Transforming an old fixer-upper into your dream home can be a rewarding journey. Choosing a starting point feels tricky when a house has many rooms and projects.
No single “right” order exists for home renovations, but some orders make the process easier on your budget. A contractor who specializes in home renovations in Edmonton can help you choose the order that fits your home. Ultimate Homes & Renovations has renovated homes in Calgary and Edmonton for over 40 years.
The sections below explain three home renovation orders worth exploring: structure first, busy rooms next, and budget-driven projects.
A Typical Home Renovation Order Starts With Structure
A common home renovation order follows three stages:
- Fix structural issues first, including the foundation, walls, roof, and windows.
- Renovate kitchens and bathrooms next, because these rooms see the most foot traffic.
- Plan the remaining projects around your budget and your goals for resale or curb appeal.
Structural repairs come first because a weak foundation can let flooding damage later projects like a finished basement.
Renovation Order Starts With Structure, Then Busy Rooms
Start With The Structure
Your home’s structure includes the foundation, the walls, and the roof. A sound structure keeps your house stable and keeps you and your family safe inside. However, foundation cracks and ageing shingles weaken your home’s structure over time.
Windows belong in your structural check too. Check that your window seals still work, and look for problems on both the exterior and the interior. A renovation expert can inspect your windows and advise on their condition.
By fixing structural issues first, you can move forward with other renovations with more confidence and save money over time. For example, developing your basement before fixing the foundation risks flooding damage that sets you back to square one. A solid structure helps keep your later projects on schedule.
Consider Foot Traffic
Once you feel confident about your home’s structure, consider tackling the most visited rooms in your home. Kitchens and bathrooms are typically the two most-used rooms in a home. Make sure both rooms serve you well, because kitchen and bathroom renovations also offer some of the strongest return on investment. Return on investment is the value a renovation adds compared to what it costs. Notice which rooms you avoid or find frustrating, since those rooms show a good place to start.
Renovating kitchens and bathrooms first sets the tone for your whole renovation. Your later projects can then match the design and quality standards you set. Plus, you get to take full advantage of your newly renovated spaces right away!
Look At Your Budget
Some home renovation projects in Edmonton cost more than others. Decide which renovation will add the most value to your home, whether you plan to stay long-term or sell soon. If your goal is to boost curb appeal, meaning how attractive your home looks from the street, start on the exterior. Or, if you’re mindful of resale values, consider renovating highly sought-after spaces like the kitchen before developing the basement. You decide the order of your renovation, and a financial plan that matches your goals helps you choose where to start.
Ultimate Renovations is Calgary’s only 11-time “Renovator of the Year”. Our mission is to bring your home to life. For over 40 years, we have established ourselves as the industry’s elite team of contractors for complete home renovations in Calgary. Our quality craftsmanship, superior customer service and our ability to exceed expectations are how we have established ourselves as the renovator of choice for homeowners. Contact us at (403)-287-3122.