When it comes to performing a renovation on your home’s interior, there’s a good chance that you have a limited budget that you need to stick to throughout the process. While it may be tempting to jump in head first, using an interior home renovation checklist beforehand can help you to catch any issues you may encounter during the renovation, and may even help you avoid some areas that may not need any work at all.
Going through a checklist will not only make your project more cost-efficient but time efficient as well. If you haven’t already gone through all the parts and systems of your home ahead of the renovation, you are opening yourself up to many pitfalls, delays, and further complications that could turn your renovation into something else entirely.
Home Maintenance Inspection
This should be performed first before beginning any type of renovation. An inspection done by a licensed professional can point out any deficiencies that should be addressed first before moving on to any cosmetic upgrades or renovations.
Home Interior Home Renovation Checklist
Here is a general intertior home renovation checklist that can help to ensure that your renovation project is a success.
Roof
Yes, the roof of your home isn’t a part of the interior, but it can certainly have an effect on it if it’s experiencing some issues. Use your interior home renovation checklist to ensure that the shingles are in good order and that no leaking is occurring in your attic. This is also a good time to check your ventilation and insulation.
Paint
New paint may not be a part of your renovation plans, but you should still inspect the paint in the area you are performing the renovation, as well as the rest of your home while you are at it. Look for any peeling or discoloration, and also any stains.
New paint may very well be needed, so be sure that you choose a type appropriate for your home’s environment, such as washable paint if you have small children.
Doors & Windows
The windows and doors on your home are subject to plenty of abuse each year, and should be closely monitored for any discrepancies. Check the structural integrity of the windows and doors themselves, and pay close attention to any issues with sealing around them.
Should you need to replace any windows or doors, consider aspects such as increased security and weatherproofing when shopping around. These aspects can improve both your home’s function and appraisal value.
Walls
The walls in your home are subject to plenty of wear and damage over time, and it’s somewhat easy to overlook them. Inspect your walls for any dents or holes, and either replaces that section or use a spot treatment that can cover up and fill the hole or dent.
This can also include repairing the nail and screw holes in your wall if you’ve moved decorations, shelves, and speakers around quite a few times.
HVAC System and Appliances
Your heating and cooling systems should be included in your interior home renovation checklist, as well as major appliances such as refrigerators, washers & dryers, and hot water heaters. Having any of these fail or need replacement during your renovation could present you with plenty of problems, especially financially.
Floors and Trim
Evaluate your home to see if you’d like to replace carpeting, or even remove it to expose wooden floors. Some may even take the carpet out of areas to expose the concrete, and then have it stained. All of these changes can help you be rid of the old carpet, while also modernizing the look of your home.
New or redone rooms may need new baseboards and crown molding to help the room blend in with the rest of the home.
Electrical
If your renovation requires you opening up or removing the walls in any part of the home, this would be a good time to go ahead and upgrade your system to match any new appliances, or to create some new outlets for remodeled rooms that need strategic outlet locations.
Some of the many considerations you may take into account include new lighting, bathroom heaters and fans, satellite hookups, ceiling speakers, extra outlets, and much more.
Plumbing
Similar to electrical work, renovations in certain parts of your home may involve removing parts of the floor or wall that could give you easy access to your plumbing. This is especially true if you are doing a bathroom renovation. Consider any upgrades or replacements that may be needed for your existing plumbing, such as new sinks, toilets, or even pipes if they have become corroded over time.
Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades
Updating your kitchens and bathroom for a more modern look with newer appliances and fixtures can help the overall appeal and look of your home, while also adding plenty of increased value. These upgrades and updates can be minor can be included in your interior home renovation checklist or include a full overhaul if desired. Some of the more common examples include countertops, backsplashes, cabinets, handles and knobs, and minor cosmetic upgrades.
