Everyone knows that the key to a stress-free home renovation is ample preparation. But simply having a rough idea of what you need to plan isn’t enough. It helps to use our full renovation checklist, which includes everything you need to prepare for each stage of the process.
With this, you can ensure that your project stays on track. We separated the list per room, so you can have a guide based on which part of your house you’d like to improve. You may also download a copy of the Superdraft renovation checklist .
Home renovation checklist: Pre-renovation
☐ Determine the purpose of the renovation
First off, understand why the renovation is necessary. Is it for child-proofing or future-proofing? Are you updating the space to make it more sustainable or functional? Answering these questions will help you determine the goals for the renovation project.
☐ Create a wishlist
List everything you need for the renovation. Divide the list depending on your must-haves and nice-to-haves. To help you with creating a wishlist, we have an inspiration gallery that you can use to design your own dream space. We also have a home renovation trends guide available online.
☐ Consider a full home inspection
Have a professional inspect the roof, windows, doors, gutters, downpipes, and attic to see if you may need to have some of these repaired or replaced during the renovation.
☐ Determine your budget
Once you’ve determined your wishlist, check how much the same type of project usually costs in your area. Then, add 10-25% for contingency. This will be used to cover unexpected expenses.
☐ Set a deadline
Even if you’re not in a hurry, set a deadline. This will set the pace for the rest of the project.
Home renovation checklist: Planning phase
☐ Get advice from our helpful project consultants
At Superdraft, we have a team of friendly and knowledgeable project consultants who will advise you on the professionals you need for your project.
☐ Use our free build cost estimator
We have a free build cost estimator that will help you get a better idea of how much your project will cost.
☐ Find a building designer or draftsman
Superdraft has a special designer match algorithm that helps users find the building designer or draftsman who is best suited for the project.
☐ Discuss plans with your building designer or draftsman
The building designer or draftsman will present plans for your future home renovation project. In case you feel that the design or the designer is not the right fit for your project, we also offer a switch guarantee.
☐ Get planning permission
Not all types of projects require planning permission, but it’s best to check with your local council regarding applicable planning regulations before you begin construction.
☐ Obtain building permission
Most renovations require building permits. At Superdraft, we have helpful project planning consultants who will walk you through the council approval process.
☐ Update your homeowners’ insurance
It’s necessary to let your insurance company know that you will be renovating your home. They will make adjustments to your insurance coverage based on the renovations you plan to do.
Home renovation checklist: Demolition and rebuild
☐ Set aside time in your personal schedule
Check your calendar and free up some time in your schedule. Set aside at least five hours per week to check on the progress of your project.
Superdraft tip: At Superdraft, we also have a free project planning dashboard that helps you monitor the progress of your renovation online. Register now!
☐ Pack and protect your belongings
Ensuring the safety of your family and your belongings is crucial during the demolition process. Pack everything you can and put them in storage. Heavy furniture should be covered with tarps or blankets.
☐ Create a temporary living space/reserve temporary housing
Decide if you will stay or move out during the renovation and make the necessary living arrangements.
☐ Take before photos
Take photos of your home prior to renovation. This will help you see what you and your builders have accomplished afterwards.
☐ Start demolition
Usually, homeowners can stay and supervise the demolition. However, make sure that young children and pets have a safe place to stay during the process.
☐ Consider a full inspection and repairs
Once the walls have come down and you can see the bare bones of your house, it’s a good time to examine piping, electrical wiring, subfloors, and other parts of the home that you cannot see prior to demolition. It’s best to get all of these repaired before moving forward. Depending on the issues present, you might need to use some of your contingency funds.
☐ Rebuilding/reframing
At this stage of the construction, your builder will make structural changes based on your renovation plans. They may knock down some walls or add new structural beams.
☐ Adding insulation and drywall
Adding insulation to different parts of your home, especially the attic, can make it more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Home renovation checklist: Bathroom renovation
☐ Install new fixtures
Consider adding new fixtures to make your bathroom more functional. Replace old taps and showerheads with new, high-efficiency models or install a new toilet.
☐ Add new tiles
Give your bathroom a more modern, refreshing look by replacing the old tiles. If you’re on a tight budget, consider adding accent tiles instead of retiling the entire space. You can also opt to regrout your existing tiles instead of replacing them.
☐ Check ventilation
Ensure there’s adequate ventilation in your bathroom by installing an exhaust fan or adding a new window.
☐ Ensure there is adequate storage
Check to see if there’s enough storage space for toiletries. If not, ask your builder to install additional shelving.
Home renovation checklist: Kitchen renovation
☐ Add new sockets
Consider asking an electrician to install new plug sockets or switches in your kitchen. This will make it a lot more convenient to use kitchen appliances.
☐ Retile
Replacing dated tile is a crucial part of revamping your kitchen. Consider retiling the floor and splashback. If necessary, you can also opt to replace the benchtops or add new ones.
☐ Replace/refinish cabinets
Replacing cabinets may be costly, but doing this can dramatically improve the look and feel of the entire space. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also opt to repaint or refinish them.
☐ Replace appliances if necessary
If you have the budget for it, consider replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient models.
Home renovation checklist: Living room renovation
☐ Repaint walls
Consider giving your living room a fresh coat of paint. You may also add a feature wall if you want to spruce up the room’s design.
☐ Reflooring
Make your living room look fresh and contemporary by replacing the flooring.
☐ Consider replacing/refinishing furniture
Purchase new furniture or refinish existing ones to make them look new and contemporary. If you’re on a budget, adding new cushions or cushion covers can make a huge difference.
☐ Consider adding storage
Make your living room look and feel less cluttered by asking your builder to add new built-in storage.
☐ Replace window treatment
Adding blinds or changing the curtains can dramatically alter the look of the space.
☐ Replace lighting fixtures
Changing old fluorescent lights into new, high-efficiency LED lamps can make your home brighter and more sustainable.
☐ Add new décor
Explore local or online stores for decorative items that fit the style of your home.
Home renovation checklist: Bedroom renovation
☐ Add new storage
Consider asking your builder to add new storage or build a walk-in wardrobe.
☐ Build an ensuite
An ensuite bathroom can be one of the best additions you can make to your bedroom. Not only does it add convenience, but it can also boost the value of your home.
☐ Repaint walls
Consider repainting your bedroom in a fresh and trendy new colour.
☐ Reflooring
If your bedroom floors are creaky, consider replacing some floorboards. You can also invest in reflooring the entire space.
☐ Replacing furniture
Everyone deserves comfortable bedroom furniture. You can opt to purchase a more modern bed frame or replace old mattresses.
☐ Redecorating
Your bedroom is your personal space! Add photos, posters, decals, trinkets, and any other item that makes your bedroom reflect your individual taste and personality.
Home renovation checklist: Cleanup and packing
☐ Clean up the site
Help with builders during cleanup or hire a cleaning company that specialises in the post-construction cleanup.
☐ Add finishes/decoration
Consider hiring an interior designer to help with finishes and decoration.
☐ Do a final walkthrough
Do a final walkthrough of the space before allowing your builders to mark the renovation as complete. Ensure that there are no air bubbles in wallpaper or laminates, all fixtures are working properly, and all doors and windows are opening and closing easily.
☐ Obtain an occupancy permit
Obtain an occupancy permit from the local council so that you can consider the renovation finished and move back into your home.
☐ Celebrate!
Don’t forget to celebrate your wins! Invite your friends or relatives over for a fun housewarming party.
Start your home renovation project with Superdraft
Whether you want a full home renovation or simply want to redo a single part of your home, Superdraft can help! Using our platform, you can:
- Get in touch with a skilled and reliable building designer or draftsman in your area
- Understand and get through the council approval process
- Find an established and dependable builder who can bring your ideas to life
- Monitor the progress of your project using one online platform
Request a free quote now!
