished, or almost so. It is safe to install the siding and gutters now that the house is largely built. If possible, wait until it is absolutely required to do this because otherwise, doors and windows might get punched out, destroying the external work.
Now you can think about making improvements to the exterior of the house that might be connected, such as building a front porch or sunroom. The moment has come to consider the components of the house that are fully independent of one another, such as detached garages and swimming pools.