Most problems on a job site don’t come from effort… they come from confusion. What’s next? Who’s up? What’s considered “done”?

That’s why at The Rehabber’s Playbook, we believe in keeping it simple.

We break the rehab process into three clear phases - so you know exactly where you are, what to expect, and how to lead the job forward.

Why We Break It Down

Rehabs can feel messy — but they don’t have to be chaotic.

When you divide the job into phases, you create built-in checkpoints. It becomes easier to:

• Track progress
• Time your trades
• Spot delays before they snowball

It also forces you to think like a project manager, not just a property owner.

You stop asking “What’s left?” and start asking “What phase are we in — and how do we finish it strong?”

That mindset shift is where confidence really comes from.

Phase 1: “Bones & Guts”

Goal: Remove what’s old, create the new layout, and install the guts.

This is the foundational phase - where we clean out the old, frame up the new, and install the critical systems. Some of the items in this phase include:

• Demo
• Foundation work
• Framing
• Roofing
• Windows & exterior doors
• Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical rough-ins
• Siding
• Insulation

You’re making the house weather-tight and systems-ready. That’s the goal. Once you hit insulation, you’re usually ready for inspections - and you’re officially out of Phase 1.

Phase 2: Cover It Up

Goal: Close the walls and create the finished interior shell.

This phase is all about veneers - not structure. You’re covering everything up and turning the job from “a construction zone” into something that starts to look like a house. Some of the items in this phase include:

• Drywall
• Paint
• Flooring
• Tile
• Interior Doors & Trim

Think of this as the “no more framing visible” phase. Once drywall goes up, we shift into finish work - and that means it’s time to get extra detailed.

Phase 3: Final Touches

Goal: Finish the job — inside and out.

Now we’re bringing it home. Phase 3 is where the fixtures and finishes go in, and where the curb appeal finally gets addressed. Some of the items in this phase include:

• Cabinets, vanities, and countertops
• Electrical fixtures and plumbing fixtures
• Hardware and mirrors
• Landscaping, patios, fences, and hardscapes
• Gutters and exterior trim

This is also where your punchlist lives - so clear communication and sharp eyes matter more than ever.

Why This Matters

Each phase creates a clear goal. Each goal keeps the project moving. And each milestone gives you a sense of momentum.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the middle of a rehab, not sure what comes next… or who’s responsible for what… this breakdown is for you.

Because the real secret to smoother projects isn’t more experience…

It’s better structure.

And when you structure your rehab by phase, the whole job becomes more manageable, more predictable, and more profitable.

Let’s keep building.