If you are excited about your dream home remodel but feeling stressed about where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. “Much like the strength of a business relies on a strategic plan, a home renovation also requires strategy and planning,” says Kathie Chrisicos, an interior designer and founder of Chrisicos Interiors in Boston, Massachusetts. “The sequence of activities is crucial.” By working on the project in well-thought-out steps based on a priority list, you can save time and money and avoid having to learn hard lessons and redo certain parts of the project.
We collected home renovation tips from several experts in the field to help guide you during your dream renovation project.
Tackle these projects first:
Always start with any structural renovation projects, as these initiatives can impact the rest of your plans, says Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer for Modular Closets of Lakewood, New Jersey. “These projects include any work related to plumbing, electrical needs, roofing issues, and foundation problems that are imperative for the safety and stability of your home, and must be addressed before anything else,” she says. It’s also a good idea to prioritize functionality over aesthetics and projects that will disrupt your everyday life to ensure that your daily routines and living space return to normal as soon as possible.
Structural Issues
Begin by addressing safety and structural repairs and upgrades involving the foundation, roof, plumbing, and structural reinforcement. “I suggest addressing foundational or structural issues like cracks, uneven floors, or sagging walls. These are critical to the home’s safety and longevity, and neglecting them can cause other renovation efforts to fail,” says Nicole Saunders, interior design specialist and the founder of The Design Build Vault. If you install new cabinets on an uneven floor, for example, they might not sit level and could become a safety hazard. Additionally, a leaky roof can lead to serious issues like water damage that is costly to repair.
Electrical
Another major priority early in the renovation process is the electrical system throughout the home, which is becoming more important as smart-home features gain popularity. “Addressing your electrical needs first means you can update or completely rewire without obstacles,” says Bobby Lynn, owner of Livewire Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Wait until after you’ve put up that new drywall or laid down fresh flooring, and you might find yourself tearing it all out again to fix an electrical issue, cranking up your timeline and costs,” says Lynn. He also emphasizes that fixing old wiring and upgrading to more modern and energy-efficient electrical helps make the home safer overall.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Don’t wait to install insulation, new windows, and efficient HVAC equipment. By taking these steps early on, you’ll improve comfort and reduce energy costs more quickly. “It’s easier and more cost-effective to install insulation before walls and floors are closed up with drywall or finished flooring,” says Saunders. “Addressing these issues before drywall installation makes the process smoother and minimizes potential disruptions later.”
Kitchens and Bathrooms
As the most essential rooms in the house and the most cost-effective way to boost the value of your home, renovating kitchens and bathrooms should be a high priority during the process. “I always start with kitchens and bathrooms, as these will impact the rest of the home’s interior design plan, and often serve as branching-off points,” says Chrisicos. By starting with these more complex spaces, you will be able to get back to daily living sooner and gauge where your renovation budget stands.
Flooring
Installing new flooring should be the last step on your list of priorities during a renovation. “It’s tempting to lay down your dream hardwood or tile immediately, but wait until all heavy construction is complete,” warns Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets in California. “Moving materials, ladders, and tools can damage new floors, and installing them too early could mean unnecessary repairs or replacements,” says Qian.
These projects can wait:
Once the most critical repairs and upgrades are finished, then you can turn to those lower on the priority list. These home remodel projects that can wait include more aesthetic tasks like painting, installing new fixtures and hardware, and placing décor and furniture pieces.
Fixtures and Hardware
Delay installation of light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet handles until late in the process when all cabinets and tiles are installed, and electrical work is completed. This helps prevent accidental damage and ensures that your final choices align with the renovated design and layout, says Saunders.
Painting and Wallpaper
It’s better to wait for paint and wallpaper to avoid problems related to the mess during construction. “Dust from sanding, debris from demolition, and adjustments to lighting or layout can all affect your perception of the space. Waiting also guarantees you choose colors or patterns that truly fit your finished design,” says Qian.
Built-In Storage Solutions
It’s also a good idea to wait until the end of a renovation project to install any built-in storage solutions, such as custom closets. Evie Graham, interior designer and waste management expert at Waste Direct in the United Kingdom, has noticed how living patterns can change drastically after a renovation. “What seemed like perfect storage placement during planning often becomes impractical once people settle into their new space. I suggest living in the renovated space for at least 3 months, tracking daily cleaning and organization patterns, before committing to permanent storage solutions.” This approach will lead to a more functional, maintainable home.
Furniture and Décor
While it’s hard to wait so long, it’s really important to bring in the furniture and décor items as late as possible to ensure the more invasive projects have wrapped up. “My best tip is to leave furniture and décor until the renovation dust has literally settled,” says Saunders. “This allows you to clean thoroughly and evaluate how the space feels and functions before committing to permanent placements.” Waiting also gives you time to save and invest in quality furniture pieces that complement your new space.
Landscaping
Finally, when asked about home renovation tips, several experts agreed that landscaping should be one of the last steps in a major renovation of your dream home. “Indoor renovations create significant construction waste, and heavy machinery or delivery trucks can damage outdoor areas,” says Qian.
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