Table of Contents
Anyone just starting out on the renovation journey may want to read through the renovation booklet in order. People interested in an individual component of renovation may simply click on the links below to read individual sections. Clicking on the "skip to" link at the top of any page will bring you back to this page.

• Introduction - A general welcome to the world of renovation

• The Rules - Common sense "rules" to keep perspective during your project

• Planning - Get a good grasp of your project before starting
  • Financial - Funding decisions will greatly impact the renovation process
  • Management - The degree of control you want over renovation decisions

• Hiring Professionals - Engaging the right professionals for your project
  • Architects - Selecting and working with design professionals
  • Engineers - When to bring in a specialist
  • General Contractors - Selecting and working with construction managers

• Renovation Timeline - Step by step renovation procedure
  • Financing - Sources of money to finance your renovation
  • Property Acquisition - Finding the right house
  • Tax Credits - Historic tax credits are available for some renovation projects
  • Architectural Design - Making design decisions
  • Building Permit - The City requires a building permit before beginning work
  • Securing the Building - Keeping your building and yourself safe
  • Contractors and Subs - Managing the workers in your house
  • Demolition - The first physical step in the construciton process
  • Roofing - Keeping out the weather, your first line of defense
  • Framing/Carpentry - Walls, stairs, posts and beams
  • Heating and Cooling - Stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter
  • Plumbing Rough - Bringing in water and taking waste away
  • Electric Rough - Let there be light
  • Windows - Replacing or repairing windows
  • Drywall and Plaster - Starting the "finish" work
  • Cabinets and Finishes - Making a good first impression
  • Systems Finish - Making all the systems work and look good
  • Landscaping and Site - Repairing construction damage to the site
  • Occupancy Inspection - The last step before moving in!

• Appendices - Additional information
  • Rehab Questionnaire - Determining needs and desires for your project
  • Contractor Interview - What information to get before selecting a contractor
  • Historic Rehabilitation - Tax credit projects must meet specific guidelines

The text and images on this web site are copyright Urbanitas Design, LLC. Out of respect for the time and energy that went into the creation of this online guide, I request that any use of text and/or images be approved by me beforehand. For approval, please contact me at: stevenw@renovatestl.com.