Whole Home Remodel — Where to Start

How do you start an improvement project such as a home remodel? Like with all other construction projects, defining its scope, dedicated planning, and enlisting a whole home renovation contractor are all crucial steps in your quest to improve your property. But what exactly is a whole house remodel, and what does it entail? 

When you add, change, or upgrade your house's structure, layout, or function under one single, large-scale contract, the process is referred to as a whole home remodel. The process of remodeling an entire house can be lengthy and complicated but certainly rewarding.

Hiring a whole home remodel contractor with the right knowledge and skillset can help ease the stress that comes with the planning stage, open you to all design possibilities, and execute the entire project seamlessly. 

Across America, more than 55% of homeowners are choosing to remodel their living spaces rather than move or sell, according to a new study by House Method. Like these individuals, you may opt for a remodel if you can't see your family moving elsewhere or simply want enhanced comfort, space, and functionality to accommodate your changing household needs. The same study reveals that Gen X and millennials make up the largest demographic, accounting for 55% of all renovators. 

A remodeling project, especially one with an immense scope, is best for older homes with a good basic structure that need an overhaul, inside and out. In the article by Market Watch, around 80% of the nation's 137 million homes have been in existence for at least 20 years—increasing the need for improvement and remodeling projects. Demolition of old walls, adding new rooms, and updating the kitchen, bathroom, HVAC, electric, and plumbing systems are all possibilities for a whole house improvement, though the scope may vary from project to project.

Beginning of Whole Home Remodeling

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When planning a remodel project, below are a few key considerations to keep top of mind: 

Know what you want?

While a worthy investment, whole home remodels are accompanied by a couple of twists and turns. And since you're not starting with a blank canvas, it's important to have a clearer vision of what you want and understand that this is a project you must see through until the very end. Without a realistic idea and a detailed plan of action, you might just lose your steam before getting any further.

Decide your budget

Like with all other construction projects, determining a feasible budget from the outset requires a detailed plan and plenty of research. More than anything, it will give you a clear idea of the amount of money you are likely to spend. It also helps you to:

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✓ Identify how much you can afford.

✓ Set your priorities for the project.

✓ Establish a Spending limt.

 An article titled "How Much Should You Really Be Budgeting for a Home Renovation?" by House Method advises homeowners to budget at least 20% over the estimated cost of a home improvement project. Setting a contingency line item of this much percentage means there's extra money to cover unforeseen costs or cost overruns.

Determine style and design.

The style and design of your "new" home are other things to keep top of mind. The choices can be overwhelming, especially when remodeling an entire house, but the upside guarantees enhanced comfort and enjoyment of your home. Have a few ideas in mind just to get a handle on a design direction before meeting up with a contractor and finalizing a home remodeling design that best fits your vision.

Types of permits required

Certain types of improvement projects, such as the addition/demolition of an existing structure, reconfiguration of a floor plan, adding new windows, and plumbing or electrical modifications, require permits. While this may add another step to the process, home addition permits confirm that work done is in line with local ordinances, building codes, and structural requirements.

In her article for Bobvila, "What Happens if You Remodel a Home Without a Permit?" Glenda Taylor reveals that failure to obtain permits leads to future challenges like difficulties in selling or refinancing your home. We recommend finding out what permits are required for your specific project before you even consider breaking ground.

Time frame 

A home overhaul requires hard work and long hours, so the whole process can get chaotic. Determining a time frame for all works allows everyone involved to keep the focus on what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. While unfavorable setbacks and delays may arise, having a schedule keeps things moving until the project is complete.

Hire a whole home remodeling contractor. 

At this point, you're probably wondering about the best remodeling contractors near me. Speaking of contractors, you want to enlist a licensed home remodeling professional with the expertise to see your project to a successful completion. A remodeled designer knows the best materials and tools to get the work done within your desired timeframe and budget. In our post "HireProfessional Home Remodeling Contractor in California — Complete Checklist," we've outlined all the necessary steps to take to find the right expert for the job. 

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Steps Involved in Whole House Remodel

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By the very nature of a home improvement project, these are the steps to remodeling a house:

Demolition

The first step to remodeling a house is demolition and disposal of sections that will be replaced. Note that this part of the process can only be done once the right permits are in place. This huge undertaking requires safe demolition practices as it may involve removing drywall and studs, disconnecting water lines, taking out baseboards and nails, and removing toilets and sinks. 

Framing

New walls need to be framed, and this calls for a contractor's expertise. Even though structural framing work ends up buried behind drywall, it is an important component that supports your home's stability and lays the groundwork for everything that follows. Shortcuts and poor-quality work can lead to trouble.

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HVAC, electrical, and plumbing

Once demolishing and framing is complete, it's time to look at the big-ticket item: your HVAC unit. Essentially, HVAC systems are a necessary element of improved livability, efficiency, and comfort—and need to be handled by professionals to ensure the installation meets the code at every turn. 

Likewise, electrical and plumbing systems also need to be reinstalled into your whole house remodel. All components—HVAC, electrical, and plumbing—require the guidance of a skilled professional with expertise in the latest technology and system installations so your remodel moves seamlessly through the approval process.

Drywall and painting 

At this point, insulation must go in, and walls should be closed up with drywall. Sometimes called sheetrock, plasterboard, or wallboard, adding drywall involves hanging it, mudding it, and sanding it. Thereafter, interior painting can be completed.

Benefits of Whole Home Remodeling 

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Undertaking a whole house project requires significant time, effort, money, and resources. Despite all this, there is a plethora of incremental benefits that come with a well-deserved upgrade, including the following: 

No need to move

Remodeling your entire home eliminates the idea of moving—the best possible approach if you still love your neighborhood and property. The process can transform your house into one that's functional and customized to your specific needs. 

Add value to your home.

Executed properly, a residential improvement project can increase home value. Not only do you get to enjoy your new space in expanded ways, but adding square footage or making rooms more functional is worth it if you decide to sell someday. Home improvements that add value and boost aesthetics, comfort, and safety make your property more appealing to buyers. 

Complete customization

Home remodeling allows you to customize an old house to your preferences and needs. Maybe your family has grown since the time you moved in and requires more space, or maybe you desire a more functional and comfortable living space. A myriad of choices are available to ensure you get exactly what complements your lifestyle and aesthetic needs. 

Improve comfort and livability.

Can a remodeling project help improve your home's comfort and livability? The answer is a big YES. It can help achieve better comfort year-round and make living more enjoyable through changes like increased insulation, energy-efficient windows, and upgraded HVAC systems. 

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Cohesive design

Undoubtedly, by upgrading your home, you'll experience a more cohesive design throughout the entire space. How to create a cohesive interior design? First things first, hire a remodeling professional to put together the design and details for you to look at before the tearing down and rebuilding process starts. 

Saves money 

Investing your time and money in a whole house remodel by hiring an expert and using high-quality materials that last longer and hold up better saves you money in the long run. It might be expensive upfront, but you will find out that a large-scale project completed in one fell swoop allows you to save money compared to multiple, one-room makeovers over a long period.

Questions to Ask your Home Remodeling Contractor 

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How long does an entire house remodeling take?

The time it takes to complete a whole house remodel depends on the project's magnitude. That said, you can expect timeless to run anywhere from four to six months, but more involved projects can take up to a year. 

How much does a full home remodel cost?

An accurate cost of a whole house remodel on where you live, the scope of work involved, and the quality of materials you intend to install. To give you an idea of what to expect: remodeling the entire house costs around $15,000 – $40,000 (low-end), while a project that's far larger and more high-end in scope, can cost around $75,000 – $200,000, according to an article by HomeGuide.  

Is it cheaper to remodel or build a new home? 

As a rule of thumb, it's almost always less expensive to remodel an existing home than build a new one. However, costs may be higher than anticipated if an old house presents challenges such as hidden structural issues. From this perspective, is it better to remodel or build a new home? You'll have to weigh the pros and cons of each scenario and find out what's ideal based on your long-term goals. 

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