Residential Interior Remodeling, Hardwood Restoration And Other Steps Explained For Your Next Project
Posted by Aaron Schaalma
Home interior remodeling is always a big project that can be quite stressful and overwhelming.
However, there are some steps you need to follow to successfully complete your home renovation project.
In this blog post we'll discuss the main steps of a home renovation process – from preparation all the way through making decisions about flooring – so you can have an overall smoother, easier and more enjoyable home remodeling experience.
Contents:
- What Is Interior Remodeling?
- What’s The Difference Between Remodeling And Renovating?
- How Do I Know If I Need A Home Renovation?
- How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Home Interior?
- In What Order Do You Renovate A House?
- Conclusion
What Is Interior Remodeling?
Before you start your home renovation project, it's important to understand what interior remodeling is.
Simply put, interior remodeling is the process of changing or updating the interior design of a room or home. This could involve redecorating with new furniture, paint and accessories, or renovating with updated materials such as flooring and tile.
What’s The Difference Between Remodeling And Renovating?
Remodeling is typically a smaller project that focuses on specific areas of a room, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Renovating, on the other hand, is a larger-scale project that affects the entire interior of a home.
However, the two terms are often interchangeable today . Many homeowners use interior remodeling as a catchall term regardless of whether they’re focusing on one area or the entire interior.
How Do I Know If I Need A Home Renovation?
If you're considering interior remodeling in your home, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you looking to update certain aspects of the interior design?
- Is your interior looking dated and needing a refresh?
- Are there rooms or areas in your home that could use an update?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, interior remodeling may be a great way to add value to your home for you and your family and for potential resale value.
How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Home Interior?
The cost of interior remodeling will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the materials you choose.
Typically, interior remodeling costs range from $5,000 to $50,000.
However, it's important to get an accurate estimate for your specific project to avoid any surprises down the road.
In What Order Do You Renovate A House?
A home remodeling plan is essential if you want to complete interior renovations successfully.
To help with your home renovation project, we’ve created a list of interior remodeling steps – from preparation and planning, through making decisions about materials and finishes – that can easily be integrated into your overall interior design plans:
7 (Very General) Steps:
- Planning
- Demolition
- HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing
- Framing & Drywall
- Painting
- Cabinets, Fixtures, Doors, Windows and Floors
- Clean House & Air Vents
1. Home Remodeling Planning and Preparation:
Planning
Creating a rough sketch, full-scale plan, or simply a set of ideas about how the remodel should develop is a wonderful place to begin. It's less expensive and time consuming to fix errors while they're still in the planning stages.
Set a max budget . It will make you feel more comfortable about your plans and help ensure that you keep within budget when planning materials, finishes, etc.
Research interior design periodicals, websites, interior designers or architects to get decorating ideas and inspiration.
DIY Preparation
There may be some portions of the job that you are willing and able to tackle yourself. Save yourself some money!
The key is to make a basic list of tasks to be done and evaluate whether or not you can accomplish them yourself.
2. Demolition
You'll be tearing down and disposing of parts of the house that will be replaced by future construction.
This is a tremendous task that many homeowners overlook until it's too late, when they begin scrambling to make up for lost time.
You'll need to rent a big container for trash disposal. If you won't be residing in the home, be sure to follow safety precautions!
3. HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems make interior spaces comfortable throughout the year. Electrical wiring provides power to interior fixtures. Plumbing pipes deliver water to interior fixtures and drain waste away from these areas.
These are important services that must be put in place once the walls and ceiling have been removed.
The clean look of exposed pipes and ductwork is complemented by dark-toned walls and ceilings that make it easier for HVAC professionals to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning, as well as electricians and plumbers to install new electrical and plumbing networks.
4. Framing and Drywall
Once all the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC updates are addressed , the walls and ceilings can be framed and drywall can be installed.
If you've ever done any carpentry, this will be a familiar process to you. If not, it's important to have a qualified contractor do the framing and drywall installation.
5. Painting
Once the framing and drywall are in place, it's time for interior painting.
You can choose to paint every room a different color, or select a color scheme and stick to it.
The choice is yours!
You can't just use the same paint and expect it to look good; you'll need to clean, repair, or replace it. Also, if you want a spotless, flaw-free paint job without the headaches, hire an expert.
6. Cabinets, Fixtures, Doors, Windows and Floors
Now is the time to install new cabinets, countertops, sinks, doors, windows, appliances and floors.
Yes those are a lot things at once!
The reason is that each home remodeling situation and timeline is going to be different depending on timing and the size of each project.
In most cases, plan to install the flooring as late as possible in the renovation process. By doing so, you will prevent your flooring surface from significant harm.
Again, the order of these steps varies from project to project.
Kitchen Remodeling Example
Rather than giving you step by steps, I'm giving you various situations you might need to consider for a kitchen remodel.
If A Kitchen Already Has Cabinets Installed
Then flooring gets laid up to those kitchen cabinets, but usually kitchen remodeling means a new layout altogether. A new layout then would require repairs done before putting in new floors.
If A Kitchen Does Not Have New Cabinets Already Installed
New hardwood floors can be installed first, then the cabinets. However the toe kick should be left out so that the floors can be sanded before installing the toe kick.
Generally speaking, the process doesn't always pan out like this. I find that timing issues always arise. Ideally, having less trades people on new floors is best to avoid so that you prevent any marks.
It's key to coordinate with all craftsmen who come in for various jobs for the cabinets, doors, plumbing, etc.
7. Clean House and Air Vents
This is the last step in interior remodeling.
Once all interior finishing touches are in place, you will be ready to clean and air out the interior of your home.
Now, clean up any remaining trash and filth using a broom or vacuums. Wipe down all surfaces with a wet cloth. Finally, turn on your HVAC system and let it run for a while to clear out any contaminants.
Now that the interior of your home is spick and span, you can sit back and admire your hard work!
Conclusion
As you can see, interior remodeling is a huge process that involves lots of detail. It takes a lot of mental and physical work. However, the end result will mean a more comfortable, efficient interior living space for you to enjoy!
For expert assistance, connect with interior remodeling contractors in your area.
If you're scratching your head about how hardwood floors fit into the project, request a consultation with me to have a conversation about your remodeling project. My expertise comes from over 2 decades of hardwood flooring, so you can trust me to work with you through your project.
