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Renovating can be an exciting way to put your stamp on your home. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience but it is worth remembering that it is a complicated venture that can come with unexpected pitfalls.
That’s why it’s important to properly prepare before you start any work which can be expensive and hard to make it perfectly like hillside landscaping. The more prepared you are the less likely it is that there will be any unpleasant surprises or additional costs once work has started.
Here are a few of the best things you need to think about before you start your renovation.
Decide On A Budget
This should always be the first step before you start any renovation project. Decide on a realistic budget, taking all elements of the work to be done into account. Be strict with yourself when sticking to your budget as it can be easy to get caught up and overspend.
Ensure you fully understand the cost of everything you want to do so that you can make the most accurate budget possible. Projects like inground pool ideas can look cheaper but cost much more than expected.
You should allocate part of your budget for unexpected expenses so that you have a cushion for any further work or issues that the renovation brings to light. Always be aware that while you can prepare well there will always be the chance of things going awry in ways you weren’t expecting.
Take Time
Before making any major choices always give yourself a cooling-off period before making decisions. This way you won’t make any rash choices that haven’t been fully thought through.
It might be tempting to dive in headfirst as soon as you find the perfect countertops or bath set. You should always give yourself time to carefully weigh up your options so that you stick to your budget and don’t allow costs to get away from you.
It is also worth taking the time to get to know the house if you have just bought it. While it can be tempting to get started straight away you will want to know how you and the house fit together first to get a fuller idea of what benefits you can get from renovating.
Consider The Environment
Make sure you have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that your home is sound before you start any work. This should include asbestos and mold surveys among other things. This way if there is any major work that requires doing then you will be aware of it before you spend a dime on building supplies.
Choose a reputable company to carry out your surveys. This is vitally important as your surveys will ensure the health of your home now and in the future. Take a look at this environmental company in Sussex for an idea of what you should be looking for. You will definitely want experienced professionals like those at Sussex Environment Consultants, who will provide excellent in depth work, and offer solutions to any problems shown.
If being environmentally friendly is one of your goals then surveys can also show the effects of your planned renovations on the environment around your home.
Make A Plan – And Stick To It
Don’t be tempted to add things on after you’ve started – there will be time for other renovations if that’s what you want. Make a plan for what you want to do now and stick to it.
If this is your first renovation project it might be worth starting with one room to ease you into the experience and give you a real idea of what the process is like.
If you’re planning a whole-house renovation then planning will be critical.
Hope For The Best And Prepare For The Worst
Things will inevitably go wrong when doing a renovation – that’s life. It’s important to remember this as you start your renovation. It is always better to prepare for the worst so that the renovation doesn’t end up being a huge source of stress in your life.
You should go into the process with open eyes for the best chance of having a positive experience. With older homes particularly there is the chance that renovations may highlight some underlying hidden issue within the house. Be prepared for this worst case scenario so that it doesn’t come as too much of a shock.
Do Your Research
Look into all the contractors out there and make sure you find one that’s a good fit for you personally. Also, check their references and qualifications, and make sure they are accredited with a governing body. This is the same whether they are surveyors or builders. For indoor surveying, you should check that your contractor is registered with the American Council for Accredited Certification, for example.
Do not compromise on quality to save money. This will only likely come back to bite you in future months or years. You really do get what you pay for when carrying out renovations. That being said it is still worth looking around for the best deals. A good balance of quality and affordability is key to renovation success.
Looking at reviews online can be helpful as well, as well as asking friends and relatives for recommendations. Reviews and recommendations will help you get an idea of a contractor’s strengths and weaknesses and help you decide whether you want to approach them with your business. Always ask for references when you settle on any contractor and make sure they are up to your standard.
Be Prepared For Disruption
Renovations will inevitably disrupt your daily life. This can be a major cause of stress during renovations, so this is another reason that it’s good to go into the process with your eyes open.
If you are having your kitchen or bathroom renovated for example make sure you have alternative cooking or bathing facilities. Keep in mind that you may have to use these for days or even weeks while work is being done so you will need to make sure your alternatives are up to the job. It is definitely worth asking a relative or friend if you can use their facilities while yours are being renovated.
This is why it’s also better to start with a small project to get the idea of how much disruption to your daily life there will be. A guest or child’s bedroom would be a good starting point as these do not fulfill any function that can’t be absorbed by another room of the home.
Conclusion
Renovating your home can be an extremely rewarding experience if done right. A huge part of improving the chances of things going right is to be as prepared as possible before work ever starts. Stick to your budget as much as you can but be aware that unexpected costs may arise.
Doing your research, starting small, and not compromising on quality are all key to having a successful renovation. Know every detail in and out before you begin, and be prepared for the fact that some things will go wrong even with the best laid plans.
Make sure that the people you hire to do your renovations have the proper qualifications and will do the work well. Shop around but remember that quality is the most important thing.
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