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Don’t Start Your Renovation Until You Read This Checklist (Seriously)

  • Writer: Room Planner Team
    Room Planner Team
  • May 29
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 5

Self-Managed Renovation Checklist

Renovation DIY

DIY Renovation? Here’s What the Pros Won’t Tell You

Planning a home renovation without a designer or contractor? This expert-approved checklist is packed with real-life examples, smart planning tips, and the most common DIY renovation mistakes to avoid. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or an entire apartment, this guide will help you run your project like a professional.

 

1. Define Goals & Scope


  •  What are you renovating? e.g., just kitchen or full apartment?

  •  What’s the goal: quick refresh, total upgrade, rental-ready?

  •  Who will use the space? Think kids, pets, elderly, guests.

  •  What’s the budget and max timeline?

  •  What must be replaced vs. what can stay?


 Pro Tip: Write down 3 priorities (e.g. storage, comfort, easy to clean). They’ll guide every decision.


 2. Create a Practical Layout


  •  Use a measuring tape, scan or draw layout with Room Planner (check accuracy!)

  •  Plan zones: sleep, cook, work, relax, storage

  •  Avoid dead corners or blocked doors — test door swings and drawer clearance

  •  Walk the space mentally: “How will I move from bed to bathroom in the morning?”

 

Common Mistake: Placing bed too close to the wall — hard to make the bed daily.


 3. Ergonomic Must-Knows


Keep These Dimensions in Mind:

Feature

Recommended Space

Walkways

≥ 60–90 cm

Bed-to-wall clearance

≥ 70–90 cm (both sides!)

Kitchen aisle

≥ 100 cm

Dining chair clearance

≥ 90 cm from wall

Toilet front

≥ 60 cm

Sink side

≥ 20 cm

Fridge to counter

≥ 90 cm

 Pro Tip: In narrow kitchens, use drawers instead of doors to reduce opening space.

 

4. Choose Your Style & Finishes


  •  Collect real-life references (not just Pinterest dreams!)

  •  Choose 2–3 base materials (flooring, wall, main cabinetry)

  •  Define a color palette: 1 base, 1 accent, 1 metal

  •  Select finishes that are wipeable and water-resistant

  •  Mix expensive and budget items for balance


 Example: Pair IKEA cabinets with a custom front or handles — stylish and cost-effective.

 

5. Budget Like a Pro


  •  List all categories: demolition, labor, plumbing, tiles, furniture, lighting

  •  Add 20% reserve (it WILL be used)

  •  Track prices in Excel/Notion

  •  Compare 3 vendors for each big purchase

  •  Use Room Planner shopping list to organize actual items


 Watch out: Small items like handles, switches, glue can add up fast — don’t ignore them in the budget!

 

6. Plan the Build Step-by-Step


Break it down like this:

  1. Demolition & clearing

  2. Wiring & plumbing

  3. Walls & ceilings

  4. Flooring

  5. Tiling

  6. Paint

  7. Fixtures & installation

  8. Furniture & decor

 

Tip: Plan tile layout before they arrive — especially with patterns!


 7. Prepare Your Documentation


  •  Floor plan with dimensions

  •  Electrical & lighting layout

  •  Plumbing schemes

  •  Wall elevations (especially for tiles, sockets)

  •  Budget sheet with links and codes

  •  Shopping & delivery calendar

 

Use Room Planner PDF export — it includes wall views, layout, shopping list.

 

8. Handle Deliveries & Storage


  •  Schedule delivery dates per room/work phase

  •  Ask for batch numbers on tiles/paint — colors must match

  •  Store fragile items away from construction zone

  •  Label boxes clearly by room & content


Pro Tip: Unbox and check condition on the day of delivery — delays in claims cost money.


9. Work With Craftsmen


Even Without a General Contractor

  •  Hire specialists per task: electrician, tiler, cabinetmaker

  •  Always sign basic agreements, even if it’s “friend of a friend”

  •  Never pay full upfront — use 30/40/30 rule

  •  Check quality daily — don’t be shy to ask questions

 

Look for: clean cuts in tile, level outlets, tight corners, smooth paint edges.

 

10. Track, Inspect, Document


  •  Take before/after photos

  •  Use a checklist per room

  •  Note defects and deadlines for fixes

  •  Store all invoices & warranties digitally

  •  Make a handover list if someone helps manage the site

 

Smart Tip: Add blue painter’s tape on any flaws you want the worker to correct — visual and effective.


11. Move-In Final Steps


  •  Clean everything (hire pros if possible)

  •  Check water, electricity, light switches

  •  Test every outlet and fixture

  •  Organize essential storage before moving in

  •  Celebrate and rest — you made it!

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