Home Remodeling for Dummies – A Step-by-Step Guide

Home remodeling can be fun, but it can also be intimidating and just plain stressful! If you’re planning to remodel in the near future, this step-by-step guide should make your life a lot easier. 

Proper planning will take half the stress out of the project! Start with the end in mind—decide on a goal for your renovation. Or maybe more than one. For example, paint the bedroom, add an en-suite bathroom, and redo the window panes. 

The next step is to break them down into smaller tasks. This will make it seem way easier—not like a mountain ahead of you! So in the case above, to add an en-suite bathroom, you may have something like 1) buy building supplies, 2) build bathroom walls, 3) sort out plumbing, 4) add a shower, 5) add a basin and toilet, and so on. 

Next, prioritize which areas you’re going to get done first. If you’re doing more than one room or have more than one goal, decide which is most urgent. The most lived-in spaces should be done quickly so you can get back to living in them! 

For example, offices and bedrooms are probably more important than a lounge or dining room… You can always eat somewhere else, but sleeping and working elsewhere can be tricky!

Once you know what needs to be done, you can make the next most important decision—to DIY or hire a professional. This can be tricky! Can your own skills cover the scope of the project… Or do you need someone with more experience? 

In most cases, it’s going to be a better choice to go for a professional. It may seem more expensive now, but you don’t want to have damage control if the project is a little too much for you… Not to mention that it’s going to cut into your own personal time! 

You can consider hiring a team or drilling down and hiring a subcontractor that specializes in what you’re doing, ie. bathroom or kitchen remodels. 

It may be a good idea to figure out which tasks you can DIY and get them done yourself while leaving the bigger, more complicated stuff up to the pros. 

Once you know what needs to be done, you can put together an effective budget. Include costs for building materials, finishing materials, labor, accessories or furniture, and any permits that may be needed. 

Part of putting a budget together is getting estimates from professionals. This will give you an idea of how much you’ll need to spend so you can create the most accurate budget. It’s also a good idea to price the building materials at a few different places. 

If the cost estimates go way over your budget, then double-check your plan. What can wait? What can be DIYed? What can Uncle Roger help you with for the price of dinner instead of hiring a pro? 

We highly recommend setting aside 10% of your budget to cover unexpected costs… Of which there are usually a few!

When D-Day comes, you don’t want to be running around trying to get ready. Prepare your home beforehand, so everything flows smoothly on the day. 

First things first—clear out the spaces you’re going to be remodeling. Remove furniture and find a place that it can stay while the renovations are being done. If you need to protect your floors or carpets, now is also the time to prepare that. 

Preparing to remodel your home? Follow these extra tips to make the process go smoothly and ensure that your home ends up as dreamy as you imagine!

We always advocate for cruelty-free, non-toxic design. You’re not only keeping your own family safe, but you’re contributing to a safer, more sustainable, and more loving world. 

We highly recommend pricing your building materials at a few different places. Make sure the company has values and morals that you support, that they’re committed to being cruelty-free, and that their products are traceable so you can make sure they’re sustainable. 

When it comes to things like paint, plants, and accessories, ensure that your choices are non-toxic in all ways. Your children and pets will thank you for taking the time to make sure they tick these boxes! 

Do big structural renovations before smaller, cosmetic changes. Not only will they be a heftier part of your budget, but they’ll also take more time. And no pretty accessories can fix a leaky roof or dampness in the wall!

If you’re going to be knocking down walls or chipping up tiles, don’t forget to arrange for waste removal. Where is the waste going to be stored until it can be removed? How will the contractors get it there? Do you need a wheelbarrow or a similar piece of equipment?

Don’t neglect this step! Waste piling up can make the whole project seem more of a nightmare and may even hamper the contractors at work. Put this in your budget upfront!

Home remodeling doesn’t have to be a huge, scary job. Follow this step-by-step guide, and it’ll fall into place. More than anything, don’t go in without a plan! You should be planning your goals, your finances, the people involved in the project, and your emergency backup plan. If everything is planned, there’s less chance of something surprising you! 

And if it does start to feel overwhelming, think about how amazing your home is going to look when it’s done. Done right, home remodeling can make your house more livable, more comfortable, more cruelty-free, more sustainable, and just much more beautiful! 

About the Author

Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.