Knowing what to expect during
each remodeling stage helps
produce happy results.

No Turning Back

• Your room or 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 rouged in; electric, phone, and cable lines are run; and conduits for HVAC systems are installed.
• Insulation between studs and rafters is applied; drywall on walls and ceilings is installed then taped, mudded, sanded, and primed; and underlayment on floors is installed.
• The house is roofed and sided.
• The crew finishes wall and ceiling surfaces; installs cabinets, counters, and window trim; and hooks up appliances and light fixtures.
• 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.