The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Home Remodel

Learn from an expert's perspective on the best starting point for your home remodel. Find out why demolition should come first and the importance of prioritizing your project.

The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Home Remodel

As a home renovation expert, I am often asked which area should be tackled first in a remodel - the walls or the floors? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the type of renovation and which area needs the most attention. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you make the best decision for your project. According to renowned home renovation expert Farkash, it's best to start with repairs to your first priority room and then move on to cosmetic changes once finished. This means that you should prioritize the most important area of your home first.

For most homeowners, this is usually the kitchen. By starting with the highest priority, you can ensure that even if you run out of money or energy, you'll at least have a functional and updated space. Of course, choosing your starting point is a personal decision and ultimately, it should make you happy. But following this method can help you stay organized and focused throughout your renovation project. Now let's take a closer look at the steps involved in a kitchen remodel and why it's important to start with demolition.

The First Step: Demolition

The first step in any kitchen remodel is demolition.

This involves getting rid of anything that is outdated or worn out in order to create a clean slate for your new space. This may include tearing down walls, removing cabinets, ripping up floors, and disposing of old accessories. While some homeowners may choose to handle this phase on their own, it's usually best to hire a licensed contractor to complete the work. Experienced teams have the necessary knowledge to prevent any damage to pipes or wires that may be hidden behind walls or under cabinets. This can save you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run. Once the demolition is complete, you can move on to the next step of your kitchen remodel - rebuilding and installing new features.

This may include structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, drywall installation, and painting.

Why Demolition Comes First

Now you may be wondering why demolition is the first step in a kitchen remodel. The answer is simple - it allows you to start with a clean slate and make any necessary structural changes before moving on to cosmetic updates. By removing old and outdated features, you can also identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed before proceeding with the rest of the renovation. Additionally, starting with demolition can help minimize dust and debris during the rest of the project. If you were to start with flooring, for example, dust from cutting tiles or sanding wood could accumulate on your newly painted walls.

This would require extra cleaning and potentially damage your freshly painted surfaces.

The Importance of Prioritizing

As mentioned earlier, it's important to prioritize your renovation project based on your needs and budget. By starting with the most important area of your home, you can ensure that it gets the attention it deserves. This also allows you to make any necessary changes or adjustments before moving on to other areas. For example, if you were to start with painting the walls and then realize that you need to make structural changes, you would have to repaint those walls after the changes are made. This would not only be time-consuming but also add unnecessary costs to your project.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to home remodeling, it's best to start with demolition and then move on to rebuilding and cosmetic changes.

This allows you to start with a clean slate, identify any potential issues, and minimize dust and debris. It's also important to prioritize your project based on your needs and budget in order to achieve the best results. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful and stress-free home renovation experience.

Betsy Defilippis
Betsy Defilippis

Wannabe baconaholic. Wannabe coffee evangelist. Typical zombie scholar. Total zombie fanatic. Subtly charming social media ninja.