Chip and Joanna Gaines from the TV show “Fixer Upper” often come to my mind when mentioning home renovation. They are well-known for transforming run-down properties into beautiful homes, influencing home design trends, and popularizing the concept of open floor plans, farmhouse chic decor, and thoughtful, functional spaces. 

Their impact on home renovation is widely recognized, inspiring many homeowners to embark on renovation projects. So this article by EVODEK introduces some tips and ideas from Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Home renovation tools list

Before that, you need to think about what tools you will use. I list some common tools for renovating your home.

  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver set
  • Pliers
  • Measuring tape
  • Utility knife
  • Level
  • Drill
  • Sander
  • Saw
  • Safety gear like goggles and gloves. 

These tools can cover a wide range of tasks from demolition to fine finishes in most home renovation projects.

The complete checklist of home renovation 

  • planning and budgeting
  • designing
  • demolition
  • structural build and repair
  • HVAC, electrical
  • painting the wall
  • Install flooring 
  • final cleaning
  • inspection

This ensures all aspects of the renovation are considered and completed systematically. I will detail introduce how to renovate the home in the following 5 aspects.

What are the 5 stages of home renovation?

First: How to Plan the whole project?

home renovation

This is the preparatory stage of a home renovation project, and it stands as the cornerstone for achieving a successful transformation. It is an important stage where ideas, aspirations, and practicalities converge to shape the blueprint for the entire endeavor.

1. Assessment and Goal Setting

Before wielding hammers or envisioning new layouts, a meticulous assessment of your current space is essential. Walk through each room, note its strengths and limitations, and envision the possibilities. This self-reflection journey helps in setting clear, achievable renovation goals.

The cornerstone of this phase lies in defining your renovation goals. What drives this renovation? Is it a need for additional space, modernization, or a refreshing aesthetic? Setting specific, measurable, and realistic objectives not only guides decision-making but also serves as a compass throughout the project’s lifecycle.

2. Research and Inspiration

Renovation often stems from inspiration, and in this digital age, sources abound. Dive into a world of home improvement magazines, online platforms, and immersive home renovation shows. Collect snippets of inspiration, whether it’s a specific color palette, an innovative layout, or a unique design element.

Translating these inspirations into a tangible vision requires curating a mood board or a digital collage. This visual representation helps crystallize ideas, aiding communication with professionals and ensuring a cohesive direction for the project.

3. Consultation and Professional Assistance

Navigating the complex world of renovations often necessitates the expertise of professionals. Architects, interior designers, and contractors bring invaluable insights and skills to the table. Engage in consultations to harmonize your vision with their expertise, fostering a collaborative synergy.

While crafting your renovation plan, pay attention to the bureaucratic necessity of permits and approvals. Local regulations may mandate specific permissions for alterations or additions to your property. Ensuring compliance at this stage mitigates potential hurdles down the road.

Second: How to renovate a house on a budget

Budgeting and cost analysis are crucial stages in the home renovation process, demanding meticulous attention and comprehensive planning to ensure a smooth and financially sound project. This phase comprises three key components: cost breakdown, comparative analysis, and the creation of a contingency fund. Each of these phases plays a critical role in the overarching success of the renovation endeavor.

1. Cost Breakdown

When initiating a home renovation, meticulous budgeting is fundamental. Begin by creating a comprehensive breakdown of all anticipated expenses. This encompasses a detailed list of materials, labor, permits, and any ancillary costs.

Categorize each expense to gain a complete view of the financial situation. This systematic approach aids in preventing unforeseen costs from disrupting the project’s progress. Additionally, it allows for better financial planning and management throughout the renovation journey.

2. Comparative Analysis

Conducting a comparative analysis of quotations and prices is imperative to ensure optimal utilization of resources. Solicit multiple quotes from various suppliers and contractors to evaluate the range of costs and quality offered. This comparative assessment empowers informed decision-making, enabling you to select the most cost-effective yet high-quality options.

Consider not only the pricing but also the reliability, reputation, and expertise of the suppliers or contractors. This ensures a balance between cost-efficiency and the desired level of craftsmanship for your renovation project.

3. Contingency Fund

Amidst the detailed planning, take notice of the necessity of a contingency fund. Allocate approximately 10-20% of the total budget to accommodate unforeseen expenses. Renovations can reveal surprises like hidden problems or needing extra materials because of design changes.

This fund acts as a safety net, offering financial flexibility to address these unforeseen circumstances without derailing the project or compromising quality. It’s a prudent approach that mitigates potential stressors and maintains the renovation’s momentum without financial strain.

Third: How to Execution Phase?

home renovation

When diving into the execution phase of your home renovation, meticulous planning and attention to detail become paramount. This stage encapsulates the actual implementation of your envisioned changes, where every decision carries weight in the outcome.

1. Design and Layout

This step crystallizes the vision set during the planning phase. Finalizing architectural plans and designs involves a harmonious blend of creativity and practicality. Ensuring these blueprints align with your aspirations and the structural feasibility of your space is important. It’s about translating ideas into tangible, workable plans that encompass your desired aesthetic and functionality.

You can think about it by following the next steps:

  • Define Objectives: Determine what you want to achieve with the renovation (more space, modern look, etc.).
  • Assess Current Space: Understand the limitations and possibilities of your existing structure.
  • Inspiration and Ideas: Gather design ideas from magazines, websites, or homes you admire.
  • Sketch Preliminary Design: Draft rough layouts of the desired changes.
  • Choose Materials and Finishes: Decide on the types of materials and color schemes.
  • Refine Design: Adjust your design based on practical considerations and budget.
  • Consult Professionals: Get input from architects or interior designers to finalize the plan.

2. Preparation

Before diving into the renovations, meticulous preparation is essential. Clearing the space for renovation is the first step, ensuring all furniture, belongings, and obstacles are removed. This creates an open canvas for work to commence.

Equally important is safeguarding non-renovated areas from dust, debris, and potential damage. Proper covering and protective measures prevent unwanted repercussions on unaffected sections of your home.

3. Demolition and Structural Work

This phase involves necessary demolitions or structural alterations as per the approved plan. It’s critical to adhere to safety protocols during this stage, ensuring the safety of the renovation team and the integrity of the structure. Whether removing walls, flooring, or re-configuring layouts, skilled professionals execute these tasks with precision, minimizing disruptions while staying on schedule.

4. Build a house according to the design

To build a house according to design, typically you’d start with laying the foundation, constructing the frame, adding roofing and windows, installing plumbing and electrical systems, and then finishing with interior and exterior details. It’s a complex process that requires coordinating various contractors and ensuring that the build adheres to the design specifications and local building codes.

5. Painting the wall

To choose and paint walls, first, select the right paint type and color for your space and lighting. Then, prepare the wall by cleaning and smoothing it, apply primer if needed, and then use even strokes to paint with brushes or rollers. It’s important to allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one for the best finish.

There some tips for painting to you:

  • Various surface preparation techniques for painting include cleaning the walls, sanding to smooth any rough areas, repairing cracks or holes, applying primer, and ensuring the surface is dry and free of dust or grease before painting. Each technique is crucial to ensure paint adheres properly and looks smooth and even when finished.
  • Various painting tools needed for renovation include brushes of different sizes, rollers, paint trays, extension poles, drop cloths, painter’s tape, sandpaper, and possibly a ladder.
  • Various application methods for painting during the renovation include using brushes for precision and edges, rollers for large, flat surfaces, and sprayers for quick, even coverage. Each method has its technique and ideal use case, and the choice often depends on the specifics of the project, such as the size of the area and the desired finish.

6. Install flooring 

To choose flooring material, consider durability, cost, maintenance, and aesthetics. Popular options include hardwood, laminate, tile, and WPC. And it is best if you research which suppliers are trustworthy. A high-quality material can be guaranteed to last for many years. EVODEK is the best choice.

Installation often involves preparing the subfloor, measuring and cutting the material, and securing it in place, which varies significantly among different flooring types. It’s usually best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult a professional for proper installation.

Click to learn: WPC or SPC flooring?

7. Choose the HVAC or electrical

When renovating and choosing HVAC or electrical systems, consider energy efficiency, the size of your home, and local climate for HVAC, and current/future electrical needs, safety, and compliance with local codes for electrical systems.

Consulting with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals is crucial to assess needs and ensure proper installation. They can guide the most up-to-date and suitable systems for your renovation.

8. Buy Furniture

When choosing and buying furniture during a home renovation, consider the space’s size, style, comfort, quality, and budget. Measure the rooms and plan the layout to ensure the furniture fits and complements the room’s function and aesthetic.

Opt for pieces that are durable and offer the best value for your money. Visiting showrooms and checking online reviews can also help make informed decisions. Common furniture pieces include sofas, chairs, tables, beds, dressers, and shelves. Choosing and buying the furniture that matches your decorating style.

The Fourth Stage: Finishing Phase

The Finishing Phase marks the culmination of your home renovation journey, where meticulous attention to detail and careful execution bring your vision to life. This phase isn’t merely about adding aesthetics; it’s about infusing functionality and beauty into your space.

1. Finishing Touches

Upon completing the major renovation work, attention turns to the meticulous details that bring the space to life. Begin by painting the walls with the selected colors, ensuring a smooth and even finish that complements the overall design scheme.

Installation of lighting fixtures follows suit, strategically placed to illuminate and enhance the renovated areas. These fixtures not only provide functional illumination but also contribute to the ambiance and aesthetics of the space.

When it comes to decorative elements, it’s essential to choose items that harmonize with the design concept. This could involve adding artwork, statement pieces, or decorative accents that infuse personality into the space.

Moreover, arranging furniture and accessories in their designated spots is crucial to achieving both functionality and visual appeal. Thoughtful placement can create flow and maximize the newfound space’s usability.

2. Quality Checks

Before finalizing the renovation, a thorough quality check is imperative. This involves scrutinizing every aspect of the completed work. From ensuring paint finishes are seamless to verifying fixtures are correctly installed, attention to detail is paramount. Any discrepancies or deficiencies should be addressed promptly to uphold the envisioned standards.

Furthermore, compliance with the original plans and designs must be verified. This phase is also an opportunity to assess the functionality of installed systems and fixtures. Checking for leaks, electrical functionality, and structural integrity ensures a safe and operational space.

3. Cleanup and Finalization

Upon completion of the renovation work, a comprehensive cleanup is necessary to present the space in its best form. This involves removing construction debris, dust, and any remnants of the renovation process.

Thoroughly clean all surfaces, floors, and fixtures to reveal the true beauty of the renovated area. Furthermore, organizing the space after the cleanup is crucial for the final presentation. It’s essential to create an inviting and organized environment that reflects the intended design and functionality.

Ensuring that all paperwork, warranties, and documents related to the renovation are in order is the final step. This includes gathering receipts, warranty information for appliances or installations, and any certificates of compliance obtained during the renovation process. Completing this administrative task ensures that you have a comprehensive record of the renovation, facilitating any future needs or inquiries regarding the work done.

The Fifth Stage-Renovation Consideration

home renovation

Renovating your home marks the culmination of a transformative journey. However, even after the dust settles and the last coat of paint dries, there are crucial steps to uphold the splendor of your renovated space. They are: 

1. Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining the newly renovated space is crucial for its longevity and functionality. Creating a meticulous maintenance schedule ensures that the investment made in the renovation remains worthwhile.

Start by outlining a comprehensive plan that covers various aspects, such as regular cleaning routines and servicing schedules for appliances, HVAC systems, and plumbing. Assign specific tasks to ensure each area is attended to efficiently.

Moreover, prioritize periodic inspections to detect any potential issues early on. These checks should encompass structural integrity, electrical systems, and potential water leakages.

Consider documenting these schedules digitally or in a physical planner, specifying dates for inspections, cleaning, and servicing. Assign responsibilities among household members or hire professionals for specialized maintenance tasks as needed.

2. Evaluation and Feedback

Reflection on the entire renovation journey provides invaluable insights for future endeavors. Take the time to assess the process, noting what worked seamlessly and areas that could have been managed more effectively.

Reflecting on the quality of workmanship, adherence to timelines, and communication with contractors or professionals involved aids in improving future projects.

Offering constructive feedback to the contractors or designers involved not only acknowledges their efforts but also helps in refining their services.

Highlight both positive aspects and areas that could be improved upon, fostering a collaborative environment for better outcomes in future collaborations. Additionally, consider leaving reviews or testimonials on relevant platforms, sharing your experience, and contributing to the reputation of the professionals involved.

3. Celebration

After the toil and dedication poured into the renovation project, take the opportunity to revel in the transformed space with loved ones. Organize a gathering or a simple celebration to showcase the revamped area. This celebration not only marks the completion of the project but also allows everyone to appreciate and enjoy the revamped space together.

Create an ambiance that highlights the beauty and functionality of the renovated area. Share stories about the renovation journey, expressing gratitude to those who contributed or supported the process.

Capture this memorable moment through photographs or videos, commemorating the hard work and the ultimate success of the project. Encourage guests to immerse themselves in the newly renovated space, inviting them to explore and interact firsthand with the remarkable results of our dedicated labor.

Conclusion

As the renovation wraps up, your home transforms into the dream you imagined. Every step taken and detail addressed has turned your space into a blend of practicality and beauty. Checking everything one last time ensures it matches your vision, leaving you feeling happy and content. 

Now that your home sparkles with its new look, it’s time to think about keeping it that way. Looking back on the journey, celebrating this accomplishment, and sharing it with your loved ones mark the end of this exciting adventure. Your home now reflects your ideas and hard work, promising comfort and happiness for many years ahead.

Related reading: Wpc ceilings vs traditional ceilings