Plan, Track, and Complete Your Dream Home Project
Designed for homeowners, this tool helps you organize every step — from budgeting and hiring to demolition, finishes, and move-in. Whether you’re managing a contractor or doing it yourself, stay on top of deadlines, track progress, and keep your project stress-free.
A home remodel can feel overwhelming — multiple phases, dozens of decisions, and endless details to track. This checklist turns chaos into clarity by breaking the process into simple, actionable steps. It helps you plan ahead, avoid costly mistakes, and stay organized whether you’re hiring professionals or managing the work yourself.
With clear milestones from initial planning to final move-in, you’ll always know what’s next and keep your project on time and on budget.
This checklist is designed for any homeowner preparing for a remodel — whether it’s a single-room refresh or a whole-house renovation. It’s perfect if you’re managing the project yourself, hiring a general contractor, or simply want to stay informed and in control throughout the process.
First-time renovators will find it invaluable for understanding each phase, while seasoned homeowners can use it as a reliable guide to stay organized and avoid missing critical steps.
Start your remodel on the right foot by defining your goals, setting a realistic budget, and making key design decisions before construction begins.
Start by defining your goals for the remodel — whether you’re updating a single room or transforming your entire home. Collect inspiration from photos, magazines, Pinterest boards, and real-life spaces. As you dream, separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves so you know where to focus your budget and effort. Be mindful not to chase every new trend; the best remodels reflect your personal style and stand the test of time in both style and function.
A successful remodel starts with a realistic budget and a clear timeline. Determine how much you’re willing to spend, and include a 10–20% contingency for unexpected costs. Explore financing options such as home equity loans or savings, and ensure your funding is secured before work begins. Decide on a target start and completion date, keeping in mind that material lead times, weather, and inspection schedules can affect progress. Check local building codes and HOA guidelines early to avoid costly delays, and set general expectations for how long your type of remodel usually takes.
Decide whether you’ll work with a designer, architect, general contractor, or a design/build firm that offers all services under one roof. Your team will be your partner throughout the remodel, so choose people you trust, who communicate clearly, and who understand your vision. The right professionals will not only bring your ideas to life but also help you navigate challenges and keep the project on track.
Begin by developing a general layout and defining the scope and size of your project. This preliminary plan is essential — most contractors won’t provide a bid without one. With a basic plan, you can interview multiple contractors, request references, and gather bids to compare. If you’re working with a design/build firm, this is the ideal stage to engage them since they can handle both the design and construction seamlessly. Confirm each contractor’s licenses, insurance, and bonding to ensure you’re working with reputable professionals.
Refine your layouts and finalize the details of your design plans and drawings. Begin selecting key materials and finishes early, especially those with longer lead times such as cabinetry, flooring, and specialty fixtures. Lock in a detailed estimate and sign a written contract that outlines deliverables, payments, and schedules.
Before construction begins, submit any required permit applications. Begin ordering long-lead items like appliances, windows, and custom cabinetry so they arrive when needed. Prepare your home by packing up rooms, protecting valuables, and setting up temporary living arrangements if necessary. This stage sets the tone for a smooth build — good preparation now prevents costly delays later.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Follow each phase of the remodel step-by-step, so you always know what’s happening, what’s next, and how to stay on schedule and budget.
This checklist is designed as a homeowner planning and organizing tool to help you understand the typical steps of a remodel. Every project is unique, and building codes, safety requirements, and technical details can vary widely. Always consult with — and when appropriate, hire — licensed professionals such as contractors, architects, and inspectors to ensure that your remodel is completed safely, legally, and to the highest standard.
From permits to inspections, the details can get complicated. We’re here to help if you need guidance or referrals to the right experts.
This is where your remodel officially begins. Out with the old to make room for the new. The demolition phase is all about safely removing existing materials and preparing the site for construction, while protecting the rest of your home from dust and damage.
If you have a contractor, make sure they have each of the items listed below in the contract.
With the space cleared, it’s time to tackle the behind-the-walls work that makes your home functional and safe. This includes any structural changes as well as installing the core systems — plumbing, electrical, and HVAC — that keep everything running smoothly.
Once the structure and systems are in place, the next step is to seal up the space. This phase creates the envelope of your home — insulating for comfort, adding drywall for definition, and applying waterproofing to protect against moisture.
This is when your vision starts to become a reality. The walls are painted, floors are laid, cabinets are installed, and fixtures bring the space to life. These details turn an empty shell into a functional and beautiful home.
This phase can also feel like the longest one. It takes time for all of these pieces to come together. Stay patient, attention to detail here can make all the difference.
Before you move in, the final details are addressed to ensure your remodel is complete and up to your standards. This is your opportunity to check every element, address small issues, and prepare your new space for daily life.
The remodel is done — now it’s time to enjoy it. Moving back in is more than just bringing in furniture; it’s also about documenting your project, maintaining your investment, and settling into a refreshed space that reflects your vision. These steps apply whether you have moved out of your home complete or just out of the space that is being upgraded.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
