Renovating a house can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, with careful planning and the right tools, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable. From planning to implementation, there are several important steps to take when renovating a house.
You’ve finished your inspiration board, put together your budget and have a goal. Now let’s make a plan! What are your steps to renovating your house.
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Steps to Renovating a House
Knowing what these steps are and how to go about them will help ensure that the renovation process is completed in an efficient and cost-effective manner. When remodeling a space, it can be important to do things in a certain order.

STEP 1 – demo
This may seem obvious as your first step. Just remember that it may be some time before you can live in this space again. So if it’s a more functional like the kitchen, be sure you have a plan on how to live without it.

STEP 2 – build
Not every project is going to have this step. Some examples would be installing wainscot or window trim. This wouldn’t include replacing light fixtures or things like shelving that you don’t want to have to paint around. However, if you plan to have an electrician cut in a new light, this would be a good step to have it roughed in.

STEP 3 – paint
You want to do this early on for a couple reasons. First, it can be messy! The less you have to protect from paint splatter the quicker you’ll get through this step. Also, if you decide the color isn’t right after getting the color on the walls, or wherever else you are painting, you can redo your schedule and budget to include a re-paint.

STEP 4 – wallpaper
This has a lot of the same notes as painting. It can be messy if you aren’t using peel and stick wallpaper. Also, it can give you a very different feel once it is up on the walls. You may want to make some changes either with the actual wallpaper or possibly paint or furniture, etc.

STEP 5 – flooring
you may be tempted to do the flooring first. It kind of makes sense to start from the bottom. But get the building and painting out of the way first. This will keep you from messing up your beautiful new flooring with paint and hammers.

STEP 6 – window treatment
It’s time to dress your room! Windows are just glass until you warm them up with any kind of window treatment. Whether it’s simply blinds or full height drapes, this step adds to the mood of the room.

STEP 7 – furniture
This can be the biggest expense in a re-design. Consider your choices carefully. Your furniture can make or break a room. Use the sketch worksheet, drawing your room and furniture to scale to make sure the furniture is the right size for your space. Keep in mind the walking paths of the room as well.

STEP 8 – wall hangings
The final step!! But very important to making your space yours. The finishing touches to let the character of your room shine. Pick your favorite family photos, mantra saying and graphics, mirrors…the choices are endless.