An Overview of the Process
It’s important to understand what you’re getting into when you choose a whole home renovation in Wilmington, NC. A look at the elements of a major home renovation will give you a sense of what’s involved and help you effectively plan your projects. Avocet Design Build can take you through all the steps of home renovation with the inspired confidence and imagination that years of experience lend us. Start today with a free initial consultation!
Start With Design and Planning
Maybe you have had many ideas of how to rejuvenate your home, or maybe you just began thinking of ideas. Whether it’s A sketch on a cocktail napkin, full-blown architectural plans, or just a firm set of thoughts about how the remodel should progress is a good place to start. It is less frustrating to correct mistakes before the remodel takes physical form. That’s why we use top-of-the-line design software and authentic design to not only save you time but headaches as well.
One of the next considerations is to be sure that you have funding for your renovation. If you want to see more about the planning side of things, check out this article on it here.
Draw up a simple list of do-it-yourself projects and projects you want professionals to do. Look for contractors and subcontractors for those jobs you do not want to do yourself.
Consider the Bigger Projects
The biggest projects you might take on include ADUs, kitchen renovations, sunrooms, large exterior projects, and obviously multi-room remodels. If you have to deal with water infiltration, and installing or repairing windows and siding. Large projects must be done first because subsequent projects are impacted by them.
If you’re in an older home, you’ll want to protect your future renovation work by making certain the house won’t collapse on you. That means addressing the foundation and any structural problems. If not seriously damaged, leave the window repair or replacement for later in the process.
The same goes for siding. If the siding is so damaged that it will allow water infiltration, repair, or replace the siding. If not seriously damaged, leave it for later.
Plan for Demolition
You will demolish and dispose of sections of the house that will be replaced by later projects. This is a huge undertaking that many homeowners overlook until the project begins, then they begin scrambling to make up for the lost time.
You’ll need to rent a large container for waste (a contractor will add this price into the cost) but you will need a dumpster taking up the area around your house. Carefully demolish all or some of the areas of the house that will be renovated. Demolish as much as possible, especially if you can find a time to be out of the house.
Exercise caution when demolishing surfaces coated with lead-based paint. Asbestos, which is often common in older homes, can be a serious health hazard as well. It’s a very good idea to call in a professional to help with anything that is older.
Think About Structural Carpentry
Carpentry that is in support of other work is known as structural carpentry. This can include moving walls, constructing new walls, adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs, punching in new doors (or removing existing doors), adding framing for new construction windows, or significantly enlarging the window openings. Again, this is where having a good contractor comes in handy. At Avocet Design Build, we use our authentic design to not only make your house look better but stronger.
Plan Out HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Jobs
These are vital services that need to be installed when the walls and ceiling are open. Open walls and ceilings make it easier for the HVAC company to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning and for electricians and plumbers to run new electrical and plumbing systems. If you’re doing a big job, it’s also a perfect time to look at something like the HVAC that is in the walls.
Consider the Windows
Window installation, whether whole-house or partial, almost always play into a home remodel project. Installing new construction or replacement windows is one of the best ways to increase home value. Our accomplished project management can time the windows perfectly so you have the best insulation possible and take advantage of the best views!
Plan Out Insulation and Drywall
Before the drywall goes up, the insulation must go in. Look at the options for insulation, and plan to use different types for different areas of the house. Before you close up the walls, you’ll need a second inspection from the electrical inspector (and perhaps the plumbing inspector). They will give you the go-ahead to close up the walls. Which again, if you have a good contractor with great crews, this should be no problem.
You’ll close up the walls with drywall: hanging it, mudding it, and sanding it. 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. This does create a lot of dust, so make sure you get a contractor who understands how to section off portions of the job.
Fine Carpentry Skills Needed
Next comes the carpentry that is not supportive: baseboards, molding, trim around windows and doors, and built-in elements, such as bookcases or breakfast nooks. Fine carpentry gives your house that finished touch. These elements will be the focus later on in the project as molding and baseboards are subject to damage from moving objects or knocking materials into them. Be wary if the right hallways are needed to transit materials from one place in the renovation to another. Consider holding off on the final touches of these high-traffic areas until most of the additional work is completed.
Move on to Interior Painting, Wallpaper, and Other Finishing Work
Once you get all the carpentry done, now comes the time to start painting and finishing off the interior. This process can start when other projects are happening but be careful to not overload the house. A contractor, like Avocet Additions, with great project management, will have the crews lined up so the project moves smoothly. Once you reach this stage of the project, you’re getting close.
Install Flooring
Your final floor covering will vary depending upon the room; for instance, you might choose laminate, solid hardwood, engineered smart-wood like TREX (outside), or carpet for various living and bedroom areas and vinyl, tile, or marble for bathrooms and kitchens. No matter what you choose, plan to install the flooring as late as possible in the renovation process. This will save your flooring surface from significant damage caused by the movement of contractors and other parts of the renovation that tend to be messy.
Move to the Exterior
Once the inside is done (or if you need it done fast everything can happen at once), or close to it, it’s time to work on the exterior of the house. With the house mostly finished, it is safe to put on the gutters and siding.
Now you can also consider external renovations that might be connected to the house, such as adding a front porch, deck, or sunroom. Now is also the time to think about the parts that are entirely separate from the house, such as detached garages or swimming pools. Also, consider adding additional living space with modular ADUs. For the best perspective on full home renovations consider communicating with one of our additions professionals. They can answer your questions from A to Z and get you started with a free initial consultation for your home project! Let Avocet Design Build take your home from the idea to the finished product, call or click today!
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