House renovation is less extensive than remodeling since it involves more cosmetic than structural changes.

Here’s what you oughta know about organizing a major home renovation project.

Get organized bydrafting a planand assessing your budget.

House floor-plan on computer in middle of room being renovated

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

double-check that you have funding for your renovation.

Whole-home renovations are so extensive, expensive, and lengthy that outside funding is usually necessary.

Unsecured home improvement loans typically have a lending limit of $50,000 to $100,000.

Money

Public Domain: Petr Kratochvil

These loans tend to close quickly for qualified borrowers but have higher interest rates than secured loans.

you could play withonline design toolsto get your basic ideas down.

Depending on how elaborate you want to get, you might enlist the help of an architect orinterior designer.

home blueprints

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

List the DIY projects you might want to do or decide if you want a contractor to handle everything.

Do a rough estimate of when you want to get started and when you want it completed.

Hiring a Contractor

Search for contractorsand subcontractors and compile a list of reputable professionals with positive reviews.

Tile flooring demolished next to wooden flooring for house renovation

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

During this process, call several with a good reputation or have come recommended.

Get multiple quotes, ensure they are licensed and insured, and evaluate how well they communicate with you.

They have a working relationship with these people and vouch for their work.

Wooden support beams exposed in renovated house

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Carefully check the building code requirements in your area.

If you hire a contractor, they will likely hold the permits for you and meet with inspectors.

If you want to do some small projects, you must apply for permits independently.

Electrical outlet and wires exposed in wall of renovated house

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

You may need to designate a spare room or garage or get a temporary storage space.

Warning

Exercise caution when demolishing surfaces coated with lead-based paint.

Asbestos, often common in older homes, can also be a severe health hazard.

Tape bottom of interior window trim

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

It is a good idea to call a professional for help with anything involving asbestos or lead-based paint.

Inspections

Once the work is complete, the local municipality will do final inspections.

Doing this work can save you from $5,000 to $10,000.

Pink insulation inserted between wooden support beams

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

This will also make it easier to move everything back into your home after the renovation is complete.

A home renovation is when you want to refresh or modernize your space with new finishes and fixtures.

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Wooden planks installed for end of house renovation

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

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Adding baseboards to a home

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Paint brush dipped in Spruce paint buckets with cream-colored paint for interior walls

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Pea gravel added over landscape fabric within timber frame

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Wooden beams horizontally laid for foundation of renovated house

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Building Permit on House 1000 x 1500

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