7 Phases of a Home Rehab

Introduction – The process of finding the right project house is a prelude to rehabilitating it, and its own brand of fun.

1. Acclimation – Getting familiar with the property more deeply, including neighbors and surroundings.   

2. Reckoning – Understanding and accepting what you’re actually dealing with and how to take on the challenges.  

3. Bones and Deadwood – All the prep behind the sheetrock that should be buttoned up before rough-in begins.

4. Nerves and Tubes and Systems – Roughing in of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and technical wiring may not be sexy, but it will make the house feel like a home when everything works as it should and is where it belongs down the road.

5. Glimpses – My favorite phase—insulation and drywall—when the house begins to look and feel as it was planned and imagined.

6. The Awakening – The finishing layers that will be seen, touched, and enjoyed begin to pop, sparkle, and shine room-by-room.

7. Home Stretch – Water is on, lights work, controlling room temps is seamless and it’s safe to bring in appliances, furniture, and window treatments.

Conclusion – For homeowning rehabbers, this is the honeymoon phase of the renovation. In the case of the flip, it’s bittersweet, a mixture of so many things that culminate in the final goodbye.