a typical project schedule for a historic renovation

Here is a step by step process of of how a historic restoration of a Detroit home should go:

1. Stabilization of the Property – The first and most important thing to do is to stabilize the property. This means make sure the roof is covered if it is leaking, the windows are boarded up if they are missing, temporary power is brought to the house, etc.
2. Demo/Job Site Preparation – 100% of demolition/contents removal should be done at the beginning of the job. Not in stages throughout the job. Remember, until all the walls are opened, you have no real idea what needs to be done to fully restore the home. In addition to demo work, the Contractor should be preparing the job site for the renovation work. This means the job site is clean and free of debris and most importantly the job site is safe for workers to start performing the work.
3. Rough Carpentry – Once demo is done and the job site is secured, rough carpentry/framing work is performed. If there is a roof issue, this is also the time to repair/replace it as there may be framing/decking issues that need to be dealt with.
4. Rough HVAC – HVAC is typically the first trade to perform their rough work once framing/rough carpentry has been completed. This means running new gas lines, duct work, etc. and getting temporary heat to the house if needed.
5. Rough Plumbing – At this point, the plumber can run new plumbing and/or fix existing plumbing lines to the kitchen, bathrooms, etc. Also, get water to the job site for upcoming work.
6. Rough Electrical –  Once the Plumbing Contractor is done with their rough work, the electrician can trouble shoot the house and if needed install new service (i.e. electrical panel) and run new wires and boxes for outlets, switches and lights.
7. Insulation/Plaster/Drywall – Once all rough work is done, insulation where needed should be installed, new drywall hung and/or plaster repair work can be completed.
8. Finish Work – This is when you start installing the kitchen, bathrooms, new windows, lighting fixtures, plumbing finishes and finish carpentry work like moldings, doors, etc.
9. Paint – Once through finish work, it’s time to paint the house.
10. Flooring – Most Contractors like to install/refinish the floors as the last work performed. Others prefer to install/refinish the floors, cover them up  and then paint. Either way is acceptable.
11. Punch Work – The final stage of the renovation. Minor work that needs to be done to finish the project (i.e. tough up paint, etc.)

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