Typical Remodeling Steps

A whole-house remodeling is a big project, and most require similar steps. Read the following to see what you should expect.

• Decide if you are using an architect, a designer-builder, or other professional to translate your remodeling vision.
• Come up with a design that you love and that is within your budget.
• If you designed the space yourself, select a contractor with whom you have a solid working rapport. Finalize a budget and stick with it.

• Meet with your contractor to review the design plan for feasibility and/or suggestions that may improve flow or conserve costs.
• Select materials and products for the project, especially those that are needed right away and those that require several weeks' lead time (such as cabinets).
• The contractor draws up a detailed construction schedule, applies for building permits, and rounds up construction crews.
• Meet your contractor's job-site supervisor or production manager and develop good communication. This person will be your key contact throughout the project.

• Arrange a preconstruction conference at your house for you, the contractor and his or her job-site supervisor, the architect or designer, and any key subcontractors who will be working on your project -- in short, anyone who needs to be in the loop.
• Tour your house with the key players and go over exactly what needs to be done. Take notes and send follow-up memos if anything changes from the plans.
• Set the ground rules for your project between you, the contractor, and the job-site supervisor.
• Figure out a communications plan:
  1) Decide who your primary contact person is (usually the job-site supervisor).
  2) Place a contact notebook in a prominent location; review it each day for comments from the crew, and include your comments and questions as well.
  3) Set up a weekly contact schedule between you, the contractor, and the job-site supervisor.

• Remove personal belongings from the work area.
• Set in place a trash bin, portable toilet, and construction fence.
• Make room for large supplies, such as rafters, which are delivered at this point.

• Your house gets the treatment from the wrecking crew.
• Plastic sheeting seals the demolition area from the rest of the house; check it frequently to make it as airtight as possible, or you will have dust and debris everywhere.

• The crew prepares the foundation; frames the walls, floors, and roof; and installs windows.
• The plumbing is roughed in; electric, phone, and cable lines are run; and conduits for HVAC systems are installed.
• The top layer of flooring is installed, and plumbing and electrical systems are finalized.

• Tour the remodeled space with your contractor, itemizing any details that need to be finished and any mistakes that need to be corrected; keep a detailed list.
• Complete a final inspection with the contractor, checking off the items from your preliminary walk-through.
• Go over instructions for equipment and discuss warranties.
• Let the new space settle in for a few months. Make sure all systems work properly, and watch for drywall cracks or nail pops. Call back the contractor for any follow-up repairs; good contractors will check back periodically to make sure everything is right.