What home renovations should be done first?

First, homeowners often want to know in what order they should renovate a home. It's best to start with the kitchen because these remodels add significant value to your home. The first project they tackled was landscaping. The house, built in 1956, has been recently renovated.

Just like changing the color of the paint can dramatically affect the appeal of a room, so can the lighting. Just a week later, Perlman and Burns “focused on adding some items that would immediately make living here more enjoyable,” Perlman says. They heated the house by hanging pictures and paintings, and to add some curb appeal, they built a trellis and a gazebo. Next up is your porch swing, “which we'll hang with the help of a contractor to make sure it doesn't tear down the roof,” he says.

These small fixes have made living there wonderful, they said. You have decided to renovate your home. Who should you hire for a renewal? Do you just need to hire a general contractor, or are other renovation professionals needed? Depending on your scope and expenses, knowing who to contact and when will help you hire the best contractor for a home renovation. However, before doing any work, you have to plan, hire contractors, obtain permits, and so on.

all of which takes time. The most important aspect of the planning process is making sure you have enough money to pay for the project, regardless of how big or small the scope of the work is. So, the second step of home remodeling planning is to make a simple list of the work you want to do and decide if it's something you can do yourself or not. Once you've established your plan and chosen your contractor, it's time for the demolition to begin.

To make way for the new, the old must first be cleaned. This involves not only demolition, but also the removal of debris, so you'll likely have to rent a large rolling container to manage the waste. This will minimize risks and mess during your demolition project and allow you to finish it as quickly, safely and smoothly as possible. If you decide to carry out the demolition work yourself, be careful and follow all safety precautions.

Demolition can be very dangerous, especially when carried out randomly. Once the demolition work has been completed, the “initial process” can begin. Because it's likely that rewiring and plumbing work will need to be done, try to do all the initial work before placing floors, drywall, and painting, as they could be damaged in the process. Once all plumbing, electrical, and climate updates have been addressed and approved, it's time to address frames and drywall.

Painting is something you can do yourself, but it can also be a tiring job. The first step in any home remodeling schedule is to plan. You should have a clear vision of what your home will look like when the project is complete. This means sitting down and really thinking about the changes you want to make and your project budget.

Once you have a clear vision and budget, you can start looking for a contractor who can help you realize your vision. The design phase is crucial because that's when you'll be making all the important decisions about your renovation. If you are lucky enough not to have to renovate your entire house, a cosmetic renovation of the bathroom may be sufficient, where the pipes or electricity are not disturbed and the design remains intact. All that dust from renovation collects everywhere, so ask a professional to clean the ventilation grilles and oven.

Named “Best Contractor Locator” by New York Magazine, Sweeten is a free service that connects homeowners with the best general contractors for their renovation. It's best to create your team of renovation professionals based on your needs, whether it's architectural plans or permissions to decide on aesthetics or finishes, or all of the above. However, we can give you an approximate estimate for several home renovation projects so that you have a better idea before you start. Sweeten combines home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance and support at no cost to the landlord.

No matter what you choose, plan to install the floor as late as possible in the renovation process. General contractors obtain building permits, recommend finishes and materials, and propose solutions for renovation challenges. The most important part of renovating a home is making sure your home is protected and has all the essential foundations, structure, and updates. A look at the elements of a major home renovation will give you an idea of what it entails and help you plan your projects effectively.

However, some renovations need a home remodeling architect trained for technical and design services. Sweeten combines home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support and secure payments for free. .

Mario Krakowsky
Mario Krakowsky

Mario is a dedicated writer with over 15 years of experience in home remodeling, possesses an innate passion for transforming spaces and giving life to homes. His deep industry knowledge, coupled with practical insights, has made him a trusted source of inspiration for DIY enthusiasts and professional remodelers alike.