Complete Home Renovation: Step-by-Step Planning Guide

A complete home renovation can modernize your living space, improve functionality, and increase long-term property value. At A2Z Construction Management, we help homeowners in New Jersey and New York turn their ideas into reality. We provide expert support at every step.

Key Takeaways

A complete home renovation involves major updates to layout, structure, and systems.

Clear planning, budgeting, and hiring a licensed contractor are essential for success.

Costs typically range from $100 to $250 per square foot, depending on the project.

Smart material choices and efficient designs help reduce the overall cost.

What Do People Consider a Full House Renovation?

A complete home renovation involves updating or rebuilding most areas of a home. This includes the kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, and even the basement or exterior. It often requires reworking the floor plan, replacing systems like plumbing or electrical, and bringing all elements up to current building codes.

Unlike minor remodels, a full house renovation addresses structural, aesthetic, and functional changes. This process allows homeowners to create cohesive design upgrades across the entire property. For many, it’s a way to avoid moving by transforming their current home into their dream space.

Step-by-Step Home Renovation Checklist

1

Set Clear Goals

Identify what you want to improve. Consider lifestyle needs, energy efficient upgrades, and long-term goals.

2

Establish a Budget

Determine how much will renovation cost based on current savings, financing, or home equity loans. Factor in design fees, permits, and a 10–20% contingency for unexpected expenses.

3

Hire a Professional Team

Partner with a licensed general contractor like A2Z Construction. David Haziza, the Owner and Master of Construction, leads every project with a focus on timelines, transparency, and precision.

4

Create or Update Floor Plans

Redesigning your floor plan may involve knocking down walls, building new rooms, or improving flow between spaces.

5

Obtain Permits

All renovation projects must comply with local regulations. Your contractor should handle permits and inspections to ensure full code compliance.

6

Schedule Work in Phases

A complete home remodel typically follows this order: demolition, structural framing, mechanicals (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), insulation, drywall, painting, flooring, then fixtures.

7

Choose Materials and Fixtures

Select flooring, tiles, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures early to avoid delays.

8

Final Walkthrough and Adjustments

After construction is complete, walk through with your contractor to address any final punch list items.

 

Renovation Costs: Budgeting and Room-by-Room Breakdown

Understanding how much do renovations cost depends on your home's size, condition, and the scope of changes. National average costs vary based on region, materials, and labor.

Here’s what remodels typically cost by area:

Keep in mind that the overall cost also includes demolition, waste removal, and project management fees. For more insight into the cost to gut and renovate a house, check out A2Z Construction’s in-depth breakdown.

Choosing the Right Whole Home Remodeler

Hiring the right whole-home remodeler ensures your renovation is completed safely, legally, and on time. Start by checking licenses, insurance, and references. A strong remodeler will offer a detailed contract, clear timelines, and communication throughout the project.

At A2Z Construction, we manage every stage—from design coordination to final inspection. David Haziza brings over 30 years of field experience, ensuring that every household redo reflects quality craftsmanship and full compliance with building codes.

When selecting a contractor, ask:

  • How many similar renovation projects have you completed?
  • Who supervises the day-to-day work?
  • What’s the expected timeline and how are delays handled?
  • Are material selections and design help included?

Common Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Many homeowners underestimate the time, cost, and disruption of a full home renovation. Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Skipping the design phase: Not having a complete plan before starting can cause costly changes mid-project.
  • Underbudgeting: Always include a contingency buffer of at least 15% to manage unexpected expenses.
  • Hiring based on price alone: Low-cost bids may cut corners or result in poor workmanship.
  • Ignoring building codes: DIY work without permits can lead to fines or delays in resale.

Working with a reputable general contractor like A2Z Construction helps prevent these issues by offering professional guidance every step of the way.

To maximize your remodel’s value, focus on updates that improve efficiency and market appeal. Here we highlight some of the best return on investment home improvements to consider before starting your project.

Home Renovation FAQs

Is $100,000 enough to renovate a house?

Yes, but it depends on the home’s size and your priorities. A $100,000 budget may cover a full update of a smaller home or a partial renovation of a larger one. Labor, materials, and square footage will affect your budget.

How long does a complete home remodel take?

Timelines vary by scope. Cosmetic-only projects may take 3–4 months, while a full gut renovation can take 6–12 months. Permits, inspections, and material delays can also impact timing.

Can I live in my home during renovation?

In some cases, yes—but it’s not always recommended. If you're renovating multiple rooms or doing major plumbing and electrical work, it may be safer and more efficient to relocate temporarily.

What are the most expensive parts of a home renovation?

Structural changes, kitchens, and bathrooms typically cost the most due to plumbing, electrical, and material upgrades. Custom cabinetry and high-end finishes also raise the price.

How can I start saving money during a renovation?

Choose standard fixtures over custom, reuse existing layouts when possible, and prioritize projects that increase efficiency—like insulation or window upgrades.

Final Notes

A complete home renovation is a major project—but with the right team, it can transform how you live and feel in your space. From the first design sketch to final inspection, A2Z Construction delivers reliable results with craftsmanship you can trust. Led by David Haziza, we serve clients who want clarity, quality, and code-compliant results.

Whether you're reimagining a kitchen, planning a bathroom renovation, or tackling a full household redo, our team is ready to help you build something better.

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