Whole-House Renovation checklist

Write down the goals and separate them from the wish list

Note what the project has to achieve and what would only be nice, so later cuts are quick decisions.

Set the total budget with a contingency of 15 to 20 percent

An older house uncovers more surprises than a single room, and a whole-house scope finds most of them.

Decide whether you will live in the house during the work

Order a survey, and a structural report if the plan touches walls or floors

Run a title, easement and zoning check before design work starts

Interview more than one contractor and compare identical scopes

Give every bidder the same written scope, otherwise the prices cannot be compared.

Agree the contract type

Fixed price, cost plus and guaranteed maximum price each place the risk differently between you and the contractor.

Tie the payment schedule to milestones rather than to calendar dates

Agree in writing how changes will be priced and approved

Produce measured drawings of the house as it exists

Have the contractor review the floor plans before the permit application

A builder finds constructability problems that only appear when someone prices the work.

Fix the structural design and beam sizes with an engineer

Produce electrical and lighting plans room by room

Produce plumbing and mechanical layouts

Choose the heating and cooling approach early

Duct routes, radiator positions and equipment locations change framing, ceiling heights and floor plans.

Build a finish schedule listing every material by room

One table of floor, wall, trim, tile and paint per room removes most site questions later.

Freeze the design before the permit application goes in

Changes after permit cost drawing time, review time and usually construction rework as well.

Identify every permit the scope requires

Submit the permit application with the required drawings and calculations

Get historic, design review or association approval where required

Prepare the energy code compliance documents

Arrange utility disconnections and reconnections with each supplier

Confirm the contractor license, insurance and bond

Build the inspection sequence into the schedule

List each inspection as a scheduled event, because a missed one stops the following trade.

Post the permit and keep the approved drawings on site

Set up site access, parking, delivery space and waste collection

Install temporary power, water and lighting

Protect everything that stays

Cover floors, stairs and trim outside the scope, and photograph their condition before work starts.

Move out or store furniture and belongings

Set up dust barriers and negative pressure where needed

Agree working hours and notify the neighbors

Install temporary weather protection for any opened roof or wall

Test for asbestos, lead and mold before demolition

Use licensed contractors for any abatement and keep the certificates

Cap and label every utility in the demolition zone

Remove finishes in the sequence the following trades need

Shore the structure before removing any load bearing element

Temporary support goes in first, designed by the engineer where the span requires it.

Record what is found behind the finishes

Old wiring, failed plumbing, rot and unexpected framing all change the scope, so document and price them as they appear.

Keep salvage separate from waste

Repair or replace damaged framing, joists and sill plates

Install new beams, columns and their footings to the engineer detail

Correct floor levels before any finish work

Address foundation cracks, drainage and water entry

Frame new walls, openings and any stair changes

Confirm ceiling heights after new framing and services are in

Ducts and beams eat headroom, so check the finished height before drywall is ordered.

Book and pass the framing and structural inspections

Replace or repair the roof before interior finishes start

Install flashing at every roof to wall junction, chimney and penetration

Set windows and doors with the correct sill pan and flashing sequence

Most window leaks are installation faults, not product faults, so watch this step.

Install the water resistive barrier and tape the seams

Correct the grading and move downpipe discharge away from the house

Insulate and air seal the envelope as one continuous layer

Repair or install siding, render and exterior trim

Run a blower door test where the energy code requires one

Coordinate duct, pipe and wire routes before any trade starts

Walk the house with all three trades and settle the conflicts on paper rather than in the ceiling.

Rough in plumbing supply, drain and vent lines and pressure test them

Rough in heating and cooling equipment, ducts and refrigerant lines

Rough in ventilation for kitchens, bathrooms and the dryer

Upgrade the electrical panel and service if the load calculation requires it

Do the load calculation before choosing appliances, heating and any vehicle charger.

Rough in wiring, boxes, and low voltage for data, alarm and cameras

Plan smoke and carbon monoxide alarm locations to code

Photograph every wall and ceiling before it is closed

Pass all rough-in inspections before insulation goes in

Air seal every penetration before insulating

Insulate walls, floors and the roof or attic to the specified values

Book and pass the insulation inspection

Hang, tape, sand and prime the drywall

Install interior doors, jambs and hardware

Install trim, skirting, stairs and railings

Add blocking for cabinets, shelving, grab bars and wall mounted screens

Mark the positions on the plan now, because every one of them is a wall opening later.

Paint ceilings and walls before flooring where the sequence allows

Install flooring room by room and protect it immediately

Install cabinets, then template countertops once the cabinets are fixed

Set tile in wet areas over completed and tested waterproofing

Install light fittings, switch plates and air registers

Install plumbing fixtures and trim

Install appliances and test each one through a full cycle

Complete exterior paint, decking and landscaping repairs

Start up and balance the heating and cooling system

Record airflow or flow rate by room, so a cold room can be traced later instead of guessed at.

Confirm the hot water temperature and any recirculation settings

Measure the actual airflow at every ventilation fan

Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm

Label the electrical panel and every shutoff valve

Set up the thermostats and controls and have them demonstrated to you

Walk every room and write one shared punch list

Confirm every inspection passed and obtain the completion or occupancy certificate

Collect as built drawings and the pre-drywall photographs

Collect warranties, manuals and equipment serial numbers

Collect lien releases from the contractor and every subcontractor

Record paint colors, tile batches and material sources

One page of product names saves a search in five years when a repair needs a match.

Label and store the leftover tile, flooring and paint by room

Hold the final payment until every punch list item is complete

Book a review at 6 and 12 months

Settlement cracks, sticking doors and warranty items show up in the first year, while the warranty still applies.