Build & Design
Renovations
Good renovations start with what's actually behind the walls.
Checklist
- Assess existing condition.
- Review prior permits.
- Structural and systems evaluation.
- Define scope in writing.
- Compare contractor proposals.
- Plan contingency and temporary housing.
On returns
Renovation doesn't guarantee profit or equity. Renovate for how you'll live.
Scoping a project in an older house
Open walls reveal surprises: old wiring, undersized framing, past water damage. Plan for discovery by sequencing demolition first, then confirming the scope and price before finishes are ordered. Ask your contractor which permits the work needs and who will pull them — unpermitted work can complicate a future sale.
If you plan to update technology or audio, run the wiring while the walls are open; it costs far less than retrofitting later.
Read next: Renovating an Older Kannapolis Home: A Practical Checklist · Planning Home Technology Before a Renovation · Interior Design
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