A whole-home renovation touches almost everything: layout, kitchen, bathrooms, floors, lighting, systems and often the exterior. It is a big undertaking, and it goes much better when you understand how the work is phased. If you are comparing whole home renovation companies near me, this guide walks through the usual stages and how to plan for life during the project.
Key takeaways
- Make design choices and selections before demolition starts.
- Structure and hidden systems come before walls and finishes.
- Older homes may reveal surprises once walls are opened.
- Decide early whether you will live at home or move out.
Phase 1: Design and selections
This is where the project takes shape. You and your contractor decide on layout changes, finishes, fixtures and appliances. The more choices you make now, the smoother later phases go. Waiting to pick tile or cabinets can stall a project for weeks.
Phase 2: Permits and ordering
Larger renovations often need permits, especially for structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical changes. Your contractor can explain what applies in your city. Materials with long lead times, such as windows, cabinets and some fixtures, are ordered now.
Phase 3: Demolition
Old finishes, walls and fixtures come out. Dust control and protecting areas that stay is important. In homes built before 1978, paint may contain lead, and renovations that disturb painted surfaces need lead-safe work practices. The EPA’s lead pages explain the risks and what homeowners should ask.
Phase 4: Structure and systems
With walls open, structural changes are made and systems are updated. This can include framing, plumbing, electrical and HVAC work by the right licensed trades. Inspections usually happen before walls are closed.
Phase 5: Insulation and interior walls
Insulation goes in, and walls and ceilings are closed. This is when the house starts to look like a home again.
Phase 6: Finishes and fixtures
Cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, trim, paint, lighting and fixtures go in. This phase has many trades and many small details.
Phase 7: Punch list and walk-through
You and your contractor walk the home and list anything that needs adjustment. A final cleaning follows, and you get warranty information and product details.
Living through a whole-home renovation
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| Stay home | Saves on rent, easy to check progress | Noise, dust, limited kitchen or bath |
| Move out | Faster work, less stress | Extra cost for temporary housing |
| Phase it | Live in part of the house while other parts are done | Longer overall timeline |
Tip: If you plan to stay home, set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, a small fridge and a coffee maker in a room away from the work.
Common surprises in older homes
- Water damage under floors or behind tile.
- Outdated wiring or plumbing that must be updated.
- Uneven floors or framing that needs correction.
- Lead paint in homes built before 1978.
Keep a budget cushion for these, and ask your contractor how surprises will be priced and approved.
Making the most of a full renovation
A whole-home project is a rare chance to fix things that are hard to reach later. Consider adding insulation while walls are open, updating plumbing and wiring, improving lighting and planning storage. Think about how your needs may change over the next ten years, such as aging in place, a home office or more bedrooms. Small choices now, like blocking in walls for future grab bars or wider doorways, cost little during a renovation and much more later. Talk with your contractor about these options during design, before walls are closed. Exterior updates, such as stucco repair or new siding, can also be timed with the interior work.
Keeping the project organized
Whole-home projects involve hundreds of decisions. A shared document with selections, model numbers and colors keeps everyone on the same page. Regular site meetings, even short ones, help catch small issues early. Ask your contractor how they track decisions and changes, and make sure you get a copy. Organized projects run smoother and finish closer to schedule.
Choosing whole home renovation companies near me
Look for a contractor who plans carefully, explains each phase and gives you a written scope and schedule. Mark Daniel Exteriors offers whole home renovation, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and roofing, siding and exterior remodeling, so interior and exterior work can be planned together.
Plan for a few surprises, too. Older walls and floors sometimes hide problems that only show up once finishes come off, so a small contingency in the budget keeps the project calm when they appear.
Thinking about renovating your whole home?
Tell us about the house and what you want to change.
FAQ
Does Mark Daniel Exteriors do whole home renovations?
Yes. Whole home renovation is a listed residential service.
Can the company handle exterior work during a renovation?
Yes. Roofing, siding and exterior remodeling, stucco and stone veneer are all listed services.
Is the company insured for residential projects?
The company states that it is insured for residential and demanding commercial jobs.
People Also Ask
What is a whole home remodel?
It is a renovation that updates most or all of a house at once, often including layout, kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, systems and finishes.
How long does a whole home remodel take?
It depends on the size of the home, the scope, permits, material lead times and any surprises found. Your contractor should give you a phased schedule.
What does a whole house remodel cost?
Cost depends on the home’s size, scope, finishes, structural and system work, and local labor. Detailed written estimates are the best way to compare.