Home Renovation Checklist Step-by-Step Checklist

You’ve set your sights on a home renovation, but where do you start? A home renovation checklist will guide you through the process, minimizing stress and maximizing your chances of success. Modernizing and optimizing your home for improved functionality and visual appeal should be a fun experience, not an overwhelming one.

🔑 Key Takeaways from Astaneh Construction’s Home Renovation Guide

Start Smart: Use a step-by-step checklist to reduce stress and manage renovations efficiently, regardless of project size.
Universal Process: Whether renovating a kitchen or an entire home, the process follows the same stages: contractor selection, budgeting, design, prep, structural work, finishing, final touches, and décor.
Needs vs. Wants: Clearly define what’s essential (e.g., accessibility, upgrades) versus nice-to-haves (e.g., smart home tech, luxury finishes) to stay on budget.
Budget Wisely: Account for materials, labor, permits, and at least 10–20% for unexpected costs.
Timeline Tips: Set realistic expectations—design, permits, and supply issues can impact completion dates.
Order Finishes Early: Finalizing your designs and ordering materials before construction begins streamlines the renovation process.
Full-Service Advantage: Hiring a firm with in-house architects, engineers, and designers (like Astaneh Construction) ensures smoother coordination and fewer delays.
Download the PDF: Astaneh offers a free printable home renovation checklist PDF to guide you through every step.

Fortunately, the professionals at Astaneh Construction are here to help. We’re a top renovation firm and we’ve put together an expert, step-by-step, FREE printable home renovation checklist pdf for you to use as a roadmap. Take a look below and move one step closer to a hassle-free home remodeling journey.

– Click Here To Download PDF Checklist –

In What Order Should You Renovate Your House?

The best part of our step-by-step home renovation checklist is it remains the same, regardless of which room you’re renovating. It could be a kitchen remodel or a full home renovation, no matter the type or size of the project, our checklist can be your guide.

Here’s an overview of the process:

Contractor Selection
Budget Establishment
Panning & Design
- Architectural & Engineering Drawings
- 3D Design Renderings
- Floor plan
- Permit Applications
Site Preparation
Structural Work
- Demolition & Excavation
- Framing
- Electrical, Plumbing, & HVAC Installations/Repairs/Alterations
- Insulation & Drywall
Finishing
- Flooring
- Painting/Wallpaper
- Mouldings & Baseboards
- Cabinet Installation and/or Finishing
- Fixture Installations
Final Touches
- Appliance Installations
- Post-Construction Clean-Up
- Walkthrough
Decor & Handoff
- Interior Design
- Client Reveal
- Insurance Policy Update

Whole House Renovation Checklist PDF

Astaneh Construction has spent decades renovating entire homes, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more. We understand the proper steps to making sure renovations are completed legally, safely, efficiently, and effectively. We know that a remodelling project of any size can seem overwhelming at first, but with the help of our whole house renovation checklist PDF, we can put more joy and excitement into your renovation.

Our checklist has clear and simple steps to guide you through a renovation from beginning to end. It’s optimized to eliminate unexpected delays and additional costs. Download and explore it now!

How to Prioritise your Wishlist – Needs vs. Wants

Before you can go through a remodelling checklist, you need to establish what you need and want most out of your renovation. This is established through a renovation wish list. Once you’ve completed the list, you’ll be better equipped to develop a realistic budget and project timeline in the first steps of your checklist. Here are examples of renovation needs versus wants:

Needs	Wants
Accessibility features	Modern finishes
Additional storage	Increased natural lighting
Increased livable space	Design updates
Improved flow	Smart home integration
Electrical, plumbing, and/or HVAC upgrades	Luxury features

How to Determine Your Budget for Home Renovation

Your budget is one of the most important factors to establish before beginning your renovation. In addition to budgeting for material and labour costs, it’s important to allocate a certain percentage to permit fees, drawing and design fees, as well as unforeseen costs.

While working with a repeatable contractor can help you avoid unexpected costs, there’s always the possibility of encounter an uncontrollable set back. We recommend setting aside 10% to 20% of your total budget to contingencies. Additional items that you may need to budget for include:

Plumbing and electric alterations/installations
HVAC upgrades
Structural changes or repairs
Fixture & appliance costs

How to Determine Your Budget for Home Renovation

How to Set up Timeline for Your Home Reno

Establishing a realistic project timeline is vital. Homeowners often underestimate how long a project will take because they don’t consider all the factors involved. Project size and complexity are major influences on the timeline, but not the only ones. The following can extend renovation timelines:

Design conceptualization
Material selection and availability
Permit approval process
Labour availability
Weather conditions
Unforeseen damages such as mold, leaks, or weakened foundations
Scheduled inspections

Finalizing Designs & Ordering Finishes

Finalizing your design and ordering the materials and finishes is a great proactive measure to take before demolition begins. This makes the construction process run smoother, as progress isn’t dependent on material availability and delivery, or delayed due to design changes.

We recommend working with a contractor that has an in-house team of project managers, designers, architects, engineers, plumbers, and electricians. This increases project efficiency, reduces communication errors, and improves budget and timeline management.

Check Off Your Renovation Steps with Astaneh Construction

Astaneh Construction is your one-stop shop for efficient and high-quality home renovations. Our many years of experience and outstanding reputation are a testament to the effectiveness of our process. Following our home renovation checklist boosts your odds of a successful renovation. However, following our checklist and working with the team that created it makes the outcome even more certain. Call Astaneh Construction now to book your Discovery Consultation!

Get in touch to learn more about our construction services.

FAQs

What is the most expensive factor to consider when renovating a house?

Structural changes are the most expensive factor to consider when renovating your home. This includes redesigning your home’s layout, building or removing walls, repairing or altering your home’s foundation, and building additions. Installing, relocating, or changing your plumbing, electrical, and/or HVAC systems is also a costly renovation consideration.

How to plan a complete home renovation?

To plan a complete home reno, you’ll need the assistance and guidance of a licensed and qualified contractor such as Astaneh Construction. You can also refer to our free printable home renovation checklist pdf to track progress throughout your renovation. For more information on planning a full home renovation project, all Astaneh Construction.

What room to start renovating first?

Typically, during a full house renovation, the best room to start in is the kitchen because it often requires the most money and time to renovate. Alternatively, if you’re not planning a whole house, reno the first place to start is your highest priority room.

What adds most value when renovating a house?

Kitchen and bathroom renovations add the most value to a home. These rooms are the most frequented areas of the home and have the home’s most essential appliances and fixtures. Finishing/renovating your basement is another valuable investment because it increases your home’s overall usable and livable square footage.

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Hamed Astaneh

CEO & FOUNDER OF ASTANEH CONSTRUCTION

I’m a veteran renovation professional with a range of whole house renovations under my belt, including kitchen renovation, basement renovation, and bathroom renovation at the highest level in Toronto.