A little organization is all it takes to get the bedroom of your dreams
A robust bedroom remodel checklist is an essential first step in making your dream slumber sanctuary a reality. Bedroom remodels both big and small require a lot of work, supplies, tools, and time, so it can be hard to know when and what to prioritize.
A thorough checklist will help you stay on track with your bedroom remodel timeline. Whether you’re building a new bedroom from scratch, remodeling certain parts of it, or simply want to update the decorations and furniture, here’s how to keep things in order.
Which tools and supplies you’ll need will depend on the extent of your bedroom remodel. For instance, those planning to demolish and construct new elements—like renovating a closet or breaking down a wall to add more space—will want to invest in safety gear as well as hammers, power drills, and the like. But painting, decorating, or adding new furniture won’t require nearly as much—and will lower the costs of your bedroom remodel, too.
Here’s an example of some of the common tools and materials you’ll need.
Drill
Level
Hammer
Hand saw or circular saw
Safety gear (goggles, gloves, masks, full-length clothing)
Screwdriver
Stud finder
Tape measure
Utility knife
Wrench
Baseboards
Bed frame and headboard
Closet organization system
Decorations (rugs, art, throw pillows, bed sheets and blankets)
Door hardware
Electrical outlet covers
Flooring
Light fixtures
Paint
Paint brushes and rollers
Window coverings
Unlike a cleaning checklist, which will be more or less the same every day, your daily bedroom remodel checklist will constantly change. From the day before starting to every day in between, these examples will give you an idea of what your daily tasks should look like.
Check these to-dos off your list before you even break ground.
Organize alternative sleeping arrangements: Bedroom renovations take a long time—anywhere from a week to several months in some cases.
Decide which changes you want to make. This will give you an idea of how to structure your monthly and weekly to-do lists.
Measure the space.
Hire pros: You don’t need to do this if you’re planning to DIY all the way, but consider hiring a home remodeling professional near you for the more complicated tasks—like wiring new electricity.
Gather tools and supplies.
Apply for permits and make sure your work will be up to local building codes and regulations.
The first day of a bedroom remodel is all about getting the space clear and ready for what’s to come.
Remove all necessary furniture.
Place tools and equipment in a nearby space.
Protect floors or walls with painter’s tape and a drop cloth, if needed.
Pick which project you’re going to do for the day, going in order of what will require more construction than others. For instance, you don’t want to paint the walls until after you’ve replaced the floors, as they might get damaged in the process. Here’s an example of your checklist if your project for the day is installing new flooring.
Put on your safety gear, if you’re DIYing any tasks.
Protect your walls with plastic sheets.
Remove and dispose of old flooring.
Install new flooring.
And here’s an example of what you’ll need to do once the big work is done—let’s say, if you’re about to paint the walls.
Lay protective, plastic sheets on the floor.
Line baseboards and ceiling with painter’s tape.
Prepare paint brushes, rollers, and rolling pan.
Stir paint.
Complete one wall at a time.
Let dry overnight
You’re not going to be able to build a daily checklist without a solid weekly checklist. Aim to accomplish one or two major projects each week, and outline what that will look like from day to day. Maybe your goal is to demolish and remodel your existing closet. Here’s what you’ll need to do throughout the week to accomplish that.
Monday: Design plans for a new closet.
Tuesday: Acquire drywall, caulk, and any other supplies you need.
Wednesday: Demolish existing closet and clear space of debris.
Thursday: Install new closet flooring (if using).
Friday: Install new closet system, whether prefab or custom.
Saturday: Paint and decorate.
It’s also important to map out a bedroom remodel on a monthly scale to get a better idea of how long the whole project will take and when you can expect to finish—especially if you’ll be paying for additional accommodations. A monthly checklist is going to be more general than your day-to-day to-dos, but will outline all of your major tasks, as well as when you need to complete one thing to start another.
This list outlines one major bedroom remodel project per week for a total of two months worth of work. Keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust your final list depending on which tasks you do or don’t choose to include.
Demolish existing closet for remodel
Construct new closet
Replace flooring
Replace baseboards
Install new electricity
Paint walls
Install electrical outlet covers
Assemble furniture