Step-by-Step Home Renovation Checklist - Planning, Permits & Execution
Why You Need this Renovation Checklist Template
Renovating your home is exciting - and expensive and stressful if you don’t plan. This step-by-step renovation checklist guides you from first idea to final walk-through: budgeting, hiring the right team, permits, day-by-day construction milestones, and a printable checklist to keep your remodel on track.
Before you start, it’s essential to hire the right contractor who fits your project needs and avoids costly mistakes.
Read our full guide on how to find a contractor : expert guide to avoid costly hiring mistakes to make sure you choose the best professional for your renovation.
Quick snapshot (2024–2025 renovation reality)
Americans spent an estimated $603 billion on remodeling in 2024 (industry reports show the remodeling market remains very large and active).
Median renovation costs have risen over the last decade; homeowners face longer lead times and higher material/labor costs. Kitchens and bathrooms remain the most expensive projects.
In Los Angeles, a full kitchen remodel commonly ranges broadly - roughly $25k to $100k+ depending on scope and finishes; plan accordingly.
Quick Home Renovation Process
Define goals (resale vs. stay long-term)
Set budget + contingency (10–20%)
Decide scope (cosmetic vs. structural)
Measure & photograph the space
Get 2–3 contractor bids; verify license & insurance
Confirm lead times for cabinets/fixtures
Pull permits (if structural/plumbing/electrical work)
Schedule demolition & protect living areas
Track inspections (rough-in, final)
Create punch list; withhold final payment until done
Collect warranties & lien releases
Full, Step-by-Step Home Renovation Checklist (Phase by phase)
Phase 0 - Inspiration & Goals (start now)
Write down why you’re renovating (comfort, accessibility, resale).
Create a “must vs. nice” list (keeps scope realistic).
Gather inspiration (Pinterest/Houzz ideabooks, photos).
Note any accessibility needs (aging in place) - these can change layout and costs.
Timeline note: if you’re in L.A., expect design and permit reviews to impact schedule - read Local LA Notes below.
Phase 1 - Budgeting & Financing (1-3 months before)
Create an itemized budget: materials, labor, permits, waste removal, fees.
Add a contingency fund 10–20% of the total project cost for surprises (rule of thumb).
Decide payment method: cash, loan, HELOC, refinance. Check monthly payment impact.
Consider ROI: kitchens and baths return higher resale value, but location and finish level matter. Use realistic ranges when estimating.
Phase 2 - Feasibility & Team (2-6 months before)
Order an inspection for structural, electrical, plumbing issues (find surprises early).
Request detailed bids from at least 2–3 contractors (itemize labor, materials, timeline).
Vet contractors: license number, insurance certificate, references, recent project photos, written contract with milestones.
Choose GC vs. hiring subs directly (GC simplifies coordination but costs more).
Contracts: include scope, schedule, materials list, payment schedule, warranty terms, and a punch-list clause.
How to hire contractors: ask for license and insurance proofs and call past clients. Save written references in your project folder.
Phase 3 - Design & Materials (1-3 months before)
Finalize floor plans and exact finish selections (SKU numbers for cabinets, tile, fixtures).
Check lead times for long-lead items (cabinets, appliances, custom windows) and order early.
Confirm energy efficiency / sustainability options if you want incentives (e.g., efficient HVAC, windows).
Prepare drawings for permit submission if structural or plumbing/electrical work is involved.
Phase 4 - Permits & Los Angeles local notes
When you need a permit: structural changes, moving load-bearing walls, new plumbing or electrical work, or major HVAC changes. Small cosmetic updates typically don’t require a permit - confirm with LADBS.
LA timeline: plan for a review process - simple projects can be quick; larger projects and plan checks may take weeks to months depending on completeness and city workload. LA County and City plan review targets vary; aim for at least 2–6 weeks for medium projects and longer for complex ones. Use LADBS online resources and the County permitting dashboards to check status.
Tip: submit complete plans and respond quickly to plan-check comments to avoid multiple review rounds.
Phase 5 - Pre-Construction & Logistics (2-4 weeks before start)
Confirm delivery dates for long-lead materials.
Create a communication plan: weekly site meetings, primary contact person, and emergency contact.
Protect unaffected rooms (dust barriers, sealed HVAC vents).
Plan for waste removal (dumpsters, hauling) and worker parking (critical in L.A. neighborhoods).
Make temporary living arrangements if needed (kitchen out of service).
Phase 6 - Construction (ongoing)
Demolition: ensure utilities are shut off as needed; test for hazardous materials (lead/asbestos) before disturbing old materials.
Rough-ins: plumbing, electrical, and framing phases require inspections before drywall. Don’t close walls until inspections pass.
Finishing: cabinetry, tile, paint, trim, and final fixture installation.
Maintain a shared photo log and daily notes. Track the punch list as items arise (don’t wait until the end).
Timeline expectations: small cosmetic projects may take weeks; full kitchen/bath remodels typically take 2–6 months depending on scope. Plan for delays - materials and permitting are common bottlenecks.
Phase 7 - Closeout & Handover
Conduct a final walk-through with your GC and create a detailed punch list.
Confirm all inspections are signed off and you have final permits/certificate of occupancy if required.
Collect warranties, manuals, and receipts; get lien releases and final paid invoices.
Do not make the final payment until punch list items are complete (holdback is common).
Phase 8 - Aftercare & Maintenance
Create a maintenance calendar (seal countertops, change HVAC filters, service appliances).
Keep a “project folder” (permits, warranties, contractor contact, photos) - great for resale and troubleshooting.
Local Los Angeles tips (practical and specific)
Street parking & load zones: schedule deliveries early morning and confirm permit rules for parking/loading in your neighborhood. Some L.A. neighborhoods require residential parking permits; check with LADOT.
Historic properties: if your house is in a historic district, additional approvals may be required - check ZIMAS (LA’s zoning information system).
Noise and work hours: L.A. municipal codes restrict construction noise hours in many neighborhoods - include work-hour restrictions in your contract.
Contractor availability: because L.A. is busy, book preferred contractors 6–12 weeks ahead if possible, especially for peak seasons.
Data-driven planning - sample budgets & numbers
National remodel spend (context): $603 billion in 2024 across the U.S. remodeling market.
Contingency: 10–20% of project cost for unexpected issues (plumbing, structural fixes).
LA kitchen example range: $25,000 – $100,000+ depending on scope and finishes; a midrange LA kitchen often lands between $30k–75k. Get multiple bids.
Common renovation FAQs
How do I plan a home renovation step-by-step?
Start with goals and budget, get an inspection, hire and vet contractors with written bids, secure permits, schedule and protect your home, monitor construction with regular check-ins, and complete a punch list at closeout.How much contingency should I budget for a remodel?
Experts recommend setting aside 10–20% of your total project budget for unforeseen costs.How long does a typical kitchen renovation take?
A full kitchen remodel in Los Angeles usually takes 3–6 months from design to final walkthrough; simpler cosmetic updates can be much faster.Do I need a permit for my remodel in Los Angeles?
If the project changes structure, electrical, plumbing, or involves new HVAC, you generally need a permit from LADBS. Cosmetic work often does not require permits; always verify with LADBS before work begins.
