Starting a home renovation project can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re renovating a house from top to bottom. From choosing finishes to managing contractors, the process involves many moving parts. That’s why having a clear home renovation timeline is key. Knowing what to tackle first (and why) will help you stay on track, avoid delays, and make the most of your remodeling budget.

Whether you’re updating a few rooms or planning a full custom home makeover, the order of tasks matters. Here’s how to organize your home remodeling process for the best results.

1. Plan First, Then Demo

Before swinging any hammers, start with a solid renovation plan. Define your scope of work—which rooms you’ll remodel, how much square footage you’re touching, and your overall vision for the space. Will this be a full renovation or a refresh of the kitchen and bathrooms?

Once your goals are clear, create a project timeline. This should include design, permits, demolition, installations, and inspections. Working with a reputable contractor or design-build team at this stage ensures everything is planned correctly from the start.

2. Demo and Structural Work

With your plan approved, demolition is usually next. This includes removing old materials like flooring, cabinets, countertops, and drywall. If your project includes moving walls or adding space, framing and structural changes happen here, too.

Depending on the scope of your desired project, this phase might include roof updates or foundation repairs. Tackling these first ensures the home is safe and ready for everything that comes next.

3. Electrical and Plumbing Rough-Ins

Next comes the behind-the-scenes work—electrical and plumbing. New wiring, plumbing lines, and HVAC ducts are installed during this phase, before walls are sealed up. This is also when rough inspections happen.

If your home renovation project includes recessed lighting, new outlets, or updated bathroom fixtures, they’re all prepped during this step.

4. Drywall, Paint, and Flooring

Once all the utilities are approved, your home starts looking like a livable space again. Drywall goes up, followed by priming and painting. After that, install flooring—tile, hardwood, or carpet—depending on the room.

This is where your dream space starts to come to life. If you’ve been waiting to see color and design take shape, this is the most exciting part of the renovation timeline.

5. Cabinets, Countertops, and Fixtures

Next, install cabinets, countertops, sinks, and other key features. In most kitchen and bathroom remodels, this is the stage where things start to feel complete.

Appliances, lighting fixtures, and plumbing fixtures are also installed now. These finishing touches tie the entire remodeling project together.

6. Final Touches and Walkthrough

Once all the major work is done, it’s time for final details—trimming, hardware, cleaning, and a final walkthrough. Your contractor or builder will inspect everything and make any small adjustments to ensure your dream home is move-in ready.

Start Your Renovation Right With The Window Depot

A well-planned home renovation timeline keeps your project moving smoothly, and starting with quality materials makes all the difference. Whether you're redoing one room or your entire home, The Window Depot has everything you need—from windows and doors to cabinets and countertops—to bring your vision to life.

Visit The Window Depot today and get everything you need to start building your dream space.