Checklist: Plan Your Home Renovation
Your ultimate guide to planning your home improvement projects.
Published Tuesday, August 26, 2025 to Advice
This is for educational purposes only. Please consult renovation experts for your specific projects.
Home improvement projects are exciting, aren’t they? Freshening up your space, whether it’s with a new appliance or a fully remodeled kitchen, can reinvigorate your home and your life. Or maybe, your home needs repairs or maintenance. That’s less fun, but still important. Either way, planning your home remodel can seem daunting. You may wonder where to even start.
Home Renovation Planning
Part 1:
Vision and Inspiration
Define Your Home Improvement Project
What do you want to accomplish with this home improvement project? Whether it’s simply new countertops or a full remodel of a room in your home, make note of everything you want to do.
Research – Get Inspired
Look online, in magazines and at home improvement stores to find things you like.
Sort Your Needs from Your Wants
Some things are needs – the things that make your home improvement project worth pursuing. Some are not required but would be nice if possible and fit within your budget. Separate these into different categories.
Set a Rough Budget Estimate
How much can you afford to spend? Consider your own financial situation and the market value of your home. Take the cost of labor, materials, permits and a contingency fund into account as well.
Estimate Your Timeline
When do you want this project done? Do some research to find out how long a project like yours typically takes, then consider any unforeseen delays that may occur.
Part 2:
Home Renovation Financing
Finalize Your Budget
Establish a realistic maximum price you’re willing to spend for the whole project. Consider costs for everything, like planning with an architect, contractors, materials and more. Remember to add 10% - 15% for unforeseen costs.
Explore Home Renovation Financing Options
If you need financing for your home improvement project, explore your options like:
- Standard home equity loan
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
- Personal loan
- Credit card
Compare rates at multiple financial institutions and find the best fit for you.
Get Preapproved for Home Renovation Financing
Once you know what type of financing you need, you may be able to get preapproved. That way you know you qualify for the amount you want to spend before you start the project. Plus, in some cases, you can use your preapproval as a bargaining chip with contractors.
Part 3:
Design and Details
Consult Designers, Architects and Structural Engineers
Working with a designer or architect is recommended for bigger projects, like remodeling an entire space in your home. Or, if you have design experience, you can do this yourself.
For other larger projects, you may also want to consider the services of a structural engineer.
Create Detailed Plans
Sketch out your plans and take accurate measurements. This will help you get accurate contractor bids and get the right materials. If you’re working with a designer or architect, they can help you with this.
Select Your Materials
Pick out everything you want, from counter tops and floors, to wallpaper and appliances. This is where that earlier research step comes in handy!
Get Details About Permits and Regulations
Some construction projects require permits and are subject to local regulations. Make sure you have necessary permits before you start work.
Part 4:
Find a Contractor
Interview Contractors and Gather Bids
Once you find some contractors you’re interested in, meet them to make sure they are a good fit for you. Get bids from each of them.
Verify Credentials
How you verify contractor credentials and licenses varies from state to state. In Iowa, you can use the Iowa Workforce Development public search, or the State Fire Marshal Division’s license search portal.
Review Contracts Carefully
Make sure you understand payments schedules and the scope of their work. And avoid large upfront payments.
Sign a Contract
Once you find a contractor you like and agree on the work and the price, sign the contract. The contractor works for you now.
Part 5:
Project Execution and Management
Order Inspections
Make sure your space is safe to undergo your renovations. This may not be necessary for small projects, like simply getting new appliances.
Secure Permits
If permits are required, make sure you have them secured before you start work.
Prepare Your Home
Talk to your contractor and make sure your space is clean and ready for work to begin.
Establish Communication with Your Contractor
Make sure there is a clear expectation for how and when your contractor provides updates to you, and how you can contact them if you have questions.
Manage Payments
Set up your payment plan and make sure both you and the contractor are on the same page.
Part 6:
Project Completion and Post-Project
Review the Work and Final Punch List
Make sure the work is completed to your satisfaction and that all final punch list items have been completed.
Make Final Payment
If everything is completed to your liking, make your final payment to your contractor.
Gather Records and Warranty Information
Get your invoices and all work records from your contractor. Acquire warranty information for the contractor’s work and all the materials that were purchased for the project.
Enjoy Your New Space
Once everything is done, paid for and cleaned up, it’s time to enjoy your new space.
Final Thoughts: Your Home Renovations
Home renovations can be exciting. But they require planning.
Select a loan option to learn how Veridian Credit Union can help you finance your home improvement projects.