Home renovation checklist

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1. 1. Plan and budget

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   • Write down what's wrong with the space today and what has to changeSeparate needs (leaks, layout) from wants (finishes).
   • Decide the scope: cosmetic refresh, mid-range remodel or full gut
   • Set a total budget and a hard ceilingUse a cost calculator for a first range, then confirm with bids.
   • Hold back a contingency for surprises behind walls and floors
   • Line up how you'll pay: savings, loan, line of credit
   • Pick a target window and work back from any fixed dates (holidays, guests, a sale)
   • Plan where you'll cook, shower or sleep while the room is out of action
   • Measure the room: walls, ceiling height, windows, doors, outlets

2. 2. Design

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   • Collect inspiration and note what you like in each image
   • Name the style and palette so every choice has a filter
   • Sketch the layout to scale, including clearances around doors and appliances
   • Visualize the finished room on a photo of your space before you commit
   • Plan lighting in layers: overhead, task and accent
   • Mark where you need outlets, switches and data points
   • Get physical samples of paint, tile, flooring and counters, and view them in your light
   • Lock the design and the selections list before work starts

3. 3. Permits and hiring

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   • Ask your local building department which work needs a permit
   • Check HOA or landlord rules, if any apply
   • Get at least three written bids for the same written scope
   • Check licenses, insurance and recent references
   • Sign a contract with scope, schedule, payment milestones and change-order rules
   • Tie payments to finished milestones, not to dates
   • Agree on one point of contact and how often you'll get updates

4. 4. Order materials

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   • Ask about lead times for cabinets, windows, appliances and special-order tile
   • Order flooring and tile with a waste allowance, from one batch or dye lot
   • Order fixtures early so rough-in matches the real product
   • Give your contractor spec sheets for every appliance and fixture
   • Plan deliveries and a dry, secure place to store materials
   • Open and inspect deliveries right away; report damage within the return window

5. 5. Demo and rough-in

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   • Empty the room and protect floors, doorways and HVAC returns
   • Confirm water, power and gas shutoffs before demo
   • Arrange a dumpster or debris haul-away
   • Test for asbestos or lead paint in older homes before disturbing materials
   • Walk the opened walls and floors with your contractor; decide on fixes before closing up
   • Rough-in plumbing, electrical and HVAC
   • Pass rough-in inspections before insulation and drywall
   • Photograph every open wall: you'll want to know where pipes and wires run

6. 6. Finishes

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   • Drywall, tape, mud and prime
   • Install flooring (often after cabinets in kitchens; follow your installer's order)
   • Install cabinets, then template and install countertops
   • Tile backsplash, shower and floors; seal grout where needed
   • Paint walls, ceiling and trim
   • Set fixtures, lighting, hardware and appliances
   • Install trim, doors and caulk

7. 7. Final walkthrough

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   • Walk the room with your contractor and write a punch list
   • Test every outlet, switch, faucet, drain and appliance
   • Pass the final inspection and keep the signed permit
   • Collect warranties, manuals and paint codes in one folder
   • Keep a box of spare tile and flooring, and label leftover paint
   • Get lien waivers before the final payment
   • Take after photos from the same spots as your before photos