Introduction: Remodeling Starts with the Right First Step

So, you’ve decided to remodel your house—but where do you begin?

The excitement of transforming your space can quickly lead to overwhelm if you don’t have a game plan. Understanding what to do first when remodeling a house is critical to staying on budget, avoiding costly mistakes, and getting the results you actually want.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential first steps of remodeling a home—plus the most common pitfalls to steer clear of.

Step 1: Define Your Vision and Remodeling Goals

Every successful home remodel starts with a crystal-clear vision.

Before knocking down any walls, ask yourself:

• Are you remodeling to boost resale value?

• Is your focus comfort, functionality, or aesthetics?

• Do you plan to DIY or hire professionals?

What to do first when remodeling a house? Create a vision board (Pinterest is great for this), list your must-haves, and define your "why." Skipping this leads to a scattered remodel with no direction—and a blown budget.

Step 2: Assess the Condition of Your Home

Before you focus on what you want, assess what your house needs.

Hire a licensed home inspector to identify any underlying issues, including:

• Structural damage

• Outdated plumbing or electrical systems

• Roofing problems

• Water or mold issues

A full inspection may cost a few hundred dollars, but it can save you thousands. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is jumping into a remodel without knowing what’s beneath the surface.

Step 3: Create a Realistic Budget (and Add a Cushion)

Money matters. Setting a clear budget is what to do first when remodeling a house if you want to finish strong.

Start by:

• Researching average remodel costs per room

• Getting quotes from contractors

• Adding a 15–20% buffer for unexpected expenses

Don’t fall into the trap of basing your budget on TV renovation shows—they often gloss over real costs, permits, and labor timelines.

Step 4: Prioritize Projects by Urgency and Impact

Every house has its “must-dos” and “nice-to-haves.” Start with the bones of the house:

• Roof, foundation, HVAC, and plumbing should come before paint and flooring.

• If you're remodeling an entire house, go top-down (start upstairs and work down) to avoid rework.

Cosmetic upgrades are tempting, but they won’t matter much if the roof leaks or the foundation shifts.

Step 5: Secure Permits and Find Trusted Professionals

Permits may not be fun, but they’re often legally required.

Depending on your project, you might need permits for:

• Electrical rewiring

• Plumbing

• Structural changes

• Additions or load-bearing wall modifications

Once you have permits in place, hire reputable professionals. Check for:

• License and insurance

• Online reviews and references

• Transparent contracts and payment schedules

Avoid hiring “a guy who knows a guy.” Cutting corners here can lead to delays, fines, and unsafe work.

What to Avoid When Remodeling a House

Even if you know what to do first when remodeling, these common mistakes can derail your progress:

• Skipping the inspection

• Underestimating costs and timelines

• Ignoring permit requirements

• Hiring based on price alone

• Trying to do everything at once

Patience and planning are your best tools. Remodel with purpose, not panic.

Conclusion: Plan First, Remodel Second

The smartest first move in any house remodel isn’t demolition—it’s strategy.

Define your goals, inspect your home, create a budget, and line up the right people. Understanding what to do first when remodeling a house turns a stressful project into a well-managed transformation.

Need help planning your remodel? Download our free printable remodeling checklist or schedule a consultation with a RCPX Pro today!