What counts as a "whole home" renovation?
A whole home renovation touches every major system or surface in the house. That usually means new kitchens and baths, refinished or replaced floors, updated electrical and plumbing, fresh paint throughout, and often layout changes that require structural work. On older Cleveland homes it frequently also means addressing knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron drain stacks, plaster repair, and original windows.
The 8 phases of a UAJ renovation
1. Discovery & Walkthrough
We meet on-site, listen to your goals, evaluate existing conditions, and flag anything that affects scope — foundation, framing, electrical service, plumbing stacks, and roof condition.
2. Design & Scope
We translate the wish list into a buildable scope: layouts, finishes, fixtures, and structural changes. You'll see materials and selections before we price the job.
3. Estimate & Contract
A line-item estimate with allowances where selections aren't final. Once approved, we sign a fixed-scope contract with a clear payment schedule and milestones.
4. Permits & Pre-Construction
We pull all required Cuyahoga County permits, order long-lead materials, and schedule trades. Demolition does not start before permits are in hand.
5. Demolition & Rough-In
Selective or full gut demolition, then framing changes, rough plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Inspections happen at each rough-in stage.
6. Insulation & Drywall
Insulation upgrades, vapor barriers, drywall hang, tape, and finish. This is the phase where the new layout finally feels real.
7. Finishes & Fixtures
Flooring, trim, cabinetry, tile, paint, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Selections made earlier keep this phase on schedule.
8. Punch List & Final Walkthrough
We walk the home with you, document anything that needs touch-up, complete final inspections, and hand over warranties and care guides.
Budget ranges
Cleveland-market ballpark figures. Final pricing depends on home size, condition, and finish level.
Cosmetic refresh
$40 – $80 / sq ft
Paint, flooring, fixtures, light kitchen/bath updates. Layout stays the same.
Mid-range gut renovation
$120 – $200 / sq ft
New kitchens & baths, refinished floors, updated electrical & plumbing, some layout changes.
Full gut to the studs
$200 – $350+ / sq ft
Structural changes, new mechanicals, insulation, windows, roof, and high-end finishes.
Realistic timelines
- Design & permits: 4 – 8 weeks
- Cosmetic refresh: 4 – 6 weeks on site
- Mid-range renovation: 3 – 5 months on site
- Full gut renovation: 6 – 9 months on site
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Skipping the design phase and paying for changes later at rough-in.
- Choosing the lowest bid without comparing scopes line by line.
- Underestimating allowances for tile, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.
- Forgetting to budget 10–15% contingency for surprises behind the walls.
- Hiring unlicensed trades for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work.
Permits in Cuyahoga County
Most whole home renovations require building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits issued by the local municipality (Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, Shaker Heights, and others each have their own building departments). UAJ pulls and manages all permits for you, and coordinates inspections at every rough-in and final stage. Never work with a contractor who asks you to pull permits in your own name on a job they're running.
Ready to plan your renovation?
We offer free in-home consultations across Cuyahoga County. Bring your wish list — we'll bring 25+ years of building experience.