Home Renovation Checklist

Initial Planning

• State the intent of your renovation.



• Have specific objectives of what you would like to attain.



• Choose to upgrade or completely remodel.



• List necessary changes and features that are optional.



• Inspirations and trends in research design online.



• See local council requirements on approvals.



• Determine the time the renovation could require.



• Open a folder to store ideas, permits and plans.



• Evaluate what you should fix immediately in your house.



• Choose how to remain at home during renovations.



• Determine possible obstacles, such as structural problems.



• Ensure that your renovation is a value addition to the property.

Home Renovation Budget Planning

• Define a budget to renovate in advance.



• Additional cost listed as a 10-20% buffer.



• Obtain several estimates of costs from contractors.



• Price material, fixtures and finish comparisons.



• Consider the necessary upgrades rather than the luxury.



• Incidentals in labour, permits and inspection fees.



• Look into financing sources, in case you have limited funds.



• Find deals on renovation materials seasonally.



• Keep the overcapitalization to the value of your property.



• Set aside some of the budget for decorations and furnishings.



• Monitor all costs to remain within financial limits.



• Make a cost planning and monitoring spreadsheet.

Hiring Home Renovation Professionals

• Investigation and pre-selection of credible contractors.



• Review check, portfolios, and previous projects on the internet.



• Check licences, certifications and insurance coverage.



• Get more than one written quote.



• Have the interview contractors explain their working process.



• Select plumbing, electrical and structural specialists.



• Have an architect on board when the remodel is major.



• Request a schedule of activities for every contractor.



• Sign written contracts of costs and deliverables.



• Establish effective communication procedures to update.



• Talk over payment schedules.



• Hold emergency contacts of all contracted professionals.

Demolition and Preparation

• Empty renovation areas.



• Turn off electricity, gas and water where unnecessary.



• Infect those areas not being renovated.



• Hire dumpsters or skip bins to remove the rubbish.



• Recycle useful items such as wood or metal fittings.



• Check walls and floors to identify concealed damage.



• Cover the floor and windows.



• Take off old fittings and fixtures.



• Find temporary storage for household things.



• Get other arrangements in case of need to live in an alternative setting.



• Set up coordinate demolition timetables with contractors.



• Have safety equipment at the disposal of anybody on-site.

Structural Renovation Work

• Fix broken foundations or framing before improvements.



• Support carrying walls as required.



• Install/ relocate doors and windows safely.



• Check the integrity of the roof and repair damaged areas.



• Better energy efficiency upgrade insulation.



• Change old wiring and plumbing.



• Uneven floors are levelled to fit a good installation.



• Close seal holes to allow no air or water to leak out.



• Install structural support for heavy fixtures.



• Make beams and joists as safe as possible.



• Check any changes by a qualified engineer.



• Record upgrades that are completed in documents.

Electrical and Plumbing Renovation

• Repair old plumbing lines to become efficient.



• Fix seeping pipes before the installation of new flooring.



• Install energy-saving water heaters and fixtures.



• Test water pressure and drainage.



• Replace the electrical wiring with modern load.



• Install more sockets and outlets where necessary.



• Lighting layouts to be used in plans are to be both beautiful and practical.



• Use the LED lights to conserve energy.



• Place of switches and power points checks.



• Have adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.



• Have any work that is to be done certified by licensed electricians and plumbers.



• Check all connections before the wall or floor closing.

Fixtures and Fittings

• Install new showerheads, faucets and sinks as required.



• Change old cabinets and countertops to new ones.



• Replace old-fashioned kitchen equipment with energy-efficient equipment.



• Select contemporary lights to improve the atmosphere.



• Install heavy-duty door and cabinet hardware.



• Choose fancy handles and knobs to fit the decor.



• Install air conditioning or ceiling fans.



• Select quality plumbing fixtures which are long-lasting.



• Make sure that fittings are well sealed to avoid leaks.



• Apply to wet areas with stainless steel or rustless surfaces.

Painting and Finishing Touches

• Select superior lasting paints.



• Apply primer to even colour coats.



• Apply low-VOC and non-toxic paints to improve the quality of the air.



• Test little dots before making commitments to colours.



• Use several coats to get a smooth finish.



• Paint over trims, doors and window frames.



• Paint ceilings with a brighter effect with reflective paint.



• The guard painted the walls during final installations.



• Fit skirting boards to provide a clean finished appearance.



• Switch old curtains or blinds.



• Include decoration items that go hand in hand with the theme of renovation.



• Do a thorough cleaning and then resettle.

Final Inspections and Handover

• Inspect the work area as a whole together with the contractors.



• Check lighting, electrical outlets and switches.



• Test plumbing fixtures to confirm plumbing is clear or free of blockages.



• Check the flooring for scratches or rough finishes.



• Confirm doors and windows open and close easily.



• Make certain that all appliances are installed.



• Ensure that structural improvements are in accordance with the standards of safety.



• Gather fixtures and appliance warranties.



• Complete certification where necessary.



• The quality checks are made before final payment.



• Final payments are to be made only once satisfactory results are received.



• Have a list of after-renovation touch-ups.



• Take pictures to record what was done and to utilize later.

Post-Renovation Maintenance

• Don't forget to have the finishes cleaned.



• Check new fixtures.



• Store paint samples so that they can be easily touched up.



• Revise service contracts and warranties every year.



• Periodically check the caulking in wet places.



• Use HVAC to keep buildings energy efficient.



• Grease hinges and locks, and sliding parts.



• Use floor mats in places of heavy activity.



• Check external renovations for damage caused by weather.



• Make small changes with the seasons to refresh spaces.



• Scheduling in a special planner.



• Get hired experts to conduct routine home inspections.