Which rooms to renovate first in a whole-house remodel
The challenge of a whole-house remodel often begins not with blueprints or budget spreadsheets, but with a fundamental question: where do we start? This is a important question. It’s a question that can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the exciting, but daunting, prospect of a complete home transformation. There’s no single “right” answer; priorities shift based on individual lifestyles, project scope, and tolerance for disruption. But some starting points consistently prove more strategic than others for your kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or full home renovation.
The Foundation First: Addressing Structural Concerns
Before selecting paint colors or appliance packages, ensure your house is structurally sound. Addressing these issues early saves money and headaches in the long run. These are important because they will affect everything else. Think of this as the unsexy, but vital, backbone of your entire project. Any faults that you miss can show up later. We dont want that to happen.
- Foundation Repair: Cracks, settling, or water damage in the foundation can compromise the stability of the entire house. Addressing these first can be very important.
- Roofing: A leaky roof leads to widespread water damage, affecting everything from insulation to flooring. Replacing or repairing the roof before interior work protects your investments.
- Plumbing and Electrical Systems: Outdated or faulty wiring or plumbing can pose safety hazards and hinder future upgrades. Bring these systems up to code before enclosing them behind new walls.
Prioritizing Essential Living Spaces: Kitchens and Bathrooms
These two spaces often top the list for good reason. A functional kitchen and a comfortable bathroom are crucial for daily life. Remodeling them early significantly improves livability during the rest of the renovation. Moreover, the complexity of these remodels, involving plumbing, electrical work, and potentially structural changes, means starting here can reveal unforeseen issues that impact subsequent phases. This may allow you to adjust your other remodeling project estimates.
The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen, a central command center for most homes, undergoes a comprehensive makeover. This is especially true for those doing a major renovation. The inconvenience of an unusable kitchen is considerable. Setting up a temporary kitchen (which can be as simple as a microwave and refrigerator in another room) can mitigate this, but the sooner the real kitchen is functional, the better. Consider the layout, appliance upgrades, and counter tops as important factors to think about during the entire renovation. It’s crucial to align your dream kitchen with your available budget and timeline during your remodel.
Bathrooms: Comfort and Functionality
Multiple bathrooms may exist, so consider prioritizing the master bathroom or the most frequently used one first. This minimizes disruption and provides a usable space during the renovation of other bathrooms. Focus on essential elements: plumbing fixtures, ventilation, and waterproofing. Upgrading these early ensures a comfortable and functional space throughout the rest of the project. Think about the tiles you would like to use and your shower and toilet fixture types. These things are important to consider for budget concerns.
Creating a Livable Base Camp: A Staged Approach
Renovating an entire house at once can be incredibly disruptive. Instead, think about creating a “livable base camp”—a functional and comfortable area within the house—before tackling other areas. This often involves:
- Bedroom and Bathroom: Focus on one bedroom and one bathroom to make them fully functional and comfortable. This provides a retreat from the construction zone.
- Living Area: Designate a living area as a “clean zone” where you can relax and escape the dust and noise. This may involve temporary furniture arrangements and careful dust control.
Exterior Projects: Boosting Curb Appeal and Protection
While interior renovations are often the priority, exterior projects can significantly impact the overall project timeline and even protect interior work. Consider tackling these early:
- Siding: Replacing or repairing siding enhances curb appeal and protects the house from the elements. Doing this before interior work ensures that the house is properly sealed.
- Windows and Doors: Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors improves insulation, reduces drafts, and lowers energy bills. This is best done before interior finishing work to avoid damaging new walls and flooring. Also think about getting these things done before winter in your area.
- Landscaping: While landscaping is often the final touch, addressing major landscaping projects early, such as tree removal or grading, prevents damage to finished areas later.
The Importance of Planning and Phasing
Successful whole-house remodels depend on meticulous planning and careful phasing. Develop a detailed project timeline, breaking down the project into manageable phases. Consider the dependencies between different tasks. For instance, electrical work needs to be completed before drywall can be installed. Obtain all necessary permits and schedule inspections well in advance to avoid delays.
Communication is key. Maintain open communication with your contractor and clearly define expectations. Regular site meetings allow you to address issues promptly and make necessary adjustments to the plan. Flexibility is also important. Unexpected challenges inevitably arise during renovations, so be prepared to adapt and adjust your plans as needed.
Thinking About Your Return on Investment
Certain renovation projects consistently deliver a higher return on investment than others. While personal preferences should guide some decisions, consider the potential resale value when prioritizing projects. Kitchen and bathroom remodels typically offer strong returns, as do projects that improve energy efficiency, such as new windows and insulation. Consult with a real estate agent to understand which upgrades are most valued in your local market.
Don’t Neglect the Details
While the big-ticket items often grab the spotlight, don’t overlook the importance of details. Small touches can significantly enhance the overall look and feel of your home. Consider things like trim, hardware, and lighting fixtures. These details contribute to the finished product and create a cohesive design.
Budget Considerations
It’s imperative to have an estimated budget when you start home improvements. If you want to tackle your entire home at once it can be exciting, but also potentially drain your funds. Consider what order of rooms or areas will be the most cost effective so that you can see a successful completed home renovation. A financial expert can also help with this part of your planning. They may have some additional insights as well.
