Indeed, house renovation can be challenging and complicated, especially when you want to renovate your entire house. Whole-house renovations can strain relationships, agitate your life, and most likely, tax your budget. However, this can be compensated by considering the prospect of a better living space, increased resale value, and a stunning home that can bring you joy and comfort.
If you choose to have a whole-house renovation, then it is crucial to know what you’re getting into. Understanding the basic flow of home renovation and taking a look at the vital elements can give you some idea of what’s involved and help you efficiently plan the project.
Create a Design and Plan for Your House Renovation
Whether you only have a simple sketch on a piece of paper or an entire set of architectural plans, determine your overall goals and how you plan to achieve them. It’s always a good idea to correct any mistakes while you are still in the planning stage before the remodeling takes place.
If you are planning to do some of the work yourself, then list down those jobs that you can handle vs. the works that you want to be done by the professionals. Find reliable contractors and subcontractors. Typically, this includes plumbers, foundation companies, electricians, and structural carpenters who will do most of the work.
While the process mentioned here is linear, however, house renovation is not linear. When it comes to entire house renovations, this is the overall narrative that is applied. However, most of the processes might slightly or entirely overlap or occur in reverse order, but it is necessary. Hence, this is something that should be anticipated.
House Renovation: What are the Preliminary Projects?
You might not be able to start your house renovation until such time that the other projects have been carried out. It is important that all the big projects should be done first since succeeding projects are greatly affected by them.
- Foundation and Structure: If there are any issues with the foundation and structure, then be sure to address them first. Ensure that the foundation is secure enough and make significant repairs to crucial areas such as carrying beams, joists, and weakened walls.
- Siding: Replace or repair the siding. In case the siding is severely damaged and water infiltration has already occurred, then you need to replace or repair the siding. On the other hand, if it is not yet seriously damaged, then you can simply leave it for later.
- Roofing: To protect the work done below, it is essential that you replace or repair the roof when necessary.
- Windows: If the windows are so damaged that water has leaked inside, then it’s time to replace or repair them. If not, then you can just leave the window replacement or repair for later.
How Much Funding Is Needed for the House Renovation?
Always ensure that you have the necessary funding for your house renovation. If you only have a single-room renovation or smaller projects such as painting, remodeling a small kitchen or bathroom, flooring, or simply constructing a small room addition, then you can probably fund it with cash.
Nevertheless, entire home renovations can be extensive, expensive, and time-consuming to finish; hence, outside funding might be necessary. Usually, the lending limit for unsecured home improvements is between $50,000 and $100,000. If you are a qualified borrower, you can immediately close this loan.
Keep in mind that it has a higher interest rate compared to secured loans. Secured loans or home equity lines of credit will use your home’s equity as security. Typically, they have lower interest rates compared to unsecured or personal loans.
Secure Permits for House Renovation
When necessary, you should apply for permits for the work that you want to do by yourself. However, if you want to hire a contractor, then most likely, they will handle all the permits on your behalf. Additionally, they will have a meeting with the inspectors.
On the other hand, if you prefer to apply for your permits, then you will be responsible for handling all the necessary arrangements, such as the application, inspections, and finalizing the permits.
Is Demolition Required?
There might be some parts of the house that require demolition and disposal in order to make room for newer projects. Unfortunately, most homeowners frequently overlook this enormous undertaking until the project starts.
For the debris, you need to rent a large container. Be careful when demolishing some or all of the parts of the house that will be remodeled. If you will not be living in the house, then you can demolish as much as you can.
Be cautious when demolishing lead-based-coated surfaces. Also, asbestos, which is commonly used in older homes, can be harmful to health. That is why it is recommended that you get a professional to help you with jobs that involve lead-based paint or asbestos.
What Is Involved in Structural Carpentry?
Structural carpentry refers to carpentry that provides support for other works. For instance, constructing new walls, adding or removing doors, moving walls, adding beams to support the weight upstairs, adding framing for new windows, or expanding window openings. Although some of these projects can be accomplished by DIYers, others, including expanding window openings, require the expertise of a contractor.
Installation of Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are crucial services that must be installed while the ceiling and walls are still open. While the ceiling and walls are still open, it will be much easier for the HVAC technicians to work on the ductwork for air conditioning and central heating and for plumbers and electricians to do the plumbing and electrical systems.
Keep in mind that in some areas, the building code imposes that this type of work should only be handled by licensed professionals. Hence, it would be wise to check the requirements in your location.
Installation of Framing and Windows
Whether you are doing a partial or whole window installation, it always plays a significant role in house renovation projects. It’s best if professionals do the installation or replacement of windows.
Insulation and Drywall
The insulation must be installed before the drywall goes up. Check your choices for insulation and try to use different types for various areas of the house. It should be installed in the attic and walls, and you might want to do it by yourself.
Just as a precaution, before closing up your walls, you might let the electrician and plumber do a second inspection. They will inform you if it’s okay to close up the walls. The walls need to be covered with drywall, a process that involves a lot of steps such as hanging, mudding, and finally sanding the drywall.
The mudding and sanding processes must be repeated until the surface is smooth and seamless. Typically, you only need to repeat it once. Applying too little or too much drywall mud or applying it sloppily, can result in numerous muddings and sandings
Importance of Fine Carpentry
Another type of carpentry that does not provide support is fine carpentry. This includes molding, baseboards, and trim on doors and windows, as well as built-in components such as breakfast nooks or bookcases. Fine carpentry work can give your home that finishing touch.
Choosing the Paint
As you are getting closer to finishing your house renovation project, it’s time to do the painting or add wallpaper to the walls. Most homeowners can do the work of hanging the wallpaper, painting the walls, staining and sealing the trim, or painting the molding. All of these surface finishes are the last work that needs to be done indoors.
Floor Installation
Now, it’s time to install the flooring in your house. You can choose solid hardwood, laminate, carpet, or engineered wood for the bedroom and living room areas. Tile, vinyl, or marble for the kitchen and bathroom. Regardless of what you choose, it would be a good idea to do this as late as possible to prevent any significant damage to the flooring surface.
Oak Creek Builders can do your home renovation for you. To know more about our services, just call us at 903-271-9058 or send us an email at emily@ocbtexas.com.
