Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://triforceconstruction.ca/how-to-renovate-a-fixer-upper-into-a-dream-home/

How To Renovate a Fixer-Upper Into a Dream Home

Overview

Turning a fixer-upper into a dream home is one of the most fulfilling projects a homeowner can take on. But it’s also a complex process that requires thoughtful planning, a clear budget, and the right renovation contractor to oversee the project.

In this post, Triforce Construction will walk you through the key steps to take when renovating a fixer-upper so you can create the perfect forever home.

Highlights

• Assess the property
• Home renovation budget
• Structural upgrades
• Important rooms in a house
• Home renovation design
• The construction phase

Introduction

You snagged a steal-of-a-deal house, but it’s in need of a few renovations to bring it up to date; how do you approach the upgrades? Before you get started, make sure you’ve got a clear action plan to guide the process and turn it into your forever home. A well-thought-out plan saves you time, avoids wasted money, and ensures your house becomes the place you happily call home.

In this blog, we’ll go over the planning process, the most important step in any renovation, and how it can set you up for success every step of the way.

Step 1: Assess the Property for Potential Upgrades

The first step in renovating a fixer-upper is assessing the property’s potential. Not every fixer-upper is worth the investment, so it’s important to start with a clear understanding of what the renovation will require.

Inspect the Structure

Before making any decisions, hire a professional renovation contractor to assess the property’s structural integrity. Look for issues such as foundation cracks, roof damage, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems. These details often drive up renovation costs, making careful planning a top priority.

Identify Key Areas for Improvement

Once the inspection is complete, create a list of areas that need immediate attention versus those that can wait. First, focus on structural issues, safety concerns, and major systems (such as HVAC). Concentrate on the essentials first, then move on to cosmetic updates.

Determine the Home’s Layout Potential

Think about how you can improve the layout to better suit your lifestyle. Are there walls that can be removed to create an open-concept space? Can a basement or attic be finished to add more living space? Identifying the home’s potential early on will help shape your renovation plan.

Step 2: Create a Realistic Home Renovation Budget

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when renovating a fixer-upper is underestimating costs. Creating a realistic budget will keep your project on track and help you avoid financial stress.

Breaking down costs by category ensures nothing gets overlooked and gives you a clear view of where your money is going, making it easier to adjust the numbers as needed.

Start by breaking down your renovation budget into categories, such as:

• Structural repairs
• Electrical and plumbing updates
• Kitchen and bathroom renovations
• Flooring and paint
• Exterior renovations

By breaking down the numbers, you ensure you’re financially prepared and open up the possibility of expanding your renovation from a few small projects to a complete house makeover—if the budget allows.

Include a Contingency Fund

Unexpected issues are almost guaranteed to arise during a renovation. You can prepare for this by setting aside at least 10-20% of your total budget for contingencies. This fund will cover any surprises, such as hidden water damage or outdated wiring, that may need to be addressed.

Step 3: Focus On a Complete Structural Upgrade

With your budget in place, focus on complete structural upgrades and safety updates before moving on to cosmetic improvements. While this may not be the most exciting or creative part of an upgrade, it’s absolutely necessary. These updates create the foundation of a safe, functional home and ensure everything is up to code and ready to pass inspections.

You can work alongside your contractor to double-check the following structural components:

• Foundation
• Load-bearing walls
• Roof structure and covering
• Floor structure
• Framing
• Beams and columns
• Exterior walls and siding
• Windows and doors
• Stairs (if applicable)
• Chimney and fireplace (if applicable)

Check for Mold and Asbestos

Older fixer-upper homes certainly have their charm, but that charm often comes with the risk of hidden mold or asbestos, which can pose serious health hazards. Make sure to have your home tested and address any issues before moving forward with the renovation.

If your pre-purchase home inspection already covered this, you can skip this step—just make sure to share the details with your contractor.

Step 4: Focus On the Most Important Rooms in a House

To get the most value out of your renovation, concentrate on high-impact spaces. Kitchens and bathrooms, for example, tend to yield higher value because they’re heavily used and play a major role in attracting buyers and making a lasting impression.

Even if selling your home isn’t part of the plan, consider where you and your family spend the most time and which rooms will make the biggest difference in your daily life.

Home Renovations That Add Value

These renovations bring the highest return on investment (ROI):

Kitchen Renovation

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the most rewarding places to invest in upgrades. Modernizing appliances, updating cabinets and countertops, and improving the flooring can transform it into a better space.

In most fixer-upper renovations, the kitchen is typically the first space to be tackled unless another room has more pressing issues that need immediate attention and priority.

Bathroom Renovation

Bathrooms might be some of the smallest spaces in your home, but they pack a punch when it comes to upgrades—which is why they tend to deliver some of the highest returns on investment in home renovations.

If you’ve got more than one bathroom to renovate, tackling them all at once is often more efficient and ensures your entire home gets the same upgraded look and feel.

Basement Renovation

Don’t overlook your basement! Finishing or upgrading this space can add valuable square footage to your home, giving you more living space. Plus, adding proper insulation, modern flooring, and lighting is sometimes all it takes—making it a cost-effective renovation that delivers big value.

Step 5: Plan the Home Renovation Design and Layout

Now that the tedious stuff is done and certified, and you’ve mapped out which rooms to tackle first, it’s time to dive into the fun part—designing and laying out your dream home. This is where you can truly put your stamp on your fixer-upper and make it your own.

Create a Vision Board

Do you have a vision of your ideal home in mind but struggle to explain it because it’s packed with so many unique details? Put it down on paper with a vision board. Think of it as a more creative, vibrant blueprint—one that’s free from the hard-to-interpret layouts.

The more details you add, the easier it will be to visualize your design ideas and stay on track throughout the renovation. Gather photos of design styles, color palettes, and materials that inspire you.

Ensure Your Vision Aligns With Reality

If your renovation includes major layout changes, ensure your contractor has design or architectural expertise—or works with trusted professionals—to create a detailed floor plan. They will help you maximize your space and ensure that your design ideas are practical and built to code.

Sometimes, your layout ideas might seem perfectly feasible in your mind but turn out to be impractical or not compliant with building regulations. In these situations, a seasoned renovator can help you refine your vision into something that’s compliant and looks just as great.

Choose Timeless Design Elements

Designing your new space can be exciting, but keeping it practical is key to getting the most out of your renovation budget.

At the end of the day, it’s your home, and the design is totally up to you—but if you’re thinking about long-term value and ROI, timeless design is always a safe bet. Trends can be fun, but sticking to quality materials, neutral colors, and classic finishes ensures your home evolves with style. Plus, timeless elements make it easier to adapt your space down the line if your tastes or needs change.

Step 6: The Construction Phase Begins

Now that all the details are finalized and you’ve worked out a clear game plan with your contractor, it’s time to put those plans into action and get the project rolling.

If you’re undertaking a full home renovation, your contractor may recommend arranging temporary accommodations while the major work is underway. This is something worth planning in advance to avoid last-minute stress if parts of the house become unlivable during the process.

With every detail ironed out, you’ll head into the construction phase with confidence and a clear plan, ready to handle any unexpected tweaks or adjustments along the way. All that prep work makes the planning phase worth it and turns your fixer-upper into a wise investment.

Team Up With a Contractor To Upgrade Your Fixer-Upper

Turning a fixer-upper into a valuable, long-term home is easier when you have the right contractor to manage the process. Get the results you want on time and within budget when you partner with Triforce Construction.

Contact our renovation contracting team at (226) 898-2682.