Remodel Order: A Simple Guide to Planning Your Home Renovation

Thinking about a kitchen redo, a new bathroom, or a full house extension? Before the first brick hits the ground, you need a solid remodel order. A clear order tells the builder what you want, when you need it, and how much you’re willing to spend. It also keeps everyone on the same page, so you don’t end up with surprise costs or missed deadlines.

Why a Clear Remodel Order Matters

When you hand a vague brief to a contractor, you hand them a guessing game. Vague orders lead to back‑and‑forth emails, change orders, and a higher final bill. A detailed remodel order works like a recipe – it lists all the ingredients (materials, fixtures, labour) and the steps to combine them. This saves you time, reduces stress, and gives your builder a roadmap they can follow.

Steps to Create an Effective Remodel Order

1. Define Your Goal. Write down exactly what you want to achieve. Is it a larger kitchen for entertaining? A bathroom that feels spa‑like? Keep the description short but specific.

2. Set a Budget. Look at your finances and decide how much you can spend. Include a small buffer (around 10%) for unexpected issues. Knowing your limit early helps you pick realistic materials and avoid overspending.

3. List All Items. Break the project into parts: demolition, plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, finishing. For each part, note the preferred brand or quality level. For example, “laminate flooring – 15mm wear layer” or “brushed nickel faucet”.

4. Choose a Timeline. Decide when you want the work to start and finish. Add milestones like “plumbing rough‑in by week 2” or “cabinet installation by week 4”. A realistic timeline helps the builder schedule trades and prevents idle days.

5. Gather Documentation. Include any planning permission, drawings, or structural reports you already have. If you’re extending without permission, note the permitted development limits (e.g., “extension under 4m rear elevation”). This avoids legal hiccups later.

6. Ask the Right Questions. When you meet contractors, ask about their process for handling change orders, warranty on workmanship, and how they manage waste. Their answers will tell you if they understand a clear remodel order.

7. Put It in Writing. Turn your notes into a formal document or spreadsheet. Share it with your chosen builder and ask them to confirm they can meet every point. A signed agreement based on this order becomes the contract baseline.

Following these steps means your remodel order is practical, realistic, and ready for the builder to act on. It cuts down on misunderstand‑ings, keeps costs transparent, and moves the project forward faster. So before you start ordering tiles or cabinets, take a few minutes to write a solid remodel order – your future self will thank you.