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Remodeling: what do you do first?

17 years ago

We are about to do a partial house remodel and I have NO idea what to do first. We will be putting in new flooring everywhere, completely gutting and renovating two bathrooms, replacing some appliances (fridge, DW) in the kitchen, putting in a new kitchen counter top, possibly replacing the sink, adding a window on the wall above the sink and taking off the fake rocks on the fireplace and replacing it with stucco. We have a great handyman who really can do almost anything, but he won't be doing the floors. What sort of order does this all go in? Some one told us tiling is first because it is the messiest. Any thoughts are HUGELY appreciated. Thank you all!

Comments (8)

  • 17 years ago

    Do the bathroons first.

    Fireplace next.

    Do the window third.

    Countertops/sink fourth.


    Then floors.

    Last is appliances.


    Reasons for this recommendation.

    The tearout and redo of the baths/fireplace are the messiest/longest. The wear on any floor will be the most destructive.

    The window should be replaced before the countertop/sink to eliminate damage to both.

    Flooring is always the last major project. Minimizes damage during other work. Just make sure the flooring is protected during the appliance installs.

  • 17 years ago

    Also.........have the handyman check the wall above the sink before he rips it out. There could be plumbing and electrical there that he may or may not be able to move.

  • 17 years ago

    I agree with handymac

    Here is a link that might be useful: remodeling in san diego

  • 17 years ago

    Thank you all sooooo much! This is very helpful to us, as we are newbies in remodeling!

  • 17 years ago

    I am in the process of something similar. I can tell you a few things.

    1. set-up an areas to replace what you will be without for a couple weeks,. We moved our kitchen into front porch during demo.

    2. Get some Visqueene plastic(sp?) and tape and seal up all areas you don't want dust. This includes HVAC vents (turn off your system if you can bear the heat/cold) If you have an older house the subfloor is not plywood but pine boards with cracks and all the banging and demolition will drop dust to the area below. Also cover sensitive equipment like TVs, computers, pianos, anything you don't want to get dusty. It will get everywhere not covered up. This may seem like overboard but it is worth it.

    3. remove appliances. This opens up the space to work.

    4. Have a plan for debris removal. The thick 6mil garbage bags from Home Depot are great for demo trash. Super heavy duty and expensive. You will take out more crap than you would ever think.

    5. Once you have done the demolition take stock of your plumbing and wiring. If your house is older like mine you may need to update some of the wiring/plumbing.

    6. Take pictures of your opened up walls etc. you can then look back at them if you want to add something later.

    7. I'll update as I continue. I am stuck at stage 6, Good Luck.

  • 17 years ago

    Also don't forget to cover everything that may get damaged. Use carpet protection film to protect all carpets. Carpet protection film has an adhesive backing that will stick to your carpets to protect them from damage. I attached a link below. www.surfaceprotection.com

    Here is a link that might be useful: carpet protection

  • 17 years ago

    If you would like to control dust during construction, use Zipwall dust control. Zipwall works great for remodelors and construction contractors. I attached a Zipwall link below

    www.surfaceprotection.com

    Here is a link that might be useful: Zipwall