If you go by those DIY shows on television, it takes approximately 50 minutes to renovate a house. We all know this isn’t feasible, but this style of “TV” remodeling takes away from the core reality that a home renovation is a complex and all-encompassing endeavor. Below is a snap-shot of a whole-house renovation process…

Design and Planning

Whether based on a sketch or a full-blown architectural plan, be sure you have a good grasp on how the remodel should progress. It is cheaper and easier to correct mistakes before the remodel begins.

• Have funding in place for the renovation
• Draft a list mapping out your DIY projects and the projects for professionals
• Hire contractors and subcontractors for those jobs you do not want to do yourself
• Apply for permits

Roof, Foundation, Water Issues, Windows

Complete any large, structural projects first as they will impact any subsequent projects and will protect your future renovations.

• Any major foundation repairs to areas such as weakened walls, carrying beams, and joists
• Repair or replace damaged roof
• Replace damaged windows

Demolition

Demolish and dispose of sections of the house that will be replaced.

• Rent a large container for waste
• Carefully demolish all or some of the areas of the house that will be renovated
• Exercise caution when demolishing surfaces coated with lead-based paint.

Structural Carpentry

Carpentry that affects other work such as drywall, windows, doors, etc.

• Moving or constructing new walls
• Enlarging window openings
• Adding beams to provide support
• Punching in new doors or removing existing doors
• New construction windows

HVAC Ductwork, Electrical, and Plumbing

Major services that need to be installed when the walls and ceiling are open.

• Install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning
• Run new electrical and plumbing systems
• Electrical and plumbing inspectors will need to visit at this time

Insulation

Laying insulation in the walls and ceiling while they are open and exposed,

• Install fiberglass insulation in the walls and attic

Drywall

After insulation is complete, time to hang, mud and sand the drywall.

• After a second inspection, you will be given the go-ahead to close up the walls
• Hang sheets of drywall, apply drywall compound, and let dry. Once dry, sand it smooth. May need to repeat the process until a seamless surface is achieved.

Windows

Window installation, whether partial or whole-house, is usually a major component in a home remodel project.

• Installing new construction or replacement windows

Fine Carpentry

Carpentry that gives your home those finished touches and is not of a supportive nature.

• Baseboards, molding, trim, built-ins

Interior Painting, Wallpaper and Other Surface Finishes

These detail-oriented surface finishes should be one of the last items you do for the indoor portion of the renovation.

• Painting interior walls
• Hanging wallpaper
• Painting molding and trim
• Staining and sealing trim

Flooring

Install the flooring as late in the process as possible to minimize the possibility of damage to the flooring surface.

• Select and install floor coverings throughout the home – laminate, solid hardwood, tile and engineered wood to name a few.

Siding, Gutters

As the interior renovation winds down, it is time to wrap-up any exterior work to the outside of the house.

• It’s now safe to put on siding. Doing this any earlier could ruin the siding as doors and windows may be getting punched out or moved.
• Gutters
• New shutters
• Outdoor lighting fixtures

Any Major Auxiliary Building

Any additional buildings or specialty items

• Additions or sunrooms
• Swimming pools, patios or decks

WHEW!!!!!  OR… Let Becraft Plus Handle it all for you so you can concentrate on what you do best… Your Job and Your Family.

Contact Us (301-929-3401) For a Free Consultation!

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About Becraft Plus

Since 1989, Becraft Plus has provided customized design and construction services to customers in the Washington, D.C. area. We specialize in custom home building, additions and remodeling, and whole house renovations with a focus on creating living spaces that are tailored to the needs of our clients.
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