December 06, 2024

How to Make a Solid Plan for Renovations (Even If You're a Beginner)

Tackling home renovations can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first rodeo. If you’re living in or inheriting an older home, like the 100-year-old one in this example, the process can be even more daunting. But don’t worry—you can create a renovation plan that’s practical, cost-effective, and customized to your needs by following these steps.

1. Understand Your Starting Point

Before diving into renovations, you need to know the condition of your home. This is your foundation for making informed decisions:

Get a Home Inspection: Even if you’re not selling, a professional home inspection will reveal critical maintenance issues like structural concerns, outdated wiring, or plumbing problems. This sets your priorities.
Consult Real Estate Agents: Ask local agents what renovations could boost your home’s value. If you’re planning renovations for personal enjoyment, focus on livability instead.

2. List Your Needs and Wants

Separate must-dos (like fixing a leaky roof) from nice-to-haves (like upgrading your kitchen cabinets). Consider:

Safety First: Start with structural integrity, electrical updates, and plumbing fixes.
Lifestyle Upgrades: Create a space that fits your daily needs—maybe that’s open-concept living or an extra bathroom.
Future-Proofing: Plan for energy efficiency or accessibility to save money and accommodate future needs.

3. Order of Operations is Key

Renovations have a logical sequence. For example:

Start with foundational work (roofing, foundation repairs, or structural fixes).
Move to systems upgrades (HVAC, plumbing, or electrical).
Save cosmetic upgrades (painting, flooring, fixtures) for last.

By addressing the underlying issues first, you’ll avoid redoing work later on.

4. Create a Realistic Budget

Use a renovation spreadsheet planner to map out costs. Tools like the Home Renovation Budget Template from Manjasheets can help you:

Track estimates for labor and materials.
Plan for contingencies (10–20% of your total budget).
Monitor expenses to avoid overspending.

5. Visualize Your Ideas

Using an online floor planner or simple sketches, create a rough draft of your renovation goals:

Map out structural changes, such as removing or moving walls (consult a professional for load-bearing walls).
Add furniture, doors, and design elements to ensure functionality.
Refine your vision before meeting with contractors or designers.

6. Find the Right Professionals

Not everything is DIY, and that’s okay! Here’s who to hire and when:

Architects for structural changes or redesigning layouts.
General contractors to coordinate the entire renovation.
Specialists (plumbers, electricians) for specific upgrades.
Obtain at least three quotes for major projects to compare prices and ensure fair rates.

7. Phasing the Work

If you’re renovating in stages:

Start small: Tackle manageable projects like painting or landscaping while you finalize plans for bigger jobs.
Plan around your life: If you live in the house during renovations, schedule one area at a time to avoid excessive disruption.

8. Stay Organized

Renovation projects have a lot of moving parts. Using a spreadsheet keeps everything streamlined, including timelines, expenses, and contractor details. This can save you significant stress as projects evolve.

Conclusion

Renovating a home—especially an older one—requires careful planning, but it’s a manageable process when broken into clear steps. Whether you’re addressing maintenance, boosting market value, or customizing your dream home, starting with a solid plan ensures success.

Ready to simplify your renovation planning? Check out the Home Renovation Budget Template from Manjasheets to get started on your next project with confidence.