How to Start a Home Renovation: Define Your Goals

If you're planning a home renovation, the first step is to figure out what you want to accomplish. 

What are your goals for the renovation?

Once you know what you want, you can find an architect and create a budget that will make your vision a reality. If you're not sure where to start, don't worry. We've got all the information you need right here.

Keep reading to learn how to start a home renovation in five easy steps!

Table of Contents:

Define Your Goals

When it comes to home renovations, it's important to know what your goals are before you start. After all, you don't want to end up with a half-finished project that doesn't really fit your needs.

Think about what you want to achieve with your renovation.

Are you looking to create more space?

Update the look of your home?

Make it more energy efficient?

Increase the value?

Increase the living space?

Once you know what your goals are, you can start to plan your project accordingly. If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you figure out what you want to do with your home.

Talk to friends and family who have renovated before, look online for inspiration, and consult with a professional like the team at Sketch Haus in Atlanta, GA if you need help defining your goals.

With a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can start your renovation project with confidence, knowing that you're on the right track to creating your dream home.

Find an Architect

When you're ready to start a home renovation, one of the first things you'll need to do is find an architect for home renovation. This can be a daunting task, but there are a few ways to make it easier.

First, you can ask friends and family for recommendations. If someone you know has recently renovated their home, they may be able to give you the name of the architect or designer they used.

Another option is to search online. There are a number of websites that allow you to search for architects and designers in your area. 

We are a team of residential architects that would love to assist you in your goals. You can learn more about our architectural design services.

Once you've found a few potential candidates, you'll need to meet with them to discuss your project. This is a good time to ask questions and get a feel for their work.

After you've chosen an architect, they will work with you to create a plan for your renovation. Your architect can also help you create documents for permits if you choose to go that route. 

With the help of a professional, you can turn your renovation dreams into reality.

Key Takeaway: When starting a home renovation, it's important to find a professional architect or designer to create a plan.

Create a Budget

When you're planning a home renovation, the first step is to create a budget. This will help you determine how much money you need to spend on materials, labor, and other costs.

Use your plans that an architect creates and have them estimate the cost of your project. This can help you decide what level of finishes and the extent of the work you want done.

There are a few ways to go about creating a budget for your home renovation. You can use a spreadsheet to track your costs, or you can use a budgeting app.

You can also talk to a financial advisor to get help creating a budget. Once you have a budget, you can start to look for ways to save money on your renovation.

You can look for sales on materials, or you can try to negotiate with contractors. You can also look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

With a little planning, you can save a lot of money on your home renovation. By creating a budget and sticking to it, you can ensure that your renovation stays on track and doesn't cost more than you can afford.

Key Takeaway: To save money on a home renovation, start by creating a budget and sticking to it. Look for ways to save money on materials and labor, and try to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Get Permits and Inspections

If you're planning on renovating your home, one of the first things you'll need to do is get permits and inspections. Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to get different types of permits, such as electrical or building permits.

Inspections are important to make sure that your renovation is up to code and meets all safety standards. Getting permits and inspections can seem like a daunting task, but we're here to help.

We've put together a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Determine the Scope of Your Renovation.

The first step is to determine the scope of your renovation. This will help you determine which permits you'll need to get.

For example, if you're planning on doing a major kitchen renovation, you'll need to get a building permit.

2. Apply for the Necessary Permits.

Once you know which permits you need, you can apply for them. The process for applying for a permit varies depending on the type of permit and the municipality in which you live.

3. Schedule Inspections.

After you've obtained the necessary permits, you'll need to schedule inspections. Inspections are important to make sure that your renovation is up to code and meets all safety standards.

4. Make Sure Your Renovation Is Up to Code.

The final step is to make sure that your renovation is up to code. This includes ensuring that all electrical and plumbing work is up to code, as well as making sure that the finished product meets all safety standards.

Getting permits and inspections can seem like a daunting task, but we're here to help. We've put together a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Start your home renovation today!

Key Takeaway: It's important to get permits and inspections for your home renovation to make sure the work is up to code.

Hire Contractors

This can be a daunting task, as there are a lot of things to consider.

First, you'll need to decide what kind of contractors you need.

Do you need someone to do the electrical work?

The plumbing?

The framing?

It's important to get quotes from a few different contractors so that you can compare prices. Once you've decided on the type of contractor you need, you'll need to find a few reputable ones in your area.

Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. Once you've found a few candidates, be sure to check out their reviews online.

When you're ready to start interviewing contractors, there are a few questions you should ask. First, find out how long they've been in business.

It's important to hire someone with experience. Second, ask for references.

Be sure to follow up with these references to make sure they're satisfied with the contractor's work. Finally, ask for a detailed estimate.

This will help you budget for your renovation. Once you've found the right contractor, be sure to sign a contract that outlines the scope of work and the payment schedule.

This will protect you in case there are any problems with the project. Hiring contractors can be a daunting task, but it's important to take your time and find the right ones for the job.

With a little bit of research, you can be sure to find the perfect contractor for your home renovation.

Key Takeaway: It's important to hire experienced contractors when you're ready to start a home renovation. Be sure to get references and a detailed estimate before you sign a contract.

FAQs in Relation to How to Start a Home Renovation

How do I start my own home renovation?

The best way to start a home renovation depends on the specific project you are undertaking.

However, some tips on how to get started include:

  1. Define your goals and budget for the project.

  2. Research different home renovation options and contractors.

  3. Get quotes from multiple contractors and compare prices.

  4. Choose a contractor and schedule a start date for the project.

In what order do you renovate a house?

The order in which you renovate a house depends on the scope of the renovation. If you are doing a small renovation, you may be able to start with the room that you use the most.

If you are doing a large renovation, it is best to start with the structure of the house first, then move on to cosmetic renovations.

What comes first in a home renovation?

The first step in starting a home renovation is to develop a plan. This plan should include your budget, a timeline, and the scope of work that needs to be done.

Once you have a plan in place, you can begin to gather bids from contractors and start the construction process.

Is home renovation profitable?

There is no one answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the scope of the renovation, the quality of the work, the market value of the home, and more.

However, in general, home renovations can be quite profitable, especially if they are done well.

Sketch Haus is the best place to start your home renovation. We offer residential architectural services that will create a 3d scan of your house and customize a floor plan to your home renovation goals. Our team of experts will work with you every step of the way to make sure your vision becomes a reality. Contact us today to get started on your dream home renovation!

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