Home Addition & Renovation Planning Checklist

Planning a home addition or major renovation can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Most homeowners start with a general idea of what they want, but quickly realize there are dozens of decisions to make along the way.

This checklist is designed to help you explore ideas, identify priorities, and think through features you may not have considered yet. You don't need to have every answer. Use this as a guide while gathering inspiration and developing a vision for your project.

Project Goals

Why are you considering an addition or renovation?

• Additional bedroom

• Primary suite

• Home office

• Family room

• Mudroom

• Larger kitchen

• Additional bathroom

• In-law suite

• Garage addition

• Finished basement

• More storage

• Open concept living

• Better functionality

• Updated appearance

• Aging in place

What does your current home not have that you wish it did?

What frustrates you most about your current layout?

What improvements would have the biggest impact on your daily life?

Design & Layout

• Open concept living

• Separate rooms

• Larger gathering spaces

• Better furniture layout

• Better flow between rooms

• More natural light

• Built-in storage

• Window seats

• Reading nooks

• Home office space

• Homework station

• Craft or hobby area

• Exercise space

• Guest space

• Multi-purpose rooms

• Hidden storage

• Built-in benches

• Mudroom drop zone

Exterior

• Match existing home

• Updated exterior appearance

• Siding material

• Siding color

• Roofing material

• Roofing color

• Trim style

• Trim color

• Covered entry

• Front porch

• Rear porch

• Screened porch

• Deck connection

• Patio connection

• Exterior lighting

Windows & Doors

• Keep existing windows

• Replace existing windows

• Add new windows

• Larger windows

• Picture windows

• Casement windows

• Double-hung windows

• Sliding windows

• Skylights

• More natural light

• Better views

• Patio doors

• French doors

• Sliding glass doors

• Front entry door upgrade

• Interior door style

• Door hardware finish

Flooring

• Keep existing flooring

• Refinish hardwood flooring

• Replace flooring

• Hardwood flooring

• Engineered hardwood

• Luxury vinyl plank

• Tile flooring

• Carpet

• Heated tile floors

• Flooring color

• Flooring transitions

• Waterproof flooring

Walls, Trim & Ceiling

• Wall paint colors

• Accent walls

• Wood accent walls

• Shiplap details

• Trim style

• Trim color

• Larger baseboards

• Window trim upgrades

• Crown molding

• Decorative wall details

• Vaulted ceilings

• Tray ceilings

• Wood beams

• Tongue and groove ceilings

Storage

• Walk-in closets

• Larger bedroom closets

• Mudroom storage

• Pantry storage

• Built-in shelving

• Linen storage

• Laundry storage

• Garage storage

• Utility storage

• Vacuum storage

• Seasonal storage

• Sports equipment storage

• Pet supply storage

• Gift wrapping storage

• Hidden storage solutions

Bathroom Planning

• New bathroom

• Remodel existing bathroom

• Primary bathroom suite

• Walk-in shower

• Double vanity

• Single vanity

• Freestanding tub

• Tub and shower combination

• Heated floors

• Linen storage

• Built-in shower niches

• Glass shower enclosure

• Improved ventilation

• Additional storage

Bedroom Planning

• Additional bedroom

• Larger bedroom

• Primary suite

• Walk-in closet

• Built-in storage

• Reading area

• Workspace

• Television location

• Ceiling fan

• More natural light

• Blackout shades

Laundry Room

• Dedicated laundry room

• Laundry closet

• Folding area

• Utility sink

• Hanging space

• Drying rack

• Cabinet storage

• Open shelving

• Cleaning supply storage

• Pet washing station

Electrical & Lighting

Electrical

• Additional outlets

• Outlet locations

• USB outlets

• USB-C outlets

• Smart home features

• Television locations

• Internet and networking needs

• Security system wiring

• Generator connection

• Electric vehicle charging

Lighting

• Recessed lighting

• Pendant lighting

• Chandeliers

• Decorative fixtures

• Wall sconces

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Closet lighting

• Exterior lighting

• Stair lighting

• Accent lighting

• Night lighting

• Dimmer switches

• Warm lighting

• Cool lighting

Heating & Cooling

• Extend existing HVAC system

• Heat pump installation

• Mini-split installation

• Radiant floor heat

• Ceiling fans

• Improved airflow

• Better temperature control

• Zoned heating and cooling

• Rooms that are too hot

• Rooms that are too cold

Kitchen Features

If your project includes a kitchen renovation or expansion:

• Larger island

• Additional seating

• Walk-in pantry

• Pantry cabinet

• Coffee station

• Appliance garage

• Double oven

• Pot filler

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Beverage station

• Trash and recycling pull-out

• Additional countertop space

  
  

  

Outdoor Connections

• Deck access

• Patio access

• Covered porch

• Screen porch

• Outdoor kitchen

• Outdoor dining space

• Outdoor entertaining area

• Fire pit area

• Outdoor lighting

• Better backyard access

  
  

  

Finishes & Style

Overall style:

• Modern

• Traditional

• Farmhouse

• Coastal

• Craftsman

• Transitional

• Rustic

Design inspiration:

• Pinterest boards

• Houzz ideas

• Instagram photos

• Magazine photos

• Saved project photos

Preferred colors?

Preferred materials?

Architectural details you love?

Final Details

• Furniture placement considered

• Pet-related needs

• Charging stations

• Cleaning supply storage

• Seasonal storage

• Holiday decoration storage

• Future accessibility needs

• Built-in features

• Custom details

• Special requests

A Great Place to Start

One of the best things you can do before starting an addition or renovation is begin collecting ideas. Save photos of spaces you love, make note of features that stand out to you, and pay attention to what works well in homes you visit.

You may discover ideas you never considered, and those ideas often become the details that make a project truly feel like home.

The more inspiration you gather, the easier it becomes to create a space that fits your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals.