Whole Home Remodel Checklist

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Vision

Define transformation goals

Document why you're remodeling and what success looks like for your family.

Create must-haves vs nice-to-haves

Prioritize features to guide budget allocation and inevitable tradeoff decisions.

Assess current lifestyle needs

How do you actually use your home? What works and what doesn't?

Determine length of stay

Are you remodeling for 5 years or 25? This shapes material choices and ROI thinking.

Plan for temporary housing

Living through a whole-home remodel is extremely difficult. Plan alternatives.

Team

Hire an architect

For structural changes, you need architectural plans. Budget 8-15% of construction cost.

Engage interior designer

A designer saves you from costly mistakes and creates cohesive aesthetics.

Select general contractor

The GC manages everything. Get 3-4 bids, check licenses, call references.

Consider project manager

For complex remodels, a PM protects your interests and manages the process.

Vet specialty contractors

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC - interview specialists early for systems work.

Review contracts and insurance

Have contracts reviewed by attorney. Verify all insurance coverage before work starts.

Design

Finalize architectural plans

Complete floor plans, elevations, and structural drawings for permit submission.

Develop interior design package

Finalize materials, finishes, colors, fixtures, and built-ins before construction.

Select all materials and finishes

Make every selection now - from flooring to doorknobs. Create a master specification sheet.

Review 3D renderings

Visualize the space before construction. Catch design issues while changes are cheap.

Plan lighting comprehensively

Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting. Create a detailed lighting plan.

Design smart home infrastructure

Plan for networking, automation, security, and future tech needs while walls are open.

Budget

Create comprehensive budget

Detail every cost: construction, design fees, permits, temporary housing, furniture.

Get 3-4 detailed bids

Compare itemized bids. Lowest isn't always best - look for detail and value.

Secure construction financing

Explore options: home equity loan, HELOC, construction loan, cash-out refinance.

Set aside 15-20% contingency

Unexpected costs WILL arise. Don't start without a healthy contingency fund.

Establish payment schedule

Never pay everything upfront. Tie payments to completed milestones.

Permits

Apply for master building permit

Your GC usually handles this. Expect 4-8 weeks for approval in most areas.

Get structural engineering approval

Any structural changes need stamped engineer drawings. Not optional.

Obtain HOA approval

If you're in an HOA, get written approval before starting. Can take 4-8 weeks.

Coordinate utility modifications

Gas, electric, water service changes require utility company involvement.

Schedule all required inspections

Plan inspection sequence: foundation, framing, rough-ins, insulation, final.

Pre-Const

Arrange temporary housing

Lock in rental or alternate living arrangements. Budget 10-14 months minimum.

Move belongings to storage

Everything must leave the house. Rent climate-controlled storage for 12+ months.

Update homeowner's insurance

Vacant home needs different coverage. Notify insurer before moving out.

Arrange dumpster and portable toilet

Order 30-yard dumpster and jobsite toilet before demo starts.

Set up site safety and access

Protect property, establish contractor access, notify neighbors.

Demo

Test for hazardous materials

Test for asbestos, lead, mold before demo. Required by law in most areas.

Perform selective demolition

Remove only what's being replaced. Protect systems and structures staying.

Manage debris removal

Coordinate multiple dumpster pickups. Separate materials for recycling.

Conduct post-demo inspection

Once stripped, inspect for hidden issues. Budget will likely need adjustments.

Structural

Address foundation repairs

Fix any foundation cracks, settling, or drainage issues discovered during demo.

Install structural beams and posts

Add engineered beams for removed walls, load transfer, and additions.

Frame new walls and openings

Build new walls, enlarge openings, frame for new windows and doors.

Complete roofing work

Replace or repair roof. Get it weathertight before interior work.

Install windows and exterior doors

Get exterior envelope sealed. Critical for weatherproofing and energy.

Complete exterior siding and trim

Finish exterior to weatherproof the home. Allows interior work in any weather.

Systems

Upgrade electrical service and panel

Most whole-home remodels need 200A service. Run all new circuits.

Replace all plumbing systems

New supply lines, drains, vents. Use PEX for supply - it's superior.

Install new HVAC system

Right-size equipment for updated home. Consider zoned or mini-split systems.

Install insulation and air sealing

Spray foam or high-quality batts. This is your chance for superior energy performance.

Wire smart home infrastructure

Cat6 to every room, conduit for future, access point locations, security pre-wire.

Pass all rough-in inspections

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, framing must all pass before insulation/drywall.

Interior

Hang and finish drywall

Level 4 or 5 finish throughout. Takes 2-3 weeks including drying time.

Install custom cabinetry

Kitchen, bathrooms, built-ins, closets. Order 12+ weeks before install.

Install flooring throughout

Hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl - coordinate timing with other trades.

Complete all tile work

Bathroom floors/walls, kitchen backsplash, shower surrounds, accent walls.

Install trim and millwork

Baseboards, casing, crown molding, wainscoting, built-in details.

Install interior doors

Hang all doors - bedrooms, bathrooms, closets. Hardware too.

Finishes

Paint entire interior and exterior

Two coats everywhere. Use premium paint - it's worth it.

Install all lighting fixtures

Recessed cans, pendants, sconces, chandeliers, under-cabinet - everything.

Install plumbing fixtures

Faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers - final connections.

Install cabinet hardware

Knobs, pulls, hinges - the jewelry of your cabinets.

Install appliances

Kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, water heater - test everything.

Install outlet and switch covers

Screwless plates in coordinating finish. Small detail, polished look.

Final

Complete contractor punch list

Walk through with GC, note every incomplete or incorrect item.

Pass final inspections

Final building inspection and certificate of occupancy required.

Collect all warranties and manuals

Every system, appliance, fixture should have warranty. Organize now.

Conduct professional cleaning

Hire post-construction cleaning crew. Regular cleaners can't handle this.

Schedule move-in and delivery

Coordinate furniture delivery, move from storage, utility connections.

Learn system operation

Have contractors demonstrate: HVAC, smart home, appliances, systems.

Document completed project

Professional photos, material list, contractor info - for insurance and resale.

Related Projects

Kitchen Remodel 3-6 months Bathroom Remodel 4-8 weeks Home Addition 6-10 months