What Comes First in A Home Renovation? A Complete Guide

You stand in the middle of your living room, staring at the worn-out floors, cracked walls, and outdated kitchen. Everything around you whispers change. But then the panic sets in—where do you even begin? What comes first in a home renovation? It feels like you’ve opened Pandora’s box.

Breathe. You’re not alone.

At Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping, a trusted home renovation company in Markham, we’ve helped hundreds of people like you turn renovation chaos into calm, calculated beauty. And in this blog, we’ll walk you through what comes first—and how to make sure every step after is smooth as melted butter.

Let’s get started.

1. Planning Isn’t Just Paperwork—It’s Survival

Pretend you’re baking a cake, but you skip the recipe. No measurements. No plan. Just a bowl and a prayer.

That’s what it’s like to dive into a renovation without a clear roadmap.

The very first thing in a renovation? Planning. Not fancy talk, not Pinterest boards. Real, pen-to-paper, budget-bound planning.

You need to answer:

• What’s your goal? (New look, better space, more value?)
• What's your budget, really? (Include a 15% buffer!)
• What parts of your house are crying for help first?

That’s where our team comes in. At Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping, we help you uncover what matters most—because a beautiful kitchen means nothing if your roof is leaking.

2. Get Permits and Inspections Before You Swing a Hammer

Think of your home like a body. Would a surgeon cut before checking your vitals? No.

Before you knock down a wall or touch a tile, you need a full inspection. Plumbing. Electrical. Structural integrity. The guts of your home must be strong before the glamor comes in.

And yes, you need permits. Depending on where you live in Toronto or Markham, skipping this step can land you with heavy fines—or force you to tear down finished work.

If you’ve been Googling “home renovation company near me” or “home renovation contractors” wondering who handles permits and city rules, stop searching. We do all of that for you.

3. Demolition Comes Next — But It’s Not Just Swinging a Sledgehammer

Demolition is emotional. You watch memories disappear—your kid’s first crayon drawings on that old wall, the dent in the floor from your favorite chair. It’s not just a mess; it’s a transformation.

This stage is fast and loud. You’ll smell sawdust, feel the cold draft of an exposed wall, and hear the echo of power tools. But you’ll also see the space being reborn—one layer at a time.

We tear down carefully, always mindful of electrical lines, pipes, and surprise discoveries behind your drywall. No one wants to find a 1980s rat’s nest mid-demo.

We also prioritize eco-friendly disposal and recycling wherever possible. Renovation shouldn't mean dumping your whole house into a landfill.

4. Time for Structural Work — The Skeleton Before the Skin

Now comes the part you don’t see but definitely feel: structural framing, beams, subfloors, insulation. This is the spine of your renovation.

Whether it's a basement renovation or a full custom home transformation, this step ensures your home stands strong — wind, rain, or teenage tantrums slamming doors.

This is also when we reroute plumbing or electrical — based on the inspection results from earlier. It's loud, dusty, and a bit boring to watch. But this is where trust matters.

We use only certified professionals and local inspectors to double-check everything before moving forward.

5. Now We’re Talking Interior Magic — Floors, Walls, and Light

You know that moment when the fog clears after a storm? That’s what this step feels like.

Drywall goes up. Floors go down. The walls get smooth. Light fixtures flicker to life. You can see your future kitchen or bedroom beginning to take shape.

This is where our reputation as a top interior renovation company truly shines. Whether it’s a sleek condo renovation in downtown Toronto or a cozy cottage upgrade in Markham, we bring detail and care into every corner.

Colors matter. Textures matter. Even how your hallway sounds when you walk matters. That’s the power of good interior design.

6. Kitchens and Bathrooms — Where Form Meets Function

Now the real fun begins.

Countertops, tiles, cabinets, faucets—this is where your choices tell your story. Do you want a rustic kitchen that smells like morning coffee and wood? Or a spa bathroom that echoes the sound of dripping water on stone?

This step includes installing plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, and appliances. And we do it all with precision. No tilted tiles, squeaky cabinets, or mismatched grout.

We’ve handled over 200+ kitchen renovation and bath projects across the GTA—and each one was treated like our own.

7. Painting, Trim, and the Final Touches — Where It All Comes Alive

Paint isn’t just color. It’s mood. It’s emotion. It’s how your walls feel.

We use high-quality, zero-VOC paints so you’re not choking on fumes. Your trim gets sharp lines. Your doors close softly. Even your handles feel good in your hand.

You’ll walk into a room that smells fresh. That feels soft underfoot. That sounds like home.

This final phase also includes touch-ups, cleaning, and post-project inspection. We don’t just leave when the job is done—we stay until you’re smiling.

So, What Comes First in a Home Renovation?

It’s planning. Always planning.

Not just the kind you scribble on a napkin—but the kind rooted in expert advice, verified inspections, smart budgeting, and realistic expectations. Everything else flows from there.

And that’s exactly how we work at Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping, the most trusted home renovation company in Markham.

From house renovation in Toronto to full-scale complete home renovation company projects across the GTA—we’ve seen it all, fixed it all, and transformed it all.

When you’re ready to start your renovation journey the right way, call us. Don’t waste time with companies that guess or gamble. Let’s make your space sing.

FAQs

1. Should I renovate my kitchen or bathroom first?
If both need work, start with the kitchen. It’s the heart of your home and usually adds more resale value. But we’ll help you assess based on your needs.

2. How long does a full home renovation take?
It depends on the size and scope, but most full-scale renovations take 3–6 months. Planning and inspections can add 2–4 weeks.

3. Do I need to move out during the renovation?
Not always. For a basement renovation or single-room upgrade, you might stay. For full renovations, it’s often safer and less stressful to relocate temporarily.

4. What’s the difference between a renovation and a remodel?
Renovation updates the existing structure. Remodel changes the layout. A custom home project might involve both.

5. Can I do some parts myself to save money?
Yes, but be cautious. DIY mistakes cost more to fix. Leave structural, plumbing, and electrical to licensed professionals.

Ready to get started?

Let us be the calm in your storm. The steady hands behind the chaos. Reach out to Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping, your go-to home renovation company in Markham. We'll help you build more than just a better house—we'll help you rediscover home.