The Complete Home Renovation Checklist for Rochester, NY Homeowners

Starting a home renovation in Monroe County? This step-by-step checklist covers everything from initial planning through final walkthrough. Bookmark this page — you’ll reference it throughout your entire project.

This checklist is based on 16+ years of residential remodeling experience across Pittsford, Penfield, Brighton, Webster, Fairport, Victor, Mendon, Irondequoit, and Henrietta.

Phase 1: Planning (8-12 Weeks Before Construction)

Budget & Financing

• ☐ Determine total renovation budget (include 10-15% contingency for surprises)
• ☐ Research financing options: home equity loan, HELOC, personal savings, or FHA 203(k) rehab loan
• ☐ Get pre-approved for financing if needed
• ☐ Create a spreadsheet tracking all costs (materials, labor, permits, fixtures, appliances)

Design & Scope

• ☐ Define the scope of work — what rooms and what changes?
• ☐ Collect inspiration photos (Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram)
• ☐ Decide on must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
• ☐ Measure all rooms being renovated
• ☐ Consider aging-in-place features if you plan to stay long-term
• ☐ Think about how you’ll live during construction (temporary kitchen setup, etc.)

Finding a Contractor

• ☐ Get referrals from friends, family, neighbors, and local community groups
• ☐ Check online reviews (Google, Houzz, BBB)
• ☐ Verify the contractor carries general liability insurance AND workers’ compensation
• ☐ Ask for references and actually call them
• ☐ Get at least 2-3 detailed written estimates (not just ballpark numbers)
• ☐ Ask about their project management process — who is your daily contact?
• ☐ Ask about warranty — what’s covered and for how long?
• ☐ Verify they pull their own permits (never hire a contractor who asks YOU to pull the permit)
• ☐ Check if they use subcontractors or in-house crews

Important Note for New York State

New York State does not have a statewide contractor licensing requirement. This means anyone can call themselves a contractor. That makes checking insurance, references, and track record even more critical. Always verify general liability and workers’ comp certificates directly with the insurance company.

Phase 2: Pre-Construction (4-8 Weeks Before)

Contracts & Permits

• ☐ Sign a detailed written contract that includes:
  • Scope of work with specifications
  • Total cost with payment schedule
  • Estimated start and completion dates
  • Change order process
  • Warranty terms
  • Insurance certificates
• ☐ Obtain building permits from your town’s building department:
  • Pittsford: (585) 248-6225
  • Penfield: (585) 340-8630
  • Brighton: (585) 784-5220
  • Webster: (585) 872-7068
  • Fairport/Perinton: (585) 223-0770
  • Victor: (585) 742-5030
  • Mendon: (585) 624-6064
  • Irondequoit: (585) 336-6060
  • Henrietta: (585) 334-7700
• ☐ Check if your neighborhood has an HOA with renovation restrictions
• ☐ Notify your homeowner’s insurance company about the renovation

Material Selections

• ☐ Select and order cabinetry (6-10 week lead time for custom)
• ☐ Select countertop material and schedule template/fabrication
• ☐ Choose tile for floors, backsplash, shower
• ☐ Select plumbing fixtures (faucets, sinks, toilets, showerheads)
• ☐ Choose lighting fixtures
• ☐ Select hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges)
• ☐ Choose paint colors
• ☐ Order appliances if applicable (check delivery lead times)

Prepare Your Home

• ☐ Clear the work area completely — remove furniture, decorations, personal items
• ☐ Set up a temporary kitchen if your kitchen is being remodeled (microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker in another room)
• ☐ Protect adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting and drop cloths
• ☐ Create a clear path for workers to enter/exit without going through your living space
• ☐ Discuss parking and dumpster placement with your contractor
• ☐ Inform neighbors about the upcoming construction
• ☐ Make arrangements for pets during noisy/dusty work
• ☐ Identify your main water shutoff and electrical panel

Phase 3: During Construction

Weekly Check-Ins

• ☐ Schedule regular progress meetings with your project manager
• ☐ Review work completed vs. timeline
• ☐ Address any concerns immediately — don’t let issues build up
• ☐ Document everything with photos (take daily photos if possible)
• ☐ Review any change orders carefully before signing
• ☐ Keep all receipts, invoices, and correspondence organized

Inspection Points

• ☐ Rough framing inspection
• ☐ Rough plumbing inspection
• ☐ Rough electrical inspection
• ☐ Insulation inspection (if applicable)
• ☐ Drywall/close-up inspection
• ☐ Final inspection

Phase 4: Project Completion

Final Walkthrough Checklist

• ☐ Walk every inch of the renovated space with your contractor
• ☐ Test every outlet, switch, and fixture
• ☐ Run all faucets — check for leaks under sinks
• ☐ Flush toilets
• ☐ Open and close all doors, drawers, and cabinets
• ☐ Check all tile grout lines and caulking
• ☐ Inspect paint and trim work in good lighting
• ☐ Check flooring for any damage or imperfections
• ☐ Verify all fixtures match your selections
• ☐ Create a punch list of any items that need attention

After Completion

• ☐ Obtain Certificate of Occupancy/Completion from the building department
• ☐ Get all warranty documentation in writing
• ☐ Collect manuals for any new appliances or systems
• ☐ Update your homeowner’s insurance with the new home value
• ☐ Save all project documentation for future reference and resale
• ☐ Make final payment only after all punch list items are resolved
• ☐ Leave a review for your contractor if they did great work

Rochester-Specific Renovation Tips

• Older homes (pre-1978): Test for lead paint and asbestos before demolition. This is required by law in New York State for homes built before 1978.
• Winter renovations: Interior renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, basements) are ideal during Rochester’s long winters. Exterior work is best scheduled May through October.
• Historic districts: If your home is in a historic district (parts of Brighton, Pittsford Village), additional architectural review may be required.
• Drainage: Rochester’s clay soil and high water table mean basement renovations need proper waterproofing and drainage solutions.
• Energy efficiency: NYSERDA offers rebates and incentives for energy-efficient home improvements. Check nyserda.ny.gov before starting.

Need Help With Your Renovation?

TGM Contracting & Remodeling is an Owner-Operated general contractor serving the Rochester, NY suburbs. We handle everything on this checklist — from 3D design through final walkthrough — with a lifetime craftsmanship warranty on every project.

Call or text (585) 598-1003 to schedule a consultation.