Renovating a house can be an exciting and delightful experience if done rightly. However, house renovations can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. As such, there are things to consider before renovating a house.
1. Which areas in your house need improvement?
Inspect the entire house and get to see the areas that require maintenance. List these down and plan to aid you in planning. If you need an outdoor table and other outdoor fittings, include this in your list before the repairs begin. This way, it will be easy for the contractor to design a space for such accessories.
2. What’s the interior designer’s point of view?
Speak to an interior designer, inform them about the things you want to change in your house. It’ll be a great idea to get the advice from an expert, besides they have vast experience in house renovations and can advise accordingly. By speaking to an expert, you also get leads on where to source your materials and supplies.
3. What’s your budget?
Plan your budget and have a pre-renovation checklist. A budget guides you on how much to spend and where. If you lack one, you may end up overspending, and this means you’ll be forced to live in an unfinished house. A house renovation will take much of your time, effort, and cash. So, be sure if it’s what you want.
4. Do you require a permit to undertake the project?
Some projects require you to obtain a permit from the local authority before you begin any work. These are, for example, structural alterations, electrical, and plumbing changes. Know the current renovation rules in your state. Failure to obtain a permit can lead to delays, fines, or even overstretching your budget.
5. Is the contractor licensed?
Find out whether your contractor has the necessary certifications and license to undertake the project. Run background checks on their previous work and portfolio. Also, request them to provide references, and this will save you a lot of stress later on.
6. Will you have to relocate elsewhere during the renovation?
Speak to the contractor you choose and find out if you will still live in the house, or you’ll be expected to move elsewhere once the renovation work commences. However, both options have some cons, and you need to settle for what suits your family best.
7. What’s the actual cost of renovating your house?
The cost of renovations will depend on the kind of repairs, the size; build form, age, and location of your structure. And knowing the actual value of the repairs will help you in planning appropriately. Be sure of the sources of funding for your house renovation. Remember refurbishing a house may cost more than you expect. You don’t want to have the work stall due to a shortage of funds.
What are the renovation mistakes to avoid?
Transforming a house into a home requires a lot of work. However, there are some mistakes to avoid.
a. Cheap materials – One of the greatest mistakes you can make while renovating your house is to opt for cheap materials. Going for substandard items can lead to more expenses in the long run. Besides, compromising on the quality of building materials defeats the entire purpose of renovating.
b. Inaccurate measurements – Accurate measurements are vital during house renovations. If your dimensions are off, then your repairs will be asymmetrical. Furthermore, accurate measurements determine the pricing and procuring of materials.
c. Use of the wrong tools – Investing in the right tools is crucial. If you acquire the wrong types of equipment, they can be damaging to not only you but also your surroundings.
d. Underestimating costs – No matter how well you budget, you may still incur unexpected charges. Therefore, plan for any extra costs in advance by including an additional percentage to all your cost computations.
e. Ignoring laws – Avoid undertaking any house renovations without examining the state laws. Some projects require a permit, and the rules vary from a state to the other. As such, enquire from the local authority if there’s any permit needed before you commence the improvements.
f. Forgetting about your safety – Your safety comes first. Be well equipped with goggles, gloves, and any other type of safety gear. By so doing, you protect yourself from sharp tools during the renovation work. Also, have a first aid kit in case of emergencies. You also need to wear disposable nitrile gloves for post-renovation cleaning.
Clean and disinfect every surface and nook in line with hygiene and health guidelines to protect yourself and everyone living in the house. Whether you are a DIY or working with contractors, always have gloves and other protective gear as part of your home’s essential safety toolkit.
g. Engaging the wrong contractor – Of course, a house renovation contractor is an expert, but you need to be sure of what you want from the house repairs. Therefore, hire one who understands your requirements. If you want excellent results, then you have to hire the best contractor. Avoid limiting yourself by picking a contractor based on their affordability.
Sometimes, homeowners end up having a shoddy job simply because they opted or cheap services! Get written estimates from several contractors before settling on the best for your renovation work. The forecast should include all the details of the permit cots, waste removal plan, handling of designs as well as insurance. These are some of the things to consider before renovating a house but there are many more.
How to renovate a house steps
There are steps to follow; this ensures that everything goes smoothly and safely. Foremost, it’s advisable to engage an architect or relevant engineers to assist you in planning. They will also help you in issues to do with structural problems and planning restrictions. Begin with the big things then later redo the minor works.
In the case of structural support, upgrades, or electrics, have it done before the decorative works. More so, have insulation done when you still have ceilings and floor voids open, and this will make the repair work simple.
The decoration work comes last. Once all the major repairs are complete, deal with any fine carpentry such as flooring, molding, and trimming. You can also commence on the painting work and any other surface finishes.
Conclusion
Renovating an old house can be tasking, and there are things to consider before renovating a house to get outstanding results. Hire experts and enquire about the necessary permits. Also, have a budget and know the actual cost before commencing on the renovation work. Although you may be required to overstretch your budget at some point, having everything planned will save you a lot of money and time.