Home renovation and how to reformat it
It's important to know what
you're getting into when you choose to do a whole home renovation. When you
look at the different parts of a major home renovation, you'll understand what
it takes and how to plan your projects more effectively.
To begin, make a
strategy and a design.
You can start by making a
sketch on a cocktail napkin, making full architectural plans, or having a clear
idea of how the to remodel should go. Make sure to fix mistakes before the remodel
takes shape. This will save you money and make it less frustrating. One of the
first things to think about is whether or not you have enough money to pay for
your project.
Then make a simple
"yes/no" list of things you can do on your own and things you want
people to do. See if you can find contractors and subcontractors to do some of
the jobs you don't want to do yourself.
Make sure you get permission
to do the jobs you want to do by yourself (if necessary). If you hire a
contractor, they may take care of getting the permits for you.
Think about the
bigger projects.
Roof replacement or repair
are two of the biggest projects you might do. You might also have to do some
landscaping.
Fixing the foundation and
preventing water from getting in
Putting in or fixing windows
and siding
Large projects must be done
first because they affect the next projects that come after them.
Protect your future
renovation work by ensuring the house won't fall on you. That means taking care
of the foundation and any structural problems. Secure the foundation and make
major foundation repairs to weak walls, joists, and beams.
The next thing to look at is
how to keep it dry, which includes the roof, siding, and windows. Repair or
change the roof. Replace seriously damaged windows that could put future
remodeling work at risk. If the window isn't broken very badly, don't fix or
replace it until later in the process.
The same is true for the
siding. If the siding is so bad that water can get in, you can either fix or
replace it. If it isn't damaged very much, leave it for later.
In this case, we have
a demolition plan.
You will demolish and get rid
of parts of the house that later projects will replace. This is a big project
that many people don't think about until the work starts, and then they start
scrambling to make up for a lost time.
For waste, you'll need to
rent a big container that you can fill up with trash. Carefully remove all or
some of the parts of the house that will be renovated. If you aren't living
there, try to get rid of as much as possible.
WARNING
When removing lead-based
paint from a surface, be careful. Asbestos, which is common in older homes, can
be dangerous to your health—the best thing to get a professional to help with
things like Asbestos or lead-based paint.
Take a Look at
Structural Carpentry.
This kind of work is called
structural carpentry. It's used to help with other jobs. There are many ways to
move walls, build new walls, add beams to support more weight upstairs, punch
in new doors (or remove existing doors), add framing for new construction
windows, or significantly widen the window openings.
Many of these projects can be
done by a willing person to try. Some projects, like widening window openings,
might require the help of a contractor.
Make a list of all
the jobs that need to be done with heating, electricity, and plumbing.
These important services must
be put in when the walls and ceiling are open. Open walls and ceilings make it
easier for the heating and air conditioning company to put in ductwork for
central heating and air conditioning and for electricians and plumbers to run
new electrical and plumbing systems in the house, too.