Free Printable Renovation Checklists
Print these, stick them on the wall of the room you're renovating, and tick them off. Use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep a digital copy.
1. Renovation order-of-work checklist
- Measure room, take photos, write goals and budget
- Check permits and book contractors
- Order long-lead materials (tile, windows, countertops)
- Empty room, protect floors and adjacent rooms, set up dust barrier
- Turn off and label circuits you'll work near
- Demolition and debris removal
- Structural work, framing
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in; ventilation
- Windows and exterior doors
- Insulation; inspections
- Drywall / plaster / floor screed (allow drying time)
- Waterproofing and tiling
- Skim coat, sand, prime
- Paint ceiling, then walls; wallpaper
- Finished flooring
- Interior doors, trim, baseboards
- Fixtures: lights, outlets covers, faucets, toilet, appliances, hardware
- Touch-ups, deep clean, furniture and decor
2. Contractor walkthrough (before final payment)
- All work in the written scope is complete
- Walls and ceilings: no visible patches, cracks, roller marks or drips under a low-angle light
- Paint lines at ceilings and trim are straight and clean
- Tiles: even grout lines, no lippage, no hollow-sounding tiles, silicone in corners
- Floors: no gaps, squeaks or lifting; expansion gaps hidden by trim
- Doors and windows open, close and latch smoothly
- Every outlet and switch works; GFCI/RCD test buttons trip and reset
- Faucets: hot and cold correct, no drips, good drainage, no leaks under sinks
- Toilet flushes and refills properly, no rocking
- Extractor fans and ventilation work
- Permits closed and inspection sign-offs received
- Manuals, warranties and paint color codes handed over
- Leftover materials (spare tiles, flooring, paint) left on site
- Site cleaned, debris removed
- Punch list agreed in writing with dates
3. DIY shopping list template
| Item | Quantity | Brand / color / batch | Price | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall paint | ||||
| Ceiling paint | ||||
| Primer | ||||
| Joint compound / spackle | ||||
| Flooring + underlayment | ||||
| Baseboards / trim | ||||
| Tile, adhesive, grout, spacers | ||||
| Silicone / caulk | ||||
| Painter's tape, drop cloths, plastic | ||||
| Sandpaper, rollers, brushes | ||||
| Screws, anchors, nails | ||||
| Safety gear | ||||
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