Step 40 - Landscaping

Step 37 can be done anytime, but I recommend landscaping after roofing, siding, and everything on the inside is finished. Digging, ladders, trucks, staged materials, trash, debris and workers. are examples of things that will mess up the beautiful work in the yard if you squeeze this scope in too soon. 

However, there are exceptions. In 2014, we landscaped at the beginning of the Country Victorian project since we were filming the pilot episode of American Rehab Charleston. We had to repair and redo a lot of this work, but it was part of the adventure of renovating a house for a TV show and worth it. But as a practical rule of thumb, work in the yard is best at the end of the project. 

All of my renovations have been unique and there doesn't seem to be a common landscaping thread other than that I try to make the most of whatever is already there — trees, bushes, walkways, and maybe even fencing. By the end of your project you should have a solid handle on what to keep and what should go.

Unless your property looks like a missile testing site (The Money Pit), you'll probably be able to receive your certificate of occupancy before the yard work is complete. And before you start to dig holes for plants, be sure to have local utility companies, plumbers, and electricians mark the ground for pipes and buried wires under the surface. 

If you're working a flip, you might consider completing Step 37 with a minimalistic approach. This will be economical plus give your home buyers a chance to really make their own mark on the yard.  

Step 38 - Appliances

The most important part of Step 36 happens before the appliances are on site or even heading your way — measuring. Apply the carpenter's rule (measure twice, cut once) with an adjustment; measure twice, deliver and install once. Pull the tape measure across everything before you purchase or order the fridge, oven, washer, and dryer. And be certain to double check the dimensions on all the spaces where these units belong and keep in mind how much space you'll need for power cords, hoses, etc.

Appliances should be installed after flooring, finish carpentry, and painting are complete.  If the floors are covered with ceramic tile, vinyl, or laminate then these monster boxes can be wrestled in a little earlier than Step 36.  

In projects where gas appliances are part of the mix, snag some help from the plumber and electrician. In many cases they'll be glad to lend a hand and probably take the lead if you make an effort to coordinate these installations with other work they're already around for. And if the refrigerator comes with an ice maker, a plumber can get that hooked up smartly as well. 

Note:  It's best to have an in-cabinet microwave installed by the electrician during Electrical Trim Out (Step 31).    

Step 37 - Carpet

When I have carpeting on my renovations, I wait until the wood flooring work is complete. (see Step 34)

Carpet is wonderful sometimes and must be addressed.  Better late than never, but since it's one of the last scopes on my projects it's naturally at the end of my step-by-step breakdown.  It almost feels like I forgot about it.  My apologies to carpet and any DIYers after information on my 35th step to renovating a Pig's Ear.  

I love wood floors, but carpet has been the answer in certain rooms of my projects as well, especially in bedrooms.   Come on now, it's understandable.  When hopping out of bed in the morning most people like to land on something comfortable before hunting for slippers.  Carpet works and is practical.

In two decades, I've done almost all the scopes of work on my renovations at least once.  Some of the tasks I enjoy with a passion.  Wood flooring is one and an example of something I take on as often as I can.  Others I've tried and then said, "From now on I'm going to find someone to handle this for me."  Sometimes it's cheaper to get a trades person with the experience and the proper tools to come knock it out more efficiently than I can myself.  This applies to carpeting and everything else on a rehab.  I may enjoy it, but if it's not practical within the remaining schedule I will find the right people, stay out of their way, and thankfully write them a check after they've worked wonders with their trade.

I did carpeting once... on a closet.  It looked okay, but not as well done as the pros.  That was the one and only time for me and from then on I was happy to let the carpet experts work their magic.