Important Things You Need to Do Before Renovating Your Home
Embarking on a home renovation project should be exciting and something to look forward to. Regardless of how long you’ve been in your property, there comes a point for many owners where it’s time for a change. Whether you make subtle upgrades or go down the route of a kitchen refurb or extending your abode, any renovation work needs to be thoroughly planned out in advance.
It doesn’t matter what you’re changing in your home, to ensure a satisfying and smooth project, we’ve compiled a list of important things you should know and do before diving into your home renovation project.
Establish Goals
Before any work commences, you need to set aside time to establish your goals. To put it simply, what are you hoping to achieve from your home renovation project? Are you wanting to extend your home to have more living space, or maybe you want to do up a bedroom or bathroom? Whatever it is, make sure to note down your goals so they’re in black and white. This will ensure you have a clear and cohesive plan that you can adhere to.
Throughout the project, it’s wise to have a checklist by your side too. You can use this to cross off what has been completed and what is yet to be achieved. Just make sure any goals you set are realistic and relevant to your project.
Set a Budget
Once you’ve noted down your goals, it’s time to create a realistic budget for your home renovation project. You need to ensure you’ve got the funds behind you to foot the bill from start to finish. After all, the last thing you want is to run out of cash halfway through a project! Should this happen, you can’t expect contractors to stick around and finish the job. You need to have a solid idea of how much the project is going to cost so there are no nasty surprises awaiting.
Having a clear vision and financial plan will also help when guiding your decisions. Regarding the cost, it’s wise not to opt for the first quote you find. It’s natural to be drawn to the cheapest contractor on the market. But, there’s always that risk you may get a botched job as a result. To ensure you’re financially covered for the project, start by tracking your income and outgoings. Then, you can put money aside specifically for renovation work.
Research, Research, Research!
It’s time to get your creative juices flowing! Thorough research is a must when planning a home renovation. Collecting ideas and inspiration from websites, magazines and home improvement shows can really broaden your mind and potentially change your project. You can never do too much research either.
Consider bringing an architect or professional designer on board who can help you in the planning stages. You can collaborate with them, bounce around ideas and create a detailed project timeline that will keep everything on track.
Obtain Necessary Permits
Before you can think of renovating your property, you may need to get approval from local authorities first. There are certain permits you may have to obtain so you can be confident you’re doing everything above board.
Make sure to check with your local authority to understand any permits and regulations specific to your area. Should you cut corners and fail to obtain necessary permits, don’t be surprised if you’re landed with a hefty fine! It’s essential you comply, otherwise, you could end up in legal trouble. What’s more, there’s the possibility of having to undo any work you’ve completed!
Hire the Professionals
Most importantly of all, you need to hire the experts to carry out your home renovation project. Even if you consider yourself a DIY lover, if you’re planning to refurb your kitchen, redesign your living room, or add an extension, you need experienced hands to take over proceedings. Should you go it alone, there’s the real threat of making a rookie error that could be incredibly costly to rectify.
Finding the right builder to work with doesn’t have to be a challenge either. In fact, you can turn to the likes of MyBuilder who have an array of local builders who can provide quotes and help you with your project. They only work with trusted professionals too, so you can be guaranteed you’ll have the best of the best by your side throughout the renovation.
Set Realistic Timelines
What we must mention is every home renovation project is different. Timeframes are going to vary significantly depending on what work is being carried out. You’ll find most renovations take longer than anticipated too, meaning it’s crucial you set realistic timelines. Consult with your builder to establish a reasonable schedule, and factor in potential delays. Things like poor weather conditions or changes in the scope of work can cause delays.
You need to be prepared to extend your timeline. This will help in managing your expectations, not to mention lower stress levels during the project. Having a timeline set up will help add structure and clarity to the project too.
Factor In Hidden Costs
As well as home renovation projects taking longer than anticipated, there are hidden costs that can present themselves along the way. For that reason, you need to make sure you’ve got an emergency fund in place to keep you covered. Whether you encounter water damage, structural challenges, or electrical issues, all three can add to the overall cost.
Once you’ve set aside a contingency fund, you’ll have peace and reassurance you’ve got the cash in place to cover these problems. What’s more, you’ll avoid any financial strain or compromise on the quality of your renovation project.
Communicate Effectively
From the beginning, it’s imperative you maintain open and clear communication with contractors. You need to regularly discuss progress, any concerns you have, and any modifications that need to be made to your original plan.
Make sure that you promptly address potential issues. This will help in avoiding misunderstanding and make sure the final result meets your expectations. When searching for contractors, make sure they possess transferable skills like effective communication and time management.
Prepare for Disruptions
If there’s one thing your home renovation project is going to make a lot of, it’s noise. You can’t escape it! When drilling work begins, the sounds can quickly become tiresome and a nuisance. For that reason, you need to be fully prepared for disruptions and make arrangements. If extensive work is being carried out, it may be wise to find alternate accommodation for the time being.
Make sure to let your neighbours know about what’s taking place too. They need to be kept in the know about your home renovation project. After all, it’s just common decency! Also, be patient during the project. There are going to be ups and downs throughout, but try and see the bigger picture and why you’re doing the project in the first place.
Whether you’re looking to sell your property in the near future or you just want to feel more comfortable and at home in your safe haven, there are plenty of home renovation projects you can take on that will achieve just that. Just make sure you hire the right contractors, set a clear budget, and know exactly what you’re getting yourself in for before work gets underway.