Renovation Tips – Things You Should Know Before You Begin
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home or renovate it from the ground up, there are some key things you should know before beginning. This list of renovation tips will help you avoid some of the biggest mistakes that people make during a major home renovation.
Before a renovation begins, it’s important to plan out the work to be done and prepare all of the areas where professionals will be working. This will ensure that the work gets completed quickly and efficiently.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can be a great way to ensure that your renovation goes smoothly. It also helps to reduce the frustrations and regrets that can occur after a renovation is complete.
First, make a list of your wants and needs for the space. This can help you prioritise your budget and avoid over-expanding the space or spending too much on upgrades that won’t add value to your home.
Once you have a list, it’s time to find the right professionals to work with on your renovation. The architect, designer or builder you hire can have a huge impact on the success of your project.
Be Flexible
If you want your renovation project to go smoothly, it’s important to be flexible. This gives you and your contractor room to shift deadlines around as the project progresses, and it also makes for a less stressful overall experience for everyone involved.
The right design can help you create a space that changes with your needs as you grow and change over time. In addition, planning a flex space can be one of the best ways to save money down the road.
In fact, a study conducted in China found that incorporating flexibility into a renovation is a good idea. This is because flexible spaces can save homeowners money over the life of the home, reduce the need for future renovations and improve the building’s environmental performance.
Consider Classic Design & Style
Regardless of the type of renovation you are undertaking, it is always important to consider classic design and style. This is especially true if you plan on selling your home in the future and want to create an appealing, timeless environment that will be appreciated by prospective buyers.
The best way to accomplish this is by incorporating the most popular trends in your new space while also keeping it classic. For example, consider incorporating natural materials such as wood into your remodel. These are more durable and last longer than synthetic materials such as faux wood, laminate or vinyl. They also tend to be more cost-effective.
Have a Budget
Having a budget is the key to ensuring that your renovation will be completed without any major surprises. It will also ensure that you don’t end up spending more money than you originally planned.
Whether you’re renovating one room or your whole house, it is important to create an accurate budget first.
The cost of a home renovation is not only determined by the work that needs to be done, but also by the materials used. It’s best to get estimates from professionals and well-respected renovation websites before you start construction.
It is a good idea to have a contingency fund of about 10-20 per cent of your total renovation budget. This will help to cover any unexpected expenses that might crop up, such as higher architects fees, a boiler that breaks down during the project or structural issues that require additional work by the builder.
Have a Plan B
Even the most seasoned home renovator can’t help but take a page out of their own book at some point in the course of a project. When it comes to planning for success, a solid plan of action is the name of the game. A savvy homeowner will be able to better manage their budget and avoid the pitfalls of the worst case scenario. A well-crafted renovation plan will make a home owner happy, and the rewards are all the more worthwhile with a successfully remodeled space. The most challenging part of the home improvement process is identifying which components need work and which are worth the extra cash spent.
Have a Good Working Relationship With Your Builder
Having a good working relationship with your builder is crucial for the success of your renovation. Respect, open communication and clear boundaries are essential.
You should be able to trust that your builder is going to work hard on your project and get the job done right.
Your builder should be happy to answer any questions you may have and be a good communicator. They should also have good references and a proven track record, as well as a portfolio of completed work you can look at.