Which renovation should I do first?

Author: Alvina Dooley  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

Practically speaking, you'll want to do the kitchen remodel first because that work will create the most dust and debris, which you won't want to land on new paint or finish jobs. It's always a good idea to isolate any demolition mess by putting plastic over doorways or pass-throughs.

What is the correct order of renovation?

As you look to begin your whole home remodel, here's the general order of operations:
  • Planning and Design. ...
  • Demolition. ...
  • Rebuilding/Framing. ...
  • Mechanicals/Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical. ...
  • Walls. ...
  • Flooring. ...
  • Cabinets. ...
  • Appliances.

What should you renovate first?

Wiring, plumbing, plastering and woodwork, roof and windows should be first. The last is decorating and carpet.

What is the 30% rule for renovations?

The 30% rule for home renovation is a guideline suggesting that you should not spend more than 30% of your home's current market value on renovations. This rule helps homeowners manage their renovation budgets and avoid over-improving their property relative to its value.

What home improvement should I do first?

Exterior siding and finishes can begin while mechanicals are being done, just make sure you know where vents, hose bibbs and lights are going to go. Insulation and then drywall. Then paint, trim and flooring, cabinets, interior doors, and fixtures.

Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel: Which Room Should You Renovate First?

Which room do you renovate first?

It's a good idea to begin with the room that's furthest from your entry door. Then, continue to work with other rooms this way. This will help you avoid walking through rooms that have been renovated.

What should I fix first in my old house?

Walk through the home and take note of any major issues, from a leaky roof or cracks in your foundation to drafty windows or sticking doors. Structural fixes and roofing repairs are the most important, so make sure you have enough room in your budget to make those repairs first.

Can I renovate my house for 50k?

A more realistic budget would be around $50,000 – this allows you to do more than make changes in only one space. For under $50,000, you can make several renovations to a home and increase its value significantly, especially if you know how to cut costs without compromising on quality.

How do I make a renovation checklist?

Step-by-Step Home Renovation Checklist
  1. Consult a pro. ...
  2. Stabilize the structure, if necessary. ...
  3. Plan site access. ...
  4. Do any demolition work. ...
  5. Relocate any drains or plumbing. ...
  6. Major renovations. ...
  7. Flooring and minor renovations. ...
  8. Final punch list.

How much money should you put into renovations?

The typical cost to renovate a home is around $10–60 per square foot. So if you renovated a 130-square-foot room, it would cost somewhere between $1,300 and $7,800.

Where do you start when renovating?

9 Planning Steps to Renovating a House
  • Build a Detailed Home Remodel Plan. ...
  • Take Time to Research Permits. ...
  • Set a Budget for Your Project. ...
  • Hire Contractors. ...
  • Decide Which Projects You'll Tackle First. ...
  • Set a Timeline for Your Project. ...
  • Plan for Problems When Remodeling. ...
  • Prepare for Your Renovation.

When renovating, do you do floors or walls first?

While there are exceptions to every rule, this approach has stood the test of time for good reason. So, the next time you're standing amidst the chaos of a renovation project, remember this: floors before walls. Your future self, and your home, will thank you.

What is the first step of renovation?

Start with a Clear Vision. Before you dive into any renovation project, take the time to envision what you want to achieve. Identify your family's needs and create a list of goals for the renovation. This initial step will serve as your roadmap throughout the project.

What part of a house should I renovate first?

What is the correct order to renovate a House? It does not matter what order you renovate each room of the house, whether you start with the bathroom, kitchen, or the exterior.

What is the correct order of construction?

Phases of construction
  • Phase 1. Closure of the building site. ...
  • Phase 2. Land and foundation. ...
  • Phase 3. The structure of the construction. ...
  • Phase 4. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) ...
  • Phase 5. Insulation and waterproofing. ...
  • Phase 6. Finishes and closures.

When remodeling, what comes first?

The Demolition Phase: Clearing the Old

The first tangible step in the remodeling process is tearing out the old elements of your kitchen.

What order to renovate?

Generally, most renovations will follow this order of work:
  • Strip out and removal.
  • Structural work – floors, ceilings, walls.
  • First fix work – plumbing, heating wiring.
  • Plastering, flooring.
  • Second fix work – plumbing, heating, wiring.
  • Bathroom, kitchen fit-out.
  • Decoration.

What is the difference between renovation and remodel?

Definitions. Technically, a renovation and remodel are defined differently. While a remodel changes the form of something (like adding a new shower to an existing bathroom), a renovation focuses more on restoring something old into good repair (fixing up a creaky floor, for example).

What to consider before renovating?

Here are our top nine things to consider before you get started.
  • Consider how you'd work best from home. ...
  • Stay alert to shortages of builders and materials. ...
  • Invest time in finding the right builders. ...
  • Choose work that will maximise the value of your home. ...
  • Don't skip a building survey. ...
  • Create an extension or renovation timeline.

Is $100 000 enough to renovate a house?

Conclusion. To sum up, $100,000 can certainly cover significant renovations in your home, provided there's strategic planning and prioritization.

What is the most expensive thing when renovating a house?

The most expensive projects in home renovations primarily involve upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom, along with exterior improvements such as roof replacement and intricate landscaping.

Is 20k enough to renovate a house?

While you'll want to have a more detailed budget before you begin work, this can be useful to generate a rough cost and decide what you can accomplish within your budget. Put another way, the average cost of a home remodel in the U.S. is around $45,000, with most projects ranging between $20,000 and $75,000.

Where do I start when fixing my house?

The first step is to develop an idea of what you want to do with your home remodel. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. There are many sources to find design ideas for your home remodeling project. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of homes or remodeling projects you like.

What is considered old for a house?

But with such a wide range of homes available – what defines an old house vs. a new house? In this article, we consider homes to be old when they are at least 50 years but no more than 100 years of age, while new homes have been constructed within the last few years.

What does a full house renovation cost?

Depending on the square footage you're working with, the average cost to gut and remodel a house is $100,000 – $200,000. The price per square foot on a gut renovation can range from $60 – $150 and includes new plumbing, appliances, structural improvements, a new roof and HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning).

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