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Renovating A House Checklist: Where to Start

Dusty Rhodes • November 8, 2021

Home renovations provide homeowners with the opportunity to take their house and turn it into a home they’ve always dreamed of – all while increasing the home value. And, with the change of seasons, maybe you’ve decided it’s time for something new. Whether you recently purchased an older home, or have been living in the same house for years, you can make your dream home a reality with the help of this renovating a house checklist.


Renovating a house can be a scary concept – where do you start? Who do you call? But before you get overwhelmed, we’ve created a checklist to help answer all your questions and guide you through the home renovation process. From strategizing a plan and budgeting, to hiring a professional and putting the finishing touches on your home, read on to see just how you can make renovating a house that much simpler.

Renovating a house checklist: Where to begin

As you research what to expect during a home renovation, you should also outline your ideas and plans – maybe you’re interested in adding an office or redoing the kitchen, the possibilities are endless. Make sure you know what your goal is for the renovation and keep in mind that the project likely won’t be completed all at once.


To determine your budget, prioritize which projects are on the top of your list and what you can live without. Need help figuring out which renovations you want? Consider popular home trends in your area to help narrow down your options. Make sure to budget for any problems that could arise during the initial structure check as well as any problems during demolition. Creating a budget buffer can give you peace of mind if there are any unexpected issues or surprises down the road. Once you have established your budget, you can begin creating a reasonable time frame to help you stick to a schedule. After planning your renovation, you will need to make sure you have the appropriate home improvement permits depending on the type of projects you have in mind. 


Take this time to look over your plans and decide which professionals to hire when renovating your house. From structural engineers and plumbers, to architects and contractors, there are countless professionals who can help you achieve your home renovation goals.

1) Begin with the fundamentals

For a total house renovation, the rule of thumb is simple: make sure the structure is solid before starting on major projects. This includes checking the foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, flooring, and roofing. Older houses are more likely to develop these problems, but it’s important to check all your bases no matter how old your house is. There are ways for you to confirm the condition of your home’s structure, but when you do start to see issues arise, it is essential that you include a structural engineer to help resolve any problems. 


Foundation 

For signs of foundation issues look for doors and windows not shutting properly or cracks and gaps along the edges of the wall and floor. If you suspect any issues with the foundation, a structural engineer can help diagnose the problem and create a plan to address any repairs.


Plumbing and electrical 

You should also have your plumbing and electrical systems checked before beginning any renovations. Both plumbing and electrical systems should be up to date so they’re equipped to handle modern day appliances and piping. If your house was built before the 1960’s, it is a good idea to swap out your pipes and wires, making your home more reliable for years to come. 


Roofing

No matter where you live, a strong and protective roof is essential. Knowing when you need it repaired vs. replaced is something you should pay attention to. If the roof is on the newer side, watch for loose shingles and repair as needed. Roof damage that may result in a complete replacement includes wall and ceiling stains from leaks and trapped moisture, attic leaks from damaged shingles, exterior paint peeling from trapped moisture, and cracked shingles. 

2) Interior demolition

Now, it’s time to start designing your interior. If you planned on demolition, you have two options: DIY or connect with a contractor. Your budget will help determine if DIY or working with a professional is the right option. 


Constructing the inside of your home can mean totally reinventing your living space. Take down walls to open your space up or reconstruct your home’s floor plan and construct new walls. If you upgraded your electrical systems or plumbing, your walls will already be open so now is a good time to insulate and close them with drywall. Starting interior demolition room-by-room will help keep the renovation organized. Here are four interior changes to consider adding to your renovating a house checklist:


Built-ins 

Believe it or not, built-ins can provide value to a home. Built-ins are custom-made, permanent storage that adds character to your home. They come in many different forms – shelving, dining nooks, closets and much more. Not only are built-ins a great way to save space, but they can help create a unique and long-lasting feature in your home.


Windows

Upgrading windows can not only enhance your curb appeal, but can improve your home’s efficiency. That way you can enjoy the seasons through crystal-clear windows, while also investing in your home’s value. 


Cabinets

Although mostly a cosmetic touch, upgrading your cabinets can enhance the design of any space – kitchen, bathroom, or hallway. If new cabinets are not in your budget, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way to bring a fresh look to a newly remodeled home.


Flooring

Flooring plays a huge role in your home renovation. Should you opt for tiles or carpet? Real wood or vinyl? These are questions that play into your home renovation goal. Maybe you have a pet that likes to scratch up carpet? You may want to opt for tile. Maybe you live in a city with cold winters like Vancouver, BC, or Buffalo, NY? Carpet may be a better fit. Deciding what flooring fits best with your needs will help you answer these important remodeling questions.

3) Home furnishings

Now you’re on the home stretch. Home furnishings will tie in everything you have accomplished during this renovation process and bring your home to life. New wall paint, plant additions, pillows, and rugs can make all the difference. Once you incorporate these new pieces in your home, implementing basic feng shui home design into your space helps ensure your home brings you positive energy.


The commanding position is one of the most important feng shui principles to help align your home. With this position, you are not directly in line with the door, but are facing it. Just make sure your furniture is never positioned so your back is turned to the door. This simple trick can boost your energy and give you the style you’ve been looking for.


After your home is furnished, the renovation process is complete. Take a deep breath and appreciate your accomplishments. There are many different routes to go about renovating, but we hope this renovating a house checklist will help you start on the right path towards creating your dream home.




Source: Redfin


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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The Secret To Selling This Spring: Start the Prep Work Now

By Dusty Rhodes • February 17, 2025
Spring is the busiest season in the housing market. It’s the time of year when buyers are most active – that means it’s when homes sell faster and for top dollar. If you’ve already got a move on your mind, why not list this spring and take advantage of the added buyer demand ? Since spring is just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house market-ready. You’ve got just over a month to do the prep work. And while that may sound like a decent amount of time, it’s going to go by quickly. And you won’t want to rush through this important task – especially this year. The Right Repairs Will Matter More This Spring Right now, two things are true. There are more homes on the market than there have been in years. And buyers are being extra selective. That combination means you need to invest some time and effort in making strategic repairs . And many homeowners already have a jump on this work. In the 2025 Outlook for Home Remodeling , Carlos Martin, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University , explains : “. . . homeowners are slowly but surely expanding the pace and scope of projects compared to the last couple years.” And the most common projects they’re tackling are replacing water heaters, HVAC units, and flooring. Energy efficiency is a key consideration too, based on home improvement data from the Census. What To Prioritize as You Plan Ahead But just because that’s what other homeowners are doing, it doesn’t mean that’s what you have to tackle. Think about what you’d want to see if you were a buyer. Focus on quick wins that are easy to knock out with the time you have – but, don’t ignore key repairs, especially ones you think could turn off buyers. While big-ticket items like replacing an old roof or outdated flooring may seem daunting, they can pay off – especially if you focus on projects with the best return on investment (ROI). An agent’s expertise is key in narrowing down your list to what’s actually worth it. They know what buyers in your area want and they also have data like this report from Zonda to guide you on which updates have the best ROI ( see green in the graph below ):

41 housing markets where inventory just tipped in favor of buyers

By Dusty Rhodes • February 10, 2025
Among the nation’s 200 largest housing markets, these 41 metro areas now have active inventory at or above 2019 pre-pandemic levels. While homebuyers and home sellers still see headlines about the housing market being a seller’s market and national home prices reaching all-time highs, a deeper look reveals that several regional housing markets have shifted, giving homebuyers some power. During the pandemic housing boom, from summer 2020 to spring 2022, the number of active homes for sale in most housing markets plummeted as homebuyer demand quickly absorbed almost everything that came up for sale. Fast-forward to the current housing market, and the places where active inventory has rebounded to 2019 levels (due to strained affordability suppressing buyer demand) are now the very places where homebuyers hold the most power. At the end of January 2025, national active inventory for sale was still 25% below January 2019 levels. However, more and more regional markets are surpassing that threshold. Among the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets, 41 markets ended January 2025 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic January 2019. These are the places where homebuyers will be able to find the most leverage or market balance in 2025.

Selling vs. Renting Out Your House: Which Is Right for You?

By Dusty Rhodes • February 3, 2025
Leaving your current house and moving to another one gives you a few options. While most homeowners choose to sell outright, many opt to keep their old home and rent it out instead. This decision can be influenced by several factors: a strong rental market in your area, the advantage of a low current mortgage rate, or challenges in selling the house at the desired price. If you’re wondering whether to sell your house or rent it out, there are a few things to consider. Key Takeaways The answer depends on your circumstances, your housing situation, and your current finances. Selling your house may be the right option if you need the proceeds to purchase your next home or could make a profit. Renting out your house may be the right choice if you’re planning to live in your home again, have a low mortgage rate, or are looking for more income. What are the rental prices in the area? Does it make sense to rent your house? In some locations, rental prices can easily cover your mortgage payments. Depending on how much you have left on your mortgage or if you have a low mortgage rate, the rental income from your old house may cover the monthly payments, plus homeowners insurance and property taxes you pay. However, if you’ve recently purchased your house and are looking to rent it out, your mortgage payments may be too high for a lease to cover them. Take a look at houses that compare to yours with regard to size and location. This should give you a ballpark figure on what price your house can lease for. If you aren’t on a tight timeline to leave your current home, take notice of how quickly similar houses in the area take to lease. If rental properties stay empty for more than a few weeks, you may have trouble finding consistent tenants. A real estate agent can help match you with a tenant or give you an idea of your rental prospects. They can also give you insight into whether your location is desirable for tenants. For instance, if it’s near a university or larger employer, you may be able to rent to students or to employees who relocate for that large employer. However, if the house is far from the city center, or you’re located in a residential neighborhood, you may have trouble finding tenants. Do you need equity from your current home? Why are you leaving your old house? Are you purchasing a new home? If you’re planning to upgrade to a larger home, you may need the money from the sale of your old one to place a down payment on your new house. If you have enough equity in your current home, it may make more sense to sell the house instead of renting it. If you’re able to afford the down payment on your new home without selling your current one, usually about 20%, then renting out your old one makes sense. What is the market like in your area? The housing market isn’t consistent across the country, and even different parts of larger metro areas may be more or less robust. If the current market is slow and you think you can sell your home for a higher price in a few years, then it may make sense to rent the house until housing prices rise again. However, if it’s a sellers’ market and you can get the maximum selling price for your home, then selling it may be the better option. Keep in mind that houses that have been rental properties, often have a harder time selling afterward. You may have more wear and tear in the home if multiple tenants have lived there, which may mean spending more to prepare it to show and sell. An experienced real estate agent in your area can help you determine the top vales of your home and whether or not the current market can support that selling price. Agents who have been in the area long enough to become familiar with the housing market are in a good position to help you determine the best time to sell. Will you live in the house again? Consider whether you plan to live in the house or the area again. You may be in a situation that requires temporary relocation, and you plan to return to the original home in a few years. Having a good tenant to live in the house can ensure that your home stays in good condition instead of sitting empty. You’ll also have income from the rental property and building equity in the old home and your new one. Do you have the time and money to be a landlord? For those who are new to investing in rental properties, it may seem easy to rent out their current home and enjoy passive income while paying down their mortgage. However, if this is your first time being a landlord, you may find leasing your property yourself challenging. First, landlords are responsible for making major repairs to the house. Landlords have to fix things like broken pipes, defunct HVAC systems, and structural damage, among other essential repairs. If you don’t have a few thousand dollars on hand to take care of these repairs, you could end up in a bind. There are specific laws in place to protect tenants, including the landlord’s reliability to make major repairs on the house. In addition, there are certain things that you can and can’t do as a landlord. Being aware of Fair Housing Laws is critical to make sure that you don’t inadvertently violate them. Do you need a property manager? A property management company can help vet tenants, collect rents, and arrange for repairs and maintenance on your behalf. A good property management company is also up-to-date on current requirements in your state for landlord obligations. If you’re planning to just lease your house, you may choose to manage the repairs and tenant search yourself, especially if you live nearby. However, if you’re planning to build a portfolio of rental properties, then having one company manage them may be a better option. Property managers can help ensure that your house or houses stay full, including working with local agents, having open houses for prospective tenants, and quickly running background and credit checks for those applying for a lease. As a passive landlord in this situation, you’re able to free yourself of the obligation for emergency repairs and the time searching for people to live in your rental property. Consider rent-to-own Another option when you’re considering whether to sell or rent your house is to engage in a rent-to-own agreement. In these situations, the tenant will place a down payment on the house and make lease payments to you for a specified period. After the lease is up, then the tenant has the option to purchase the home. During the time they’re making lease payments, a portion of those payments will go toward the final price of the house. This option may work for you if the housing market in your area is stagnant, allowing you to cover the mortgage without entering into a long-term obligation to a rental property. These rent-to-own options can be beneficial for tenants, too, as their financial situation may improve enough over time that they’re able to obtain a mortgage. What makes a house a good rental property investment? Does your house have the potential to be a good income property? There are a few things to consider before listing your house for rent. You may have to make some minor repairs and upgrades to your property to attract good tenants who will take care of the house and pay on time. Fresh paint and carpet are usually a must and are required in some areas. The location of your investment property is one of the most important things in determining whether you’ll have steady tenants or be responsible for covering the mortgage out of pocket if the house sits empty. The home’s location can easily make the difference between having a steady tenancy and losing money on the rental property. Final thoughts on renting or selling your home Deciding whether to sell your house or rent depends on carefully analyzing the area and the property’s desirability. Will the area be in high demand for renters, or is it likely that you’ll struggle to find tenants? You’ll also need to take a look at your finances and determine if selling or renting will give you the best return on your investment. Choosing the right real estate agent to advise you in this process can help you answer your question of whether to sell or rent your house.
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