The process of renovation can be mind-bending. Just when you've decided to refinish the floors before painting the walls--you realize it makes more sense to do walls before floors. Or is it the other way around? Do you begin to see the problems? When renovating a house, there is an infinite number of ways to skin a cat. But following is one suggested whole house renovation timeline.
1. Design and Planning
Whether it's a sketch on a cocktail napkin or full-blown architectural plans, some type of planning and design always comes first.
2. Roof, Foundation, Siding, Windows
Protect your future renovation work by making certain the house won't collapse on you (foundation, major structural problems) and that it will remain dry (roof, siding windows).
3. Demolition
Depending on the scale of your renovations and the condition of the house, demolition might be the first step.
4. Structural Carpentry
At this time, call in the carpenters for major carpentry projects. Things like: Moving walls, constructing new walls, significantly enlarging window openings, Adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs, Punching in new doors (or removing existing doors).
5. HVAC Ductwork, Electrical, and Plumbing
With the walls and ceiling open, it's time for the HVAC company to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning. Also with the walls accessible, run new electrical and plumbing systems. Electrical and plumbing inspectors will visit at this time, too.
6. Insulation
Last thing to do with the walls open: install fiberglass batt insulation in the walls and attic. Insulation goes fast, so give your drywaller a call and let him know he's next up.
7. Drywall
A second inspection from the electrical inspector (and perhaps the plumbing inspector) will give you the go-ahead to close up the walls. Drywallers hang sheets of drywall, apply drywall compound, and let the compound dry. After drying, they sand it smooth. Sometimes, they will repeat the process until they achieve a seamless surface.
8. Flooring
Installing the flooring later in the renovation process saves your flooring surface from significant damage.
9. Windows
10. Fine Carpentry
Here's where you introduce carpentry that doesn't involve structural issues. Install baseboards, molding, trim around windows and doors, built-in elements (bookcases, breakfast nooks, etc.).
11. Interior Painting, Wallpaper, and Other Surface Finishes
Painting interior walls, hanging wallpaper, painting molding and trim, staining and sealing trim: all of these detail-oriented surface finishes should be the last items you do indoors.
12. Siding, Gutters
With the house mostly finished, it's safe to put on siding. You don't want to do this earlier (unless absolutely necessary) because doors and windows may get punched out, ruining the siding.
13. Major Auxiliary Building
Last, do major auxiliary building projects like: Additions, Sunrooms, Swimming pools
Large building projects like additions should come last. My view is that you do this last so you don't deplete all of your money and energy on projects not related to renovating the house itself. However, an alternate view is that you may want to build an addition very early in the process so that you don't ruin any work you do in the main part of the house.
12. Siding, Gutters
With the house mostly finished, it's safe to put on siding. You don't want to do this earlier (unless absolutely necessary) because doors and windows may get punched out, ruining the siding.
13. Major Auxiliary Building
Last, do major auxiliary building projects like: Additions, Sunrooms, Swimming pools
Large building projects like additions should come last. My view is that you do this last so you don't deplete all of your money and energy on projects not related to renovating the house itself. However, an alternate view is that you may want to build an addition very early in the process so that you don't ruin any work you do in the main part of the house.
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