What is Remodeling?
The process of remodeling an area entails changing its functionality and appearance. It might be necessary to demolish a wall to expand a bathroom and rearrange the kitchen layout, thus moving the cabinets, refrigerator, sink, and range around. Additionally, any extension to your house would be considered a remodel. Renovating does not always need to be a sizeable structural renovation, but it may be as easy as converting a guest room into a home office. Remodeled areas are those whose intended use has changed.
Why is it Necessary?
Depending on how long you plan to maintain an infrastructure, whether a commercial shopping center or an office building, you may eventually want to update it to suit your changing needs. For example, you might want to modify the layout of rooms, reconfigure existing spaces for new tenants, or convert cubicles to open floor plans.
Remodeling may also be necessary to correct problems with the existing structure of your property. These repairs can range from any of the following:
- Safety enhancements – installing fire alarms, improving emergency lighting
- Structural changes – reinforcing walls, replacing outdated electrical systems
- Energy efficiency – switching to energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
18 Stages of the Remodeling Process
Remodeling can be costly but is worth the investment in the long run. There are several stages to the remodeling process, from planning to execution. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect throughout this process:
- Site Preparation – It’s necessary to prepare the remodeling site before constructing a new foundation. Trees and shrubs may have to be removed or relocated, and the landscaping contractor can accomplish this task.
- Foundation Excavation – The contractor would first clear the area and dig to a certain depth to prepare for concrete forms. During this phase, the contractor would handle any required underground electrical wiring or plumbing relocation.
- Construction – After excavation, the mason or concrete subcontractor may set the forms and pour the foundation footings. Foundation footings need to be cured for several days before work can begin.
- Backfilling – After curing the footings and completing all necessary inspections, you can use compacted and sloping materials to fill foundation voids.
- Demolition – Once the site is ready, demolition of the existing structure can begin. Typically, a contractor with experience in demolishing and removing houses accomplishes this work. The contractor will remove all debris from the site and dispose of it properly.
- Framing – Following the demolition of the house, the framing subcontractor will begin work on the new foundation and framing. The framers will erect walls, install roof trusses, and add other structural elements.
- Weatherproofing – Installing the roofing materials is the first step in weatherproofing a project. It will protect the frame structure and construction. The second phase involves installing windows and doors. Afterward, you can add siding and external trim.
- Interior Partitioning – Carpenters will install the stud walls, rough openings for doors, and other components as the floor plan directs. They may also ensure that mounting blocks and chases are included in the wall sections to assist with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing routing by following the plans.
- Rough Plumbing, Electrical Wiring, and HVAC Installation – The electrician will install the wiring system in the walls and ceilings as directed by the electrical blueprint. The plumber will also install the rough plumbing after the framing is complete. The HVAC contractor will then install the ductwork in the ceilings and floors.
- Insulation – The insulation installers will add the necessary insulation to the walls, ceilings, and floors as specified in the energy code.
- Drywall Installation – After inspecting all existing fixtures, the installation of wallboard and other finishes can begin. In addition, the contractor will install wall tile and ceramic flooring at the same time as they are constructing the walls.
- Flooring Installation – The installation of any wood flooring will follow once the drywall is completed.
- Kitchen or Bath Cabinets – Cabinets and other built-in units are now in use. The countertop installation follows the base cabinet installation.
- Finish Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC – The electrical wiring is complete. You will now need to install the electrical outlets, light fixtures, vent registers, and GFI outlets (if necessary). Typically, inspections of all of these surfaces are required to go forward.
- Paint or Wallpaper – After completing all other tasks, the walls and ceiling can be painted or papered.
- Appliances Installation and Landscaping – Appliances not installed during construction, such as the oven and dishwasher, are now in place. The landscaping contractor would also finish any remaining work, such as planting trees and shrubs, installing lawns, and paving driveways or walks.
- Certificate of Occupancy – Upon completion of all inspections, the local building authority issues a Certificate of Occupancy, which states that all permit conditions have been satisfied.
- Final Walk-Through – A walk-through with the general contractor is essentially the final step in the remodeling project. It ensures that the remodeling work meets expectations and all appliances are working properly.
Streamline Your Construction Operations
Top 5 Remodeling Mistakes
To avoid making costly mistakes, you should keep a few things in mind when remodeling your residential or commercial space. There are five mistakes that most people make during this process:
- Choosing the wrong service provider
- Putting aesthetics ahead of function
- Getting around the permit
- Not making plans for what could go wrong
- Changing your mind all the time
5 Tips for a Successful Remodeling Project
Remodeling presents an exciting opportunity to transform your property according to your needs. Here are five simple tips to help ensure a successful project:
Work Within a Set Budget
A project that starts without a budget might be doomed to failure. In rare cases, contractors will come in under budget; in most situations, budgets are frequently exceeded by a significant amount, resulting in projects that stall halfway. Only deal with contractors who can provide realistic budgets to avoid future headaches.
Pay Attention to Paperwork
A project that does not follow property rules, guidelines, or standards may stall and even require demolition. When contractors are unacquainted with laws, instructions, and norms, construction owners may not be aware of all the paperwork they need.
Plan for Future Growth
If the commercial or industrial area is growing, or there’s a likelihood it will soon, leave room in the design for additional space. It may be difficult and expensive to make changes down the line if the initial construction doesn’t consider future expansion.
Avoid DIY Projects
Many people attempt to take on construction projects themselves to save money. While some can complete these tasks, in many cases, it would have been cheaper to hire a professional from the beginning.
Additionally, it saves time and money in the long run and avoids any potential injuries resulting from taking on a project outside of one’s area of expertise.
Consider the Quality of Materials
It’s essential to use materials that will withstand the test of time, whether for an upscale restaurant or large-scale factory. Lower-quality materials might save money in the short term but usually require repairs or replacement sooner than higher-quality ones.
FAQs about Remodeling
When it comes to property improvement, people may use the terms “renovation” and “remodeling” interchangeably. Some significant differences exist between the two, and understanding them is essential before you start planning your project.
Renovation updates the aesthetics of a property without changing its purpose. Since these spaces don’t involve major alterations, they often don’t require building permits. On the other hand, remodeling changes the design and structure of the property. The completed work may not look like what it once was. Because of this, they may cost more than renovation and must secure permits before the work begins.
Remodeling is considered a type of construction since it fundamentally reshapes a space’s interior or exterior. This may differ from new construction, wherein structures are built from the ground up.
There’s no specific time frame that will tell you when to remodel your property. Instead, you’d want to keep an eye if you notice any of the following:
- Your current space no longer meets the operational requirements of your business
- There’s a decline in customer or employee satisfaction
- Operations and maintenance costs are increasing without significant improvement
- Your competitors are modernizing their spaces
The specific types of permits required may vary depending on the nature of the remodeling project and local legislation but in general, they consist of the following:
- Building permit
- Interior remodel permit
- Change of use permit
- Special permits, if needed
Rob Paredes
