Home renovation projects can be immensely rewarding, but they can also prove a challenge, especially if you haven’t undertaken one before, With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of things you really should know before you get started. Knowing these things will help you to plan your renovation better and ensure that things go as smoothly as possible, and you get the best results possible.
1. You must have a building survey
If you’re planning a significant home renovation, then you really do need to have a chartered surveyor come over and check the place out. This will ensure that any issues with your home, like damp or subsidence, for example, are brought to light so you can plan for them in your renovation project. Fail to do this and your renovation could cost you a lot more than planned in terms of time and money.
2. Contractors should be fully vetted
Okay, so this one is probably common sense, but if you’re renovating your home, you want the job to be done as quickly as possible to the highest standards possible, and that means you need to take a lot of time and care choosing the right contractors for the job. You can’t afford to just go onto Google and choose the first contractors you find in the local area.
How do you find the best builders, joiners, electricians, etc., for the job? Word of mouth is a good place to start – asking friends and family for recommendations. People you know are likely to be honest with you about their experiences so it’s best to start there. Once you’ve narrowed the list down, look at online reviews and testimonials to see what other people are saying and then talk to the contractors themselves to see if you can get a feel of them. Only when you’re truly satisfied they are right for the job, should you consider hiring them.
3. Materials matter
A lot of homeowners, when planning a renovation do not think too much about the materials they use unless they will be visible, and even then they’re only thinking about cosmetic issues like how the materials will look in the home. This is a big mistake because the materials that you use in your home renovations can have a huge impact on the structure, integrity and function of your home. For example, sustainable building materials like Accoya wood are not only much better for the planet, but can also improve your home due to the fact it is extremely durable, great at providing insulation and because it is able to lock C02 for a long period of time. That’s just one example, but it serves to highlight why materials matter and why you should think very carefully about your choices.
4. Think to the Future
When you’re thinking about your renovations at the design and planning stage, it’s really important that you think about your space and how it’s used not just in the present, but also what you are likely to need and how you are likely to use it in the future, That way, you can come up with a design that grows with you and your family so you won’t need to renovate yet again. For example, you may be a young couple who enjoys entertaining and lazy days in from of the TV now, but if you plan to have kids in the future, you’ll need to consider them and their growing needs as well as your current needs for partying and relaxing, if you want to create the best possible space.
5. Hiring an interior designer is smart
Hiring an interior designer is a good idea when you’re renovating because they can help you envisage what the space could look like when it’s complete, which can help you to ensure that you come up with the perfect design for your renovation, not just the decoration. This may be an extra expense at a time when you’re already spending a lot of money, but unless you have a very clear envision of the space already, it is a really useful exercise to perform.
6. Don’t forget storage
One thing a lot of home renovators do not think about is storage but storage can make or break a space, so while you’re designing your new renovation, be sure to identify as many potential sources of hidden storage as you can and build them into your space for a cleaner, clutter-free home.
7. You should consider moving out
Depending on the size and scale of your renovation, you should think about moving out while the work is taking place. Why? Because renovations can be noisy, messy and difficult to live with. Not only that, but when contractors don’t have to work around you and your family, they are often more efficient at doing their job,. If y7ou can’t afford a hotel, you could consider renting a mobile home to live in while work is ongoing, but if you feel you can live with it, that’s absolutely fine too.
8. Expect the unexpected
Although, if you’ve gad a survey, you hopefully won’t be hit with any huge surprises, when you’re renovating your home, it always pays to expect the unexpected. Every property has its won little secrets and renovations can bring them out into the light. Your floors may be starting to become unstable, there could be asbestos hiding in the cupboards or…well you get the idea. That’s why it’s a good idea to always have some reserves available in the budget. If you fail to plan financially for these little discoveries you could end up running out of money, making it impossible for you to do exactly what you want to do with your home renovations.
Home renovations are a big deal, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by them or do them wrong, but if you take the above into account, the whole process should hopefully be, at least a little., easier for you and your family to bear.
