The Renovation Contacts Checklist

Use our handy list to pull off the perfect remodel.

You’ve finally reached the breaking point: the cracked tiles, peeling wallpaper and antiquated cabinets have eye-sored you to the edge of sanity. It’s time for a home renovation.

Now that you’ve taken the first step in your remodel — making the decision to actually go forward — it’s time to get organized. People have particular methods for how they like to plan, but most folks enjoy a quick-reference guide to make things easier. Introducing the renovation contacts checklist, a 1-stop resource to identify the home professionals you’ll need to help complete your project. 

Who should you contact for home remodeling projects?

• Cabinetmaker. Kitchen storage space is notoriously tricky to get right, and this specialist in the carpentry trade has the chops to get it done, sometimes with beautiful, handcrafted detail.
• Carpenter. Framers, roofers, and trim carpenters are some of the other tradespeople you may need to employ for your house remodeling project.
• Carpet/Flooring Installer. Replacing old carpeting and laying down tile and wood floors are among the most popular types of home renovation projects.
• Designer/Architect. For bigger jobs, like room remodels and additions, it might be a good idea to hire a professional architect or interior designer to make your vision whole.
• Electrician. A reputable, licensed electrician is arguably the most important piece in your house renovation puzzle. The quality of work has a direct impact on safety in your home.
• General Contractor. By retaining a project manager who organizes and oversees the various tradespeople converging on your project, you can save time and headaches.
• Home Inspector. To make sure your remodel work is within code and free of safety hazards, it’s advisable to have a home inspector check on the progress periodically.
• HVAC Tech. A remodel that involves upgrading your heating or cooling system requires the scrutinizing eye and trained hands of a heating/cooling expert.
• Landscaper. An addition or new propane tank, among other things, can seriously rough up your home’s outdoor aesthetic. After the dust settles, it’s time to bring in a professional green thumb.
• Mason. Rocks, bricks, and concrete may be a big part of your improvement project. Masonry is highly skilled work.
• Metalworker. Framework, kitchen surfaces, and custom interior design features often integrate the creations of professional fabricators and welders.
• Painter. This is one of the DYI jobs you might be tempted to take on after the other contractors have moved on, but a pro will do it much faster — and better. If you’ve gone that far, you might as well finish strong. (An important note: if you are taking out a renovation loan, you cannot DIY as part of the project. Any work you want to do yourself must wait until after the financed work is complete.)
• Plumber. Get two services in one person when you hire a versatile plumber: along with the water and sewer pipes, this is the contractor who installs new gas lines.
• Roofer. The high-wire performers of your renovation crew are among the most in-demand contractors out there, so plan well ahead when replacing or repairing your top cover.
• Zoning Authority. Renovation projects involving significant structural, electrical, or plumbing work usually require a building permit, so obtaining the proper permissions is a must before getting under way.

Don’t over-improve your home when you renovate.

One of the dangers of a renovation project is pricing your house out of the neighborhood, a.k.a. overcapitalizing, by spending more on the project than you can realistically hope to recover when your home is sold. The general rule, assuming you plan to sell your house in the future, is to spend no more than 10% of your home’s market value on a remodeling effort. If there is no future financial consideration, however, and all you care about is quality of life, go with your bad self and kick that upgrade into high gear!

Who can guide you to the right home renovation loan?

There are a wide range of home-improvement loans available to provide the capital you may need to cover your project’s design, materials, and labor. Your first call for financial advice when looking to renovate is to a qualified and trusted home loan officer (LO). Your LO will help you choose the right renovation loan, whether it’s a cash-out refinance, home equity line of credit (HELOC), USDA 504 Home Repair, FHA 203(k), VA rehab, Fannie Mae Homestyle® or Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation®.

Remodeling your home can be an exciting change and a big improvement to your lifestyle. With the Home Renovation Professionals checklist as your guide, you’ll have all the help you’ll need. But the first call to make? One of our expert loan originators to help you find the perfect loan product and get started. Call now for a consultation!

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.