Home Renovation Roadmap: A Checklist to Stay Grounded Through a Down-to-the-Studs Remodel

Real Life Meets Renovation

When close friends of mine — a couple with three nearly-grown kids — lost the interior of their home to fire damage from an adjacent fire, they knew the renovation would be hard. But nothing could’ve prepared them for how long it would take. Over a year later, they’re still living in a rental, with only partial framing completed on their future home.

They’ve been navigating everything from insurance red tape to shifting city regulations and slow-moving contractors — all while trying to keep some semblance of routine and normalcy as a family of five in a temporary space.

It’s not just physically exhausting. It’s emotionally draining.

So I created a checklist to help them get a better sense of what to expect — not to make the process faster (because we all know renovation timelines rarely cooperate), but to give them a roadmap. Something to bring a bit more clarity, structure, and confidence to conversations with their contractor — and a reminder that yes, progress is happening, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Drywall finishing can be messy. Pro tip: Covering your floors (regardless of what's there - this was concrete) can make flooring installation faster, since there will be less cleanup work for the flooring installers to do.

🧭 Why You Need a Renovation Roadmap

Whether you’re renovating after a loss or taking your home down to the studs for a fresh start, major remodels rarely go as planned. Having a clear (but flexible) roadmap can help you:

• Understand the typical phases of a full renovation

• Set realistic timelines and adjust expectations

• Communicate more effectively with contractors and subs

• Regain a sense of control when everything feels in flux

📋 The Full Renovation Checklist: From Demo to Move-In

Download the printable version here → Home Renovation Checklist

1. Framing

• Structural framing for walls, floors, and roof

• Sheathing, window/door openings

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 2–4 weeks

2. Mechanical Rough-Ins

• Plumbing, electrical, HVAC ductwork

• Usually followed by required inspections

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 2–3 weeks

3. Insulation & Drywall Prep

• Wall/attic insulation

• Soundproofing, moisture barriers

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 1 week

4. Drywall & Finishing

• Hanging, taping, mudding, sanding

• Optional wall texture

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 1–2 weeks

5. Interior Trim & Doors

• Baseboards, casing, moldings, doors

• Stairs and railings (if needed)

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 1–2 weeks

6. Painting

• Primer, wall color, trim

• Often done before flooring

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 3–5 days

7. Flooring & Cabinets

• Tile, hardwood, carpet, or vinyl

• Cabinet install (kitchen, bath, laundry)

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 1–2 weeks

8. Fixtures & Appliances

• Plumbing and lighting fixtures

• Hardware and major appliances

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 1 week

9. Final Touches & Move-In Prep

• Punch list

• Final inspection

• Deep clean

• ⏳ Estimated Time: 3–5 days

🧘‍♀️ A Final Thought: Done Is a Moving Target

In big renovations, it’s easy to feel like everything has to be perfect before you move back in. But here’s what I always remind my clients and friends: You don’t need to wait for the backsplash to be grouted or the sconces to arrive to call a space home.

Sometimes, function comes first, and the finishing layers can unfold over time. That’s not cutting corners — that’s progress over perfection. But more importantly, it's building your home over time.

🪄 Need Support Through the Process?

At Stanton Style Studio, I specialize in helping clients make the most of their spaces — whether they’re starting fresh, downsizing, or simply trying to reimagine a home that no longer fits their life.

Let’s bring beauty, functionality, and clarity to your next chapter.👉 Schedule a Virtual Consult