When you’re redoing the entire house, the order of operations matters. Get it wrong, and you’ll end up undoing work or wasting money. Here’s how to renovate smart—one step at a time.
- Start With Structural and Safety Fixes Before anything else, deal with the bones of the house:
- Roof repairs
- Foundation issues
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC upgrades
Skipping these means risking finished walls and floors later.
- Plan for Demolition and Layout Changes Knock down walls. Frame new rooms. Rough in your plumbing and wiring. Do this before touching any finishes.
- Do the Big Interior Work Next Install insulation, drywall, and flooring. These steps lay the groundwork for the final design elements.
- Prioritize Kitchen and Bathrooms These are the most time-consuming rooms—and the most disruptive. Get them done early so you can enjoy a working kitchen and bath while the rest of the house comes together.
- Finish Living Areas and Bedrooms Painting, trim, built-ins, and lighting come next. These spaces are less urgent and easier to work around.
- Save the Exterior for Last Driveways, siding, and landscaping can wait until the dust settles. You don’t want construction traffic wrecking a fresh lawn or new patio.
Tips to Stay Sane:
- Create a renovation calendar.
- Leave room for delays.
- Tackle one floor at a time if you’re living in the home.
- Store materials safely to avoid damage.
Final Word Whole-home renovations are a marathon, not a sprint. A smart order keeps things moving and prevents do-overs. Handle structure, then function, then finish—and you’ll come out the other side with your sanity (mostly) intact.