Home Renovation Checklist: 8 Steps Before The Remodel

by Jennifer Bowers

Key takeaways

Define your renovation goals, priorities, and project scope before making major decisions.
Check with your local Building and Codes office to determine whether your renovation requires permits.
Verify your contractor’s license, insurance, experience, and previous work before hiring.
Set a realistic budget that accounts for materials, labor, permits, and unexpected expenses.
Finalize major materials, your timeline, and plans for living around the renovation before construction begins.

A successful renovation starts long before the first wall comes down, and a little preparation upfront can help you avoid costly surprises and keep your project moving in the right direction.

This home renovation checklist covers the key steps to take before the remodel, from checking permits and vetting contractors to choosing materials and setting a realistic budget. From renovating a home in East Nashville to updating a home in 12 South, these tips can help homeowners across Nashville and beyond approach their projects with confidence.

1. Define your renovation goals and project scope

Before choosing finishes or contacting contractors, start by defining what you want your renovation to accomplish. Think about which problems you're trying to solve, which updates are essential, and which would simply be nice to have.

For example, a kitchen renovation might be primarily about adding storage and improving the layout, while a larger remodel could focus on creating additional living space or making the home work better for your household. Having clear priorities can make it easier to make decisions if your budget, timeline, or plans change along the way.

As you outline the project, consider:

Which rooms or areas you plan to renovate
What needs to change versus what you'd like to change
Whether you're making cosmetic or structural updates
How you want the finished space to function
Whether you'll complete the renovation all at once or in phases
How the improvements fit into your longer-term plans for the home

2. Inspect previous renovations and additions

Before planning your home improvement project, take a close look at any work that previous homeowners have completed. An addition, conversion, or remodel can look finished on the surface without necessarily having been properly permitted or built to code.

This can be especially important in older homes or properties that have been updated several times over the years. Knowing what you're starting with can help you identify issues that may need to be addressed before adding new work.

Jeremy Morrison, owner of JM Home and Property Services, says he has encountered countless questionable renovations in his work as a general contractor. “If there are no permits, hire a licensed professional to inspect the questionable item to ensure it was built to be code compliant,” he shares. “If it is not compliant, or done without permits, this is where your home renovation should start.”

Jeremy recommends paying particular attention to modifications such as:

Sunrooms
Additional bathrooms
Garage conversions
Electrical wiring running to sheds or other outbuildings
Added rooms or extensions
Walls or other structural changes

>>Discover: Buying a House with Unpermitted Additions: What You Need to Know

3. Check whether your renovation requires permits

Another important step in any renovation checklist is finding out which permits or approvals your project may require. Don't assume that a project is exempt simply because it seems relatively small or because you're hiring a professional to complete it.

Permit requirements vary by location, so start by contacting your local Building and Codes office. This is particularly important if your renovation involves structural changes, electrical or plumbing work, additions, or changes to your home’s layout.

“If you are thinking about making any modifications to the structure of the home, check with your local Building and Codes office to inquire about the project needing to be permitted or not, even if you are planning on hiring a licensed professional to complete the work,” Jeremy says.

>>See: How to Prioritize Home Renovations as a First-Time Homebuyer

4. Find and hire the right professional for your renovation

Once you understand the scope of your project and any permitting requirements, start looking for the right professional to complete the work. Depending on the project, that might be a general contractor, specialized tradesperson, or handyman.

A handyman may be appropriate for certain smaller repairs or maintenance projects, while larger or more complex renovations may require a properly licensed contractor with experience completing that type of work.

Before hiring a contractor, verify their credentials and review examples of similar projects.

Ask potential contractors for:

A current contractor license
Proof of insurance
Photos or examples of previous projects
References, when available
Documentation relevant to the type of work being performed

Look closely at projects similar in scope and complexity to yours. If you're remodeling a kitchen, for example, ask to see work involving cabinetry, countertops, electrical, plumbing, or layout changes. For a larger remodel, look for experience with comparable additions or structural work.

“If the Building and Codes office says that you need a permit, but the ‘professional’ you're talking to says the opposite, or they try to have you pull the permit as the homeowner, that person most likely does not have the proper licensing necessary to pull the permit,” Jeremy warns.

Jeremy also suggests looking for a contractor who is confident in their work and willing to provide documentation: “The right person for the job should not be afraid or reluctant to show pictures of previous work, they shouldn't push back when asked for copies of license and insurance.”

“A handyman is a handyman, not a contractor; cheaper is not always better (neither is the most expensive); faster is not quality; and Facebook Marketplace is definitely the last place you should look to find a good contractor,” states Jeremy.

Ultimately, match the professional to the work you're planning and make sure they have the appropriate qualifications, insurance, and experience before moving forward.

>>Read on: 8 Vital Questions to Ask Contractors Before Starting Any Home Improvement Project

5. Set a realistic renovation budget

A realistic renovation budget should account for more than the materials you see in the finished space. Before demo begins, consider labor, permits, inspections, disposal, delivery fees, and potential repairs that could surface once walls, floors, or ceilings are opened.

Depending on the project, your budget may need to include:

Contractor and labor costs
Materials and fixtures
Permit and inspection fees
Design or architectural services
Delivery and shipping fees
Demolition and debris removal
Temporary storage or living arrangements
Unexpected repairs or changes

It's also smart to leave room in your budget for unexpected problems. Older homes in particular can reveal outdated wiring, plumbing issues, water damage, structural concerns, or other repairs once walls, flooring, and ceilings are opened.

>>Check out: 7 Home Improvements to Skip Before Listing Your Home

6. Choose materials

Material decisions can affect your budget, timeline, and even the order in which work gets completed, so don't wait until construction is underway to start thinking about them.

While it can be tempting to choose materials based solely on appearance or upfront price, consider how your selections will affect installation time, labor costs, durability, and the finished look.

For major projects, create a materials list that covers the primary finishes and fixtures you'll need. Depending on the renovation, this could include:

Flooring
Cabinets
Countertops
Tile
Plumbing fixtures
Lighting
Doors and hardware
Paint and other finishes
Appliances

7. Build your renovation timeline

Starting construction can feel like the beginning of a renovation, but a lot of planning needs to happen first.

Your timeline may include:

Defining the project scope
Checking existing permits and renovations
Confirming whether new permits are required
Hiring and contracting with your renovation professional
Finalizing your materials
Ordering materials and fixtures
Preparing the home for construction
Completing demolition
Addressing unexpected repairs
Beginning construction and installation
Scheduling inspections
Completing finishing work and final inspections
Conducting a final walkthrough and completing any remaining items

Your contractor may be able to provide a more detailed schedule once the scope, materials, and permitting requirements are clear. Even then, it can be helpful to build some flexibility into your plans in case materials arrive late, inspections need to be rescheduled, or unexpected repairs come up.

8. Prepare your home and household for construction

Before work begins, think about how the renovation will affect your day-to-day routine. Even a relatively contained project can bring noise, dust, workers coming and going, and temporary changes to how you use your home.

Depending on the size and location of the renovation, you may need to:

Move furniture, artwork, and valuables away from the work area
Protect belongings from dust and debris
Clear pathways contractors will use to enter and exit
Create a temporary kitchen or workspace
Plan around periods when water, electricity, or certain rooms may be unavailable
Decide whether you'll remain in the home throughout the project
Make arrangements for children or pets when necessary
Confirm where materials, dumpsters, or equipment will be stored

Ask your contractor what you should do before the first day of work and which areas of the home will need to remain accessible. Knowing what to expect can make construction easier to manage once the project is underway.

Home renovation planning checklist

Before construction begins, use this home renovation checklist to make sure you've covered the major planning steps:

☐ Define what you want the renovation to accomplish.

☐ Separate must-have improvements from nice-to-have updates.

☐ Determine the scope of the project and whether you'll complete it all at once or in phases.

☐ Inspect previous renovations, additions, and conversions.

☐ Check whether previous work was properly permitted.

☐ Contact your local Building and Codes office.

☐ Determine whether your planned renovation requires permits.

☐ Create a preliminary renovation budget.

☐ Verify your contractor's license and insurance.

☐ Review examples of the contractor's previous work.

☐ Make sure the contractor is qualified for the scope of work.

☐ Confirm who will obtain permits and schedule inspections.

☐ Choose major materials and fixtures.

☐ Check availability and order long-lead materials early.

☐ Include labor, permits, inspections, delivery, and unexpected expenses in your budget.

☐ Create a realistic budget that includes labor and unexpected costs.

☐ Build a timeline that accounts for permits, materials, inspections, and potential delays.

☐ Check availability and order long-lead materials early.

☐ Include labor, permits, inspections, delivery, and unexpected expenses in your budget.

Planning your home renovation

A thoughtful home renovation checklist can help you catch potential problems before they become expensive surprises. Taking time to verify permits, choose the right contractor, select quality materials, and establish a realistic budget and timeline can set your project up for success.

Every renovation is different, and plans may change once work begins. Using a home renovation checklist can help you keep track of the major details while leaving room to adjust when unexpected issues or opportunities come up.

Home renovation checklist: FAQs

What should be included in a home renovation checklist?

A home renovation checklist should cover your project goals and scope, budget, permits, contractor selection, materials, timeline, construction preparation, inspections, and final walkthrough. The exact steps will vary depending on the size and complexity of your renovation.

Do I need a permit for a home renovation?

It depends on the type of work and your local building requirements. Cosmetic updates such as painting, replacing cabinets, installing countertops, or changing fixtures typically don't require permits, while structural changes, moving walls, adding rooms, and certain electrical or plumbing work may. Always check with your local Building and Codes office before starting work.

Should I check for permits from previous renovations?

Yes, especially if your home has additions or modifications that appear questionable or were completed by a previous owner. Unpermitted work may need to be inspected, brought up to code, or properly documented before you begin a new renovation.

How do I choose the right contractor for a renovation?

Look for a properly licensed and insured professional with experience completing projects similar to yours. Ask to see examples of previous work and request copies of their credentials and insurance documentation before hiring them.

How much should I budget for unexpected renovation costs?

Renovation costs vary significantly depending on the home and scope of work, so there isn't one contingency amount that works for every project. When building your budget, leave some flexibility for repairs, material changes, or other expenses that may not become apparent until work begins.

Should I choose renovation materials before demolition?

For many projects, yes. Making important material selections early can help your contractor estimate labor and costs more accurately and prevent delays caused by backordered or unavailable materials.

How should I prepare my home before renovation work begins?

Clear furniture and valuables from the construction area, protect nearby belongings, and make sure contractors have a safe path to the work area. For larger renovations, you may also need to plan for temporary changes to your kitchen, bathroom, utilities, or living arrangements.