Renovation 101: Giving Property a Fresh New Look

What is Renovation?

Renovation refers to the process of making changes or improvements to a property. It can range from painting and wallpapering to gutting and reconfiguring an entire room. These alterations help increase the value of properties before selling them, suit the needs of a new tenant, and freshen up spaces that have become outdated.

Why is it Necessary?

From time to time, every property needs a little bit of updating. Perhaps the kitchen is starting to look outdated, or the bathroom could use some new fixtures like tile insert floor grates. Maybe the floors show their age or the paint is beginning to fade.

You can breathe new life into your commercial or residential building by renovating them. Not only will it improve your space, but it can also add value to your property. When done right, a renovation can be a wise investment that pays off for years.

While the process can be complex, time-consuming, and costly, renovation work can make your property more comfortable, stylish, and functional. To do this, it’s essential to have a clear plan before starting any work to minimize the risk of going over budget or encountering unforeseen problems.

Definition of Common Terms

When it comes to renovating properties, there are a lot of terms and phrases that you might not be familiar with. Here are some common renovation terms that you might encounter while planning your project:

• Blueprints – An architect or designer will use drawings to illustrate the makeover. They will include the dimensions, materials, and types of fasteners.

• Building Inspector – The inspector checks to ensure the renovation work follows the building codes and ordinances by looking at the blueprints and reviewing how the job goes.

• Change the House Footprint – A house’s footprint is the house’s overall size, including the attached garage and porch. Changing the footprint means changing the size of the house, which usually happens when you are adding on to the home.

• Demolition – Removing old items, materials, wall coverings, or walls inside your home is the first step of a remodel. It will open up and clear the space for renovations and upgrades.

• General Contractor – The person in charge of the day-to-day work on the renovation project is usually licensed, bonded, and insured.

• Gut a Room – Remove everything from a room, including the walls. The framing, subfloor, and what’s inside the walls are left.

• HVAC – An acronym stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. An HVAC contractor helps ensure these systems work properly to heat, cool, and ventilate the property.

• Mechanicals – The systems inside the walls and ceilings, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, are essential for powering the home.

• Move a Wall – Removing a wall is a way to change the layout of a room. Depending on your needs, you can make it bigger or smaller.

• Subcontractor – This contractor is hired to do specific work, like plumbing or electrical.

How Does the Renovation Process Work?

While not every renovation project follows the same path, following a strategy can help you avoid extra effort. Many large-scale commercial and residential projects may require several phases. This section will walk you through the ten essential steps in the renovation process:

Step 1: Make a Plan

Set priorities before starting the project. Decide where to begin and whether or not you have the time and money to complete the project. For best results, have a professional conduct a survey of the premises and recommend areas that need modifications.

Step 2: Set a Budget

Make a list of all the expenditures needed to renovate the property, and come up with a final figure on how much you can spend. Allow for 10–20% more for unforeseen expenses.

Step 3: Hire a Contractor

Select a contractor with whom you are comfortable. Entering into a contract that specifies the scope of work from the start can be helpful throughout the renovation process, especially if you have multiple contractors working on the property at once.

Step 4: Talk to Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider before and after your project to ensure you have the necessary coverage. Renovating your property can increase its value, which might require increasing coverage limits to safeguard your investment better if damaged or destroyed. Ensure that the contractor has valid insurance as well.

Step 5: Secure Permits and Order Materials

Many cities require permits, which can be essential to avoid specific problems during construction. Ensure your contractor is up to date on the latest laws in your area since inspection standards vary from place to place.

If you’ve obtained the necessary permits, it’s time to order suitable materials, such as wood, drywall, windows, and doors.

Step 6: Start Demolition

Finally, it’s time to destroy things after all your supplies have been delivered to the job location and thoroughly examined. Framing generally follows if extra room is required. If you are relocating walls, installing new windows and doors is a perfect opportunity.

Step 7: Work Behind the Walls

It is the stage for essential work behind walls, below floors, and above ceilings—plumbing rough-ins, subfloors, insulation installation, and electrical and heating ductwork rough-ins. Next comes smooth exterior finishing with patching, drywall hanging, taping, and sanding.

Step 8: Paint and Install Flooring

Some contractors may want to install flooring first, while others want to prime and paint before laying down new flooring (to avoid stains from reaching the new flooring). Your contractors’ availability may also determine the sequence of operations.

Step 9: Install Cabinetry

Following the completion of the walls and floors, the room’s actual appearance begins to emerge. Cabinets are generally put in next, with upper cabinets preceding lower ones.

Step 10: Add Finishing Touches

In this final step, finish minor touches and decorations, such as painting and backsplashes, floor sealing, light fixtures, hardware, and other touch-ups.