Whole House Renovation Checklist (2025)

You look around your home and feel it—you’ve outgrown it. The layout’s awkward, the finishes feel tired, and it no longer supports the way you live today. You don’t want to move, but you know patchwork updates won’t cut it. 

That’s when a whole house renovation becomes the answer. It’s not just about new cabinets or flooring—it’s about rethinking your entire space so it works for this chapter of life. From function to finishes, a whole house renovation helps you fall back in love with the home you already have.

What is a Whole House Renovation? 

A whole house renovation is more than a fresh coat of paint or a kitchen update. It’s a complete rethinking of how your home supports you—from layout to finishes, flow to functionality. It touches nearly every room and often includes structural, mechanical, and aesthetic upgrades.

For many of our clients, it’s not about keeping up with trends. It’s about creating a home that works for this chapter of life—and the next. A home that reflects your routines, your needs, and your well-being.

And while the scope of a renovation project feels big, when done thoughtfully, it brings clarity, comfort, and new life to a home you already love.

Renovation Terminology

Big remodeling projects come with a big vocabulary. Here’s a quick breakdown of the renovation terms you’ll hear often, so you feel more confident and less in the dark.

• Estimates

A ballpark figure for what your renovation might cost, based on early project details. Think of it as an educated guess, not a final price.

• Proposals

A detailed outline of the scope, materials, timeline, and costs. This is where the project gets specific, and you can see what’s included (and what’s not).

• Invoices

The bills you’ll receive throughout the project. These are tied to specific milestones or stages of work completed.

• Budgets

Your working plan for what you want to invest in the project, including extra room for surprises. A good budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind.

• General contractors

The team or individual managing the project from start to finish. They coordinate subcontractors, oversee schedules, and keep everything moving.

• Subcontractors

Specialists brought in for certain parts of the job—like plumbers, electricians, or tile installers. They’re experts in their trade, working under the general contractor.

• Project plan

Your renovation roadmap. This outlines each phase of work, from demolition to final walk-through, so you know what’s happening and when.

• Project materials

The products and materials that make up your renovation—tile, fixtures, cabinets, paint, and more. Choosing these intentionally is what turns a house into your home.

• Home finishings

The final details that pull it all together—hardware, lighting, trim, paint colors. These are often the touches that make the space feel complete.

Whole House Renovation Checklist

A whole house renovation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This checklist will help you break the process into clear, manageable steps, so you can create a home that truly fits your life.

Step 1. Set clear goals for how you want your home to feel and function.

Before you get into design details, start by defining what’s not working—and how you want your home to support your daily life, routines, and future plans.

Step 2. Create a realistic budget that reflects your priorities and comfort zone.

Account for construction costs, design fees, materials, and a contingency for surprises. A clear, honest renovation budget sets the tone for the entire project.

Step 3. Gather inspiration and ideas, but focus on what resonates with your lifestyle.

Collect images, finishes, and layouts that feel right, but always bring it back to how you want to live and your personal taste, not just what looks nice in pictures.

Step 4. Hire a general contractor or design-build firm you trust to manage the project.

Choose a team with experience in whole home renovations—one that listens, collaborates, and keeps the process as seamless as possible.

Step 5. Confirm all required permits and approvals before any work begins.

Work with your team to navigate local building codes and secure necessary permits early, avoiding costly delays down the road.

Step 6. Develop a detailed project plan that maps out phases, timelines, and expectations.

A solid plan keeps you and your team on the same page, reducing surprises and decision fatigue during the build.

Step 7. Consider functionality, flow, and energy efficiency at every stage of planning.

Think beyond aesthetics. Prioritize how your space will work for your family, future needs, and daily comfort.

Step 8. Select materials and finishes that support wellness, longevity, and your style.

Choose products that feel good to live with—low-VOC paints, sustainable materials, durable surfaces—balancing beauty with well-being.

Step 9. Confirm selections early to avoid costly delays and rushed decisions.

From flooring to fixtures, make key choices before construction begins. This keeps your project moving smoothly and minimizes costly change orders.

Step 10. Communicate openly and regularly with your project team.

Stay engaged with your contractor and designers, ask questions, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Clear communication keeps the process collaborative.

Step 11. Monitor progress, but trust your team to handle the day-to-day details.

Check in often, review milestones, and celebrate wins along the way—without letting the project take over your life.

Step 12. Plan for temporary living arrangements if the renovation impacts daily life.

For extensive projects, it’s worth planning ahead for alternative accommodations—protecting your comfort and minimizing disruption.

Step 13. Evaluate the results against your original goals and priorities.

At project completion, walk through the space with your team, confirm everything meets your expectations, and celebrate the home you created with intention.

Cost Considerations to Renovate a House

Understanding the key cost factors of a house renovation helps you make decisions with more clarity and less stress. These are the areas where your investment can shift significantly, depending on your goals, your home, and how you want to live in the space.

• Understand how your project’s square footage drives overall cost.

The size of your renovation has one of the biggest impacts on cost. More square footage means more materials, labor, and time, so always factor this in when budgeting.

• Know the difference between high-end, midrange, and low-end renovations.

Costs vary dramatically based on quality of finishes, design complexity, and craftsmanship. Clarifying where you want to invest—and where you can simplify—keeps your budget aligned with your goals.

• Consider ROI (Return on Investment), but prioritize what supports your life.

Certain renovations offer better returns in the real estate market, but always balance that with updates that bring daily comfort, function, and joy for you.

• Understand that gut renovations bring higher costs—and deeper change.

When you’re taking a house down to the studs, costs rise. But it also offers the chance to rethink flow, systems, and energy efficiency from the ground up.

• Plan for interior renovations to cost less than full structural rework.

Updating finishes, fixtures, and layouts inside your existing footprint tends to cost less than adding square footage or making major structural changes.

Whole House Renovation: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a full house renovation worth it?

A whole house remodel is worth it if your home no longer supports your lifestyle or needs major updates. It’s an opportunity to create dream spaces that feel aligned with how you live today, often using high-quality materials that support both function and well-being.

Is $100,000 enough to renovate a house?

$100,000 is a minimum to cover a cosmetic remodel, refresh, or focused renovations like kitchens, bathrooms, and finishes. For gut renovations or structural work, this budget may only cover part of the project.

What is the 30% rule for renovations?

The 30% rule suggests budgeting 30% of your home’s value for a whole house remodel. This helps balance average costs with the upgrades needed to create lasting, dream spaces. 

Renovate Your Whole House with Ron Scott Design Build & Remodel

A whole house renovation is about creating a home that truly supports you. With our thoughtful, wellness-centered process, you’ll feel confident every step of the way. Let’s reimagine your home together.