how to begin a complete home renovation?

You have two avenues: manage everything by yourself or hire a general contractor. I'd suggest the latter, they have had way more experience and have a ton more contacts than you.

Interview tons before deciding on one. Have them work up an estimate, ask for references on prior jobs, maybe find an architect you like and ask them for referrals. I'd go at it from every angle to find the right one. It will be very helpful you are willing to move out for the process (esp when moving/changing bathrooms and the kitchen this is a life saver).

During the most major remodel I did, my favorite part was having a detail-oriented contractor who did such a nice finishing job that I could not have come up with better solutions for tricky small details. From start to finish, he did everything. Another contractor (friend) I hired wanted the get through the work and preferred the heavy work but wasn't detail oriented so now, years later, I'm still finalizing the finish work myself (painting, etc).

MOST IMPORTANT: Get in writing what the estimate will cover, ie: dump runs, product/supplies, paint, finish work, cleaning, labor, prep, etc. Both parties should sign it. Don't pay for full amount till project is done. Ask for contractor's license number. Follow the rules! For resale and safety purposes, don't work-around permitting.

Good luck!

Even though this is a major remodel, I don't think you need the services of an architect because you are not building outside the box. But before you begin, you should talk to a real estate agent and to determine if you will be able to recoup the money invested in the home for the neighborhood. Most people often skip this part and end up with a home that becomes overpriced for the area. Then you need to bring on a builder to determine if making those changes are feasible. They will tell you how much work will be required to move bathrooms and the laundry room. Moving bedrooms are easy, but rooms with plumbing fixtures may require modifications to the roof for plumbing vents or may even be impossible if you don't have enough space in the sub floor to drain the waste line.

Depending on how "Green" you want to go, it will affect your budget. If you want this project to be certified with the City, you need to make sure the builder is familiar with the process.

The builder could also recommend a designer to draw the plans for permitting purposes. Please understand that designers are not regulated by the State, City of County, so any code errors will at owner's risk. It is not the responsibility of the City to check for the accuracy of the drawings. But the fee for a designer is significantly lower than that of an architect. Since this is a small project, likelihood of a major mishap from an experienced designer is low.

I just ReDesigned a condo in my city - one bedroom, one kitchen, living room, dining room, hallway entrance, one complete bathroom and one powder room. I began working on the plans and choosing the materials on January 29th. Gutted the place the 2nd week of February (took the entire week) and then began the ReDesign on March 15th, finishing on April 2nd. We redid it all - counters, cabinets, tile, wood floors, carpeting in stairs, doors, plumbing, shower, etc. Everything but the windows. Total cost: $34 789.67, including materials, manpower and my professionnal fees. Do you need an architect? At this stage, no since you don't seem to be planning on redoing any of the structure of the house. You should however, work with a designer. Ask around - get references and read the fine print carefully. Best of luck with your ReDesign!

My best advice is to Hire a reputable General contractor. Get lots of estimates and do your research on who ever you go with.

A good general contractor will have all the contacts like architect engineer etc.

Good luck on the renovation!

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