What Does a Full Home Renovation Include?

Taking on a full home renovation can feel both thrilling and intimidating. It’s a big project!

So, you’re probably wondering – what exactly does a whole house renovation involve? Where do I even begin?

Usually, many people use both renovation and remodeling terms interchangeably, but renovations suggest more extensive, structural upgrades compared to surface-level remodeling jobs.

In other words, a “remodel” is something like getting new cabinets for your kitchen or painting your walls, whereas a “renovation” is something much more involved. We’re talking potential layout changes by moving walls, replacing old plumbing or electrical systems, installing new flooring throughout the house, and adding major extensions like a master suite – that type of major overhaul.

A whole home renovation transforms almost everything, leaving no area untouched. It’s rebuilding and reinvigorating the entire property to suit your lifestyle and taste. Exciting but definitely daunting too!

Let us walk you step-by-step through exactly what this life-changing project involves so you can determine if a full house renovation is the right move for your goals.

What is a Full Home Renovation?

When people talk about a “full home renovation”, what exactly does that mean?

A full home renovation involves a comprehensive, multi-phase process that requires meticulous planning and execution. Experienced contractors and designers seamlessly guide homeowners through each stage to ensure a smooth and successful transformation. The process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your vision, lifestyle needs, and budgetary considerations.

Or we can say that it’s renovating and upgrading every single room in your house – inside and out.

The scope of work will vary depending on the size of your home and how many improvements you want to make in each area. For some homeowners with small houses or apartments, tackling every room might sound manageable. But if you have a two-story home with finished basements and backyards, there is A LOT to take on!

A complete home overhaul could involve anything from knocking down walls and reconfiguring layouts to gutting kitchens and bathrooms down to the studs. Replacing old roofing, siding, windows, and plumbing. Installing new flooring throughout. Upgrading to smart home technology. Refreshing outdoor living areas. Reconstructing and reinvigorating everything on the property!

As you can see, this goes far beyond just new paint colors or minor bathroom remodels. Full home renovations require significant investments of both money and time given their comprehensive nature. But the payoff of enjoying a perfectly customized, modern home makes it worthwhile for many.

Why Do You Need Full Home Renovations?

Before diving into a home renovation, it’s important to understand why you want to make changes. This clarity helps in focusing on what exactly needs to be revamped.

We cherish the comfort and familiarity of our homes, but over time, the very features that once made our living spaces cozy and inviting can become outdated, inefficient, and financially burdensome. However, renovating your home presents an opportunity to not only enhance its functionality and tailor it to your evolving needs but also potentially reduce energy costs through modern upgrades and energy-efficient improvements.

• Tailored to Your Lifestyle

A full renovation allows you to design your living spaces to perfectly align with your family’s needs and preferences.

Whether you require additional bedrooms, an open-concept layout, or a modern home office, the renovation process empowers you to create a personalized environment that seamlessly integrates into your daily life.

• Improved Functionality and Flow

By reconfiguring the floor plan and removing unnecessary walls, you can create a more functional and open living environment.

This not only enhances the overall flow of your home but also maximizes natural light and creates a sense of spaciousness.

• Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Upgrading outdated systems, appliances, and insulation during a full renovation can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

This translates into long-term cost savings on utility bills while also reducing your environmental impact.

• Enhance Aesthetic Appeal

A comprehensive renovation offers the opportunity to reimagine the aesthetic of your home, from the interior design to the exterior finishes.

You can incorporate the latest design trends, select materials that reflect your personal style, and create a visually stunning living space that truly feels like your own.

• Increase Property Value

A well-executed full home renovation can substantially increase the value of your property. By addressing structural issues, updating systems, and incorporating modern amenities, you not only enhance your living experience but also make your home more attractive to potential buyers in the future.

• Improve Safety and Comfort

Renovations provide the chance to address any safety concerns or accessibility issues within your home.

This can include installing new electrical wiring, improving insulation, or incorporating features that cater to specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility or aging-in-place modifications.

Renovations can also be a smart way to save money in the long run. For example, installing new doors and windows can cut down on heating and cooling expenses. A new roof not only prevents leaks but also improves your home’s appearance. Updating old electrical systems and adding new outlets can eliminate the need for surge protectors cluttering your kitchen counters. In older kitchens and bathrooms, installing modern fixtures like low-flow faucets and showerheads can significantly reduce water usage, by up to 40%. Whether it’s updating a bathroom, creating an open-plan living space, or installing new flooring, these changes can greatly enhance your home’s value and functionality.

Planning A Full Home Renovation? What Gets Upgraded in a Full Home Renovation?

When you opt to do a whole-house renovation, what areas of your home can you expect to transform? Essentially every room, inside and out! Let’s break that down further:

• Bedrooms

A complete bedroom overhaul allows for numerous custom updates. Replace worn, outdated carpeting with new hardwood floors that lend a modern, polished aesthetic that better accommodates allergies. Fresh paint in stimulating hues camouflages scuffs and stains while adding vibrancy: update lighting fixtures and swap dated ceiling fans to sleek, smart options with integrated lighting.

Build out additional living space as desired by reconfiguring layouts through expanding, knocking down, or building partition walls and closets suited to your needs.

If you’d like to relax with a book near the windows, add a study corner to maximize natural light for remote work or schooling. Or you can add a master suite with enviable spa-style bathrooms and walk-in closets equipped with shelves, racks, and clever organization solutions, you can create the perfect retreat.

• Bathrooms

As two of the most used spaces in homes, bathrooms, and kitchens provide prime opportunities to both upgrade aesthetics and boost functionality when renovating.

For bathrooms, consider increasing existing room sizes for a more spacious, relaxing atmosphere. Replace outdated tub/shower combos with spacious stand-alone showers boasting multiple adjustable showerheads and benches. Swap vanities and lighting fixtures to elevate the look alongside new tile, wall color, and window treatments.

Update plumbing and fixtures with the latest water-conserving toilets, stylish sinks atop modern vanities, and high-tech sensor faucets. Introduce luxury touches like in-floor heating, smart toilets, and automated shower components.

• Kitchens

For kitchens, focus both on form and function by replacing dated appliances and cabinetry with smart, efficient options housing ample storage solutions. Expand footprint into adjacent spaces to allow for spacious kitchen islands housing sinks, charging docks, and seating.

Outfit chef-worthy focal points with high-end appliances, gas ranges, customized organizational inserts, and under-cabinet lighting. Freshen up the room’s aesthetics through updated modern backsplash tile, chic lighting elements, and refinished floors and countertops in durable, sleek materials.

• Closets

Maximize often confined, cramped closets abundant in most homes by overhauling their entire footprint in several ways. Combine two small separate closets by removing the dividing wall into one expansive walk-in closet.

Build out additional space by annexing adjacent areas like hall nooks into the existing closet area. Outfit once gloomy spaces with adequate new lighting, fresh paint, and refinished floors alongside new custom storage built-ins like shelving, drawers, racks, and modular solutions ideal for housing clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Introduce clever organizational aids like slide-out belts and tie racks, specialty pull-out trays for jewelry storage, and custom inserts to neatly arrange bags and sweaters by type.

• Outdoor Living Spaces

When conducting full home renovations, refresh exterior spaces by upgrading backyards, patios, and decks with relaxing destinations to savor being outdoors. Construct beautiful multi-level decks integrating top-grade water-resistant wood, sleek benches, and plantings.

Expand the footprint of existing concrete patios and link via new stone paved pathways topped off with cozy seating gathering areas surrounding fire pits or chimineas ideal for entertaining. Install plantation shutters or retractable pergolas to provide shade coverage. Incorporate handy enhancements like built-in barbeque stations, beverage refrigerators, weather-resistant surround sound audio, and counter space for serving meals al fresco.

Don’t neglect the finishing touches like comfortable weatherproof seating, stylish planters boasting floral focal points, and dramatic landscape lighting to lend an inviting glow during starlit evenings. The opportunities are endless!

How Long Does a Complete Home Renovation Take?

If you’re considering fully renovating your home, you’re probably curious – how many months will this major project take from start to finish?

On average, a whole-house renovation can span up to 14 months when done properly.

However, general timeframes for the most common renovations are:

We know it sounds like a long time! However, there are a few common factors that can result in delays during such a large-scale renovation. It’s best to plan for these possibilities in advance:

• Weather Issues: If major storms, heavy rains, or high winds pass through, construction needs to be halted temporarily for safety. We also monitor extreme heat and cold to prevent health issues. This can pause work.
• Material Shortages: Global supply chain issues in the past few years have made some building materials harder to source quickly. If items are back-ordered, it can postpone certain sections. We try to order ahead when possible.
• Unexpected Problems: It’s impossible to foresee all issues, like finding substandard wiring or rotting frames once walls get opened up. Our contractors remedy any surprises ASAP to avoid major delays.

How Much Does a Full House Renovation Cost?

Planning a whole-house renovation brings up many questions about costs, finding a reputable builder, material choices, and more.

But one of the most common questions homeowners have is – how do I set a realistic renovation budget?

It’s a great question since budgets span widely. Total costs depend on your home’s size, the project scope, and preferred finishes. For perspective, full renovations in our area typically total $700,000 to $2 million or more. Those are not small projects!

As luxury renovation experts, we don’t advise compromising on long-lasting materials purely to save money upfront. This can backfire over time when lower-grade items show wear or need replacement sooner. We prefer understanding exactly how you envision using the spaces through collaborative meetings. This helps us tailor recommendations to what matters most, whether that is high-end surfaces that withstand family use or the perfect kitchen for avid home chefs.

No two jobs are the same. By aligning to your unique needs from the start rather than a preset formula, LUX Construction Group guides on building a customized forever home within budget realities.

Considering a Full Home Renovation? Get In Touch With Us!

An extensive home renovation requires a well-thought-out plan, so it’s vital to start with a solid foundation. Since every home has its unique characteristics, understanding your specific renovation needs and priorities is key.

There’s a lot to consider: from designing the layout of your home to setting a budget, choosing the right materials, and ensuring the sustainability of your renovations. The clearer your vision and the better you understand what type of renovation suits your home, the smoother the process will be from start to finish.

If you’re looking for some guidance on home renovation, LUX Construction Group is here to help you. Operating beyond the vibrant cityscapes of Los Angeles, we offer extensive residential and commercial general contracting services. Whether you’re renovating a cozy family home or revamping a commercial space, our team of skilled professionals is equipped to handle projects of any scale and complexity.