Many
renovation projects involve multiple steps. Here are 10 common steps to
consider.
GET A HOME QUOTE.
When it comes to protecting
your home, quality coverage makes all the difference. Allstate home insurance
can help take care of what matters to you.
MAKE A PLAN
Assess
what you'd like to renovate and set priorities, says Houzz. That includes
deciding where to start and making sure you have the time and budget needed to
get the work done.
SET A BUDGET
Come
up with a final number on how much you can comfortably spend on the renovation,
says Better Homes and
Gardens. It may be a good idea to check out Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs.
Value Report to see how much average projects cost.
Consider budgeting an extra 10 to 20 percent for unexpected costs that may
arise, says Zillow.
HIRE A CONTRACTOR
Research
and select a
contractor with whom you feel comfortable, says Zillow. If
you enter into a contract that clearly defines the scope of work up front, it
can serve as a useful reference point for you and your contractor throughout
the renovation process
TALK TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Consider
contacting your insurance company before and after your project to make sure
you have the amount of
coverage that fits your needs. Your home renovation could
raise your home's value, so you may want to increase your coverage limits so
your investment is better protected if it's damaged or destroyed, says
the Insurance
Information Institute. You'll also want to make sure your
contractor has proper insurance.
SECURE PERMITS AND ORDER
MATERIALS
Permits
are typically required in many municipalities, and can be critical to
avoid certain issues that could impact your project. . Make sure your
contractor checks your municipality's latest regulations, since inspection
rules change and vary in different locations, says Houzz.
Once
you have the permits sorted out, you may also want to start ordering the
necessary materials like lumber, drywall, new windows and doors, etc.
START DEMOLITION
Once
all your materials arrive at the job site and have been inspected, it's
demolition time. If space is being added, then framing generally takes place,
says Better Homes and Gardens. If walls within are being moved, it may be a
good time to potentially install any new windows and doors.
WORK BEHIND THE WALLS
Generally,
this is the time for critical work behind walls, below floors, and above
ceilings – plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning rough-ins,
subfloors and insulation, says Better Homes and Gardens. Next, patch, hang
drywall, tape and sand for smooth exterior surfaces.
PAINT AND INSTALL FLOORING
Some
contractors may want to finish flooring first, while others prefer to prime and
paint before working on the floor (to help prevent spills from getting on new
flooring), says The Spruce.
The order may also depend upon your contractors' schedules.
INSTALL CABINETRY
Now
that walls and floors are in, the room begins to resemble its finished state.
Cabinets are typically installed next, with upper cabinets going in before
lower ones, says The Family
Handyman.
ADD FINISHING TOUCHES
It's
time to add those last details and decorations – final painting, backsplashes,
floor sealing, light fixtures, hardware and any other touch-ups.
Once
a renovation is complete, be sure to take a moment to enjoy your new
surroundings, and maybe even start dreaming of your next project.