How Do I Start a Home Remodel?

6-minute read

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

For many homeowners looking to expand their living space, the question often arises: Can I build a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as part of homes with addition? The answer is yes, and this approach is becoming increasingly popular as it offers flexibility, privacy, and potential rental income. In this article, we’ll explore what detached ADUs are, how they differ from other types of additions, the regulations you need to know, and how they can complement traditional home additions to create versatile homes with addition.

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1. Understanding the Scope of Your Home Remodel

Step 1: Create a Detailed Home Remodel Plan

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget for Your Home Remodel

Step 3: Secure Necessary Permits and Understand Regulations

Step 4: Hire Qualified Contractors and Build Your Team

Step 5: Prepare for Demolition and Structural Work

Step 6: Address Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Systems

Step 7: Insulation, Drywall, and Surface Preparation

Step 8: Painting, Flooring, and Cabinetry Installation

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches and Final Details

Step 10: Conduct Final Inspections and Enjoy Your New Space

2. Summary Checklist: How to Start a Home Remodel

3. Ready to Start Your Home Remodel?

Understanding the Scope of Your Home Remodel

Before diving into any physical work, the first step in your home remodel journey is to clearly define what you want to achieve. Are you remodeling to improve functionality, aesthetics, or to increase property value? Understanding your goals helps you prioritize which areas to focus on and sets the foundation for your entire project.

- Identify which rooms or features need remodeling, consider alternative projects like garage conversions if space is limited.
- Decide on the style and design you want.
- Consider how the remodel will affect your daily living during construction.

Taking time to clarify your objectives will help you create a focused plan and avoid costly changes later on.

Step 1: Create a Detailed Home Remodel Plan

A well-thought-out plan is the backbone of any successful home remodel. This involves sketching out your ideas, researching design trends, and consulting professionals like architects or designers if necessary.

Key elements of your remodel plan include:

- Detailed floor plans and layouts.
- Selection of materials and finishes.
- Timeline for each phase of the remodel, compare to home addition timelines when planning.
- Contingency plans for unexpected issues.

Visual aids such as mood boards or digital renderings can help you better visualize the end result and communicate your ideas clearly to contractors.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget for Your Home Remodel

Budgeting is one of the most critical aspects of a home remodel. Establish a budget that covers all costs, including materials, labor, permits, and a buffer for unforeseen expenses (typically 10-20% extra).

Tips for budgeting:

- Research average costs for similar remodel projects.
- Prioritize must-have features versus nice-to-haves.
- Get multiple quotes from contractors.
- Track expenses throughout the project to avoid surprises.

Having a clear budget upfront helps you make informed decisions and keeps your remodel financially manageable.

Step 3: Secure Necessary Permits and Understand Regulations

Many remodeling projects require permits to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes. Failing to obtain proper permits can lead to fines, delays, or even having to undo completed work.

Permit considerations:

- Contact your local building department to learn about required permits.
- Work with your contractor to ensure all paperwork is filed correctly.
- Review Austin’s ADU regulations for local compliance examples that may affect your remodel.

Securing permits early in the process prevents costly legal issues and keeps your project on track.

Step 4: Hire Qualified Contractors and Build Your Team

Choosing the right professionals is essential for a successful home remodel. Take time to research and interview contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other specialists.

How to select your team:

- Check licenses, insurance, and references.
- Review previous work portfolios.
- Ensure clear communication and transparency.
- Sign a detailed contract outlining scope, costs, and timelines.

A reliable team will help you navigate challenges and deliver quality results.

Step 5: Prepare for Demolition and Structural Work

With plans, permits, and contractors in place, your remodel enters the physical phase. Demolition is often the first step, involving removal of old fixtures, walls, or flooring.

Important considerations:

- Ensure safety measures are in place for workers and residents.
- Properly dispose of debris and hazardous materials.
- Coordinate demolition timing to minimize disruption.

Following demolition, structural modifications such as framing, adding support beams, or opening walls can begin.

Step 6: Address Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Systems

Behind-the-scenes systems are vital to your home’s function and comfort. During your home remodel, upgrading wiring, plumbing, and HVAC ensures safety and efficiency.

- Rewire electrical circuits to accommodate new layouts or appliances.
- Replace or reroute plumbing for kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
- Upgrade heating and cooling systems as needed.

Hiring licensed professionals for these tasks is essential to meet building codes and avoid future problems.

Step 7: Insulation, Drywall, and Surface Preparation

Once structural and mechanical work is complete, focus shifts to making your walls and ceilings ready for finishing.

- Consider adding energy-efficient home features during your remodel to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
- Hang drywall, tape, and sand surfaces for a smooth finish.
- Address any repairs or surface imperfections.

This stage sets the canvas for painting and flooring installation.

Step 8: Painting, Flooring, and Cabinetry Installation

With walls prepped, it’s time to bring your design to life through color and texture.

- Paint walls and ceilings with your chosen colors.
- Install flooring materials such as hardwood, tile, or carpet.
- Fit cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms, or storage areas.

The order of these tasks may vary depending on contractor preferences, but careful coordination ensures a clean, professional finish.

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches and Final Details

The final phase of your home remodel involves installing fixtures, hardware, and decorative elements that complete the space.

- Install light fixtures, faucets, and appliances.
- Add backsplashes, trim, and molding.
- Perform touch-ups on paint and flooring.
- Clean the site thoroughly.

These finishing touches enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your remodeled home.

Step 10: Conduct Final Inspections and Enjoy Your New Space

Before moving back in, schedule final inspections to ensure all work complies with codes and meets your expectations.

- Address any issues identified during inspections promptly.
- Obtain certificates of occupancy if required.
- Take time to enjoy and showcase your beautifully remodeled home.

A well-executed remodel not only improves your living environment but can also significantly increase your home’s value.

Summary Checklist: How to Start a Home Remodel

- Define your remodel goals and scope.
- Create a detailed plan and design.
- Set a realistic budget with contingencies. Use our home addition cost guide to inform your remodeling budget.
- Obtain necessary permits and approvals.
- Hire qualified contractors and specialists. Follow our guide to finding reliable contractors for your remodel
- Prepare for demolition and structural work.
- Upgrade electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
- Install insulation, drywall, and prepare surfaces.
- Paint, install flooring, and cabinetry.
- Add finishing touches and conduct final inspections.

Ready to Start Your Home Remodel?

Key Differences Between Home Addition and Remodeling

Starting a home remodel can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan and team, it becomes an exciting journey toward your dream home. If you’re ready to take the first step or need expert guidance, our Texas tiny home builders also handle remodeling projects. We offer personalized consultations to help you plan, budget, and execute your project with confidence and ease. Transform your house into the home you’ve always wanted—let’s get started!

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