A home renovation project can be a really discouraging task. It requires a lot of preparation and a realistic view of what we already have and what we can accomplish. Even though it might seem daunting, you should take up such a project with excitement, enthusiasm, and determination.
To avoid hidden costs and having to deal with delays for an eternity, you should create a work schedule. It would be best if you mapped out and carefully considered everything that needs to be done, ranging from heating and plumbing to insulation and exterior design.
On top of that, having a great and detailed work schedule will also help you decide which parts of the project you can take on by yourself and which tasks should be handled by a team of professionals such as Air Temp Solutions staff.
To make it easier for you, we prepared this useful guide. It should give you a general idea of the things that you need to put on the top of your to-do list if you are planning on renovating your home. Check it out!
Design and Demolition Work
Before you decide to strip the house back to its bones, consider what you can still work with and what has to go. Keeping elements like doors, windows, beams, and fireplaces can add character to the finished look of your property and help you save money and resources.
After you determine the costs and what needs to be done, the next step is demolition and debris disposal. Be sure to invest in a big roll-off dumpster to keep the space that you are renovating clean. And if you decide to handle the demolition process yourself, make sure to stay safe.
HVAC, Electrical and Water Issues
After planning everything out and taking care of the demolition process, you should get to work on what is located behind the walls and under the floors. Get around to installing a new plumbing system, wiring, air conditioning, and heating. It is better to take care of those before you start installing flooring.
It is also the right moment to start thinking about power outlet placement and lighting. You might also want to look into scheduling an appointment with a plumbing and wiring inspector to ensure everything is working properly.
Insulation
The next important step is all about checking the insulation of your house. That is especially the case when it comes to older homes, which tend to be drafty and lack proper ventilation. Without good insulation, the utility bills that you will be receiving might end up being much higher than they need to be.
Drywall
Installing drywall is relatively easy. As long as you have at least one more person that will help you lift and hang heavy drywall compounds, you should be able to carry it out yourself without any issues.
It will allow you to save money that you would have had to spend on hiring construction workers. Additionally, the list of tools and materials required is not long and mainly consists of basic home renovation equipment.
Walls
Checking the walls is another task you can DIY. Most of them are covered with plaster or paper. The walls of older houses will most probably have some cracks and wallpaper buildup, which you will need to dispose of during the renovations.
While determining your renovation budget, remember to put some money aside for patching up all of the cracks and holes in the walls, as well as applying new wall covering.
Painting and Flooring
Depending on your schedule, the order in which you will be installing flooring and painting the walls might vary. Some people prefer to paint the walls first in order to avoid spills on a freshly installed floor.
It is also worth mentioning that if you are planning on refinishing the floor, you should make sure that it is thick enough to sand. You should not sand wooden floors more than three times. If you are installing floor tiles, examine them for cracks, chipped edges, and cracks before installation.
How To Perfect a Home Renovation Project
Every home renovation project is different in terms of pricing, resources, and time that you need to spend on it. On top of that, they all need a clear structure. That way, you will be able to avoid unnecessary work and expenses.
Adding new power outlets in the kitchen can be tricky if you have already installed the tiles, so when you create a renovation schedule, make sure to stick to it. While there are many things that you will need to take into consideration in a whole-house renovation, a schedule will make it all seem less overwhelming.
If you want to and make sure everything is done correctly, think about hiring a contractor who will oversee the construction site on a daily basis. And before you get to work, you might want to consider buying renovation insurance. It will protect your property against fires, theft, and other accidents that might occur during home improvement projects.