Renovating a house might seem like a mammoth task, particularly if you’re starting from a very low base. But in reality, it’s actually several hundred very small tasks – and if you break them down appropriately and execute them in the right order, the process might not seem quite so overwhelming.
In practice, home renovation projects tend to fall down in several specific places. If you make yourself aware of potential snags, and proactively look to avoid them, then you stand a much better chance of enjoying a successful outcome.
Let’s run through a few worthwhile tips that will help your project to go without a hitch.
Budgeting
Budgeting is arguably the most important step in any project. You can save yourself significant hassle and heartache if you work out exactly how much you’d like to spend at every stage. It’s often worth spending big on a given change, but it’s rarely worth doing so accidentally. Ideally, you’ll want to leave yourself a little bit of wriggle room to cover unexpected costs. If you discover a leak, you’ll want to be able to fix it there and then.
Restrictions
You may not be legally entitled to do as you please with your property. This goes especially if you’re building upwards, or installing windows that might overlook the neighbour’s garden. In most cases, it’s a good idea to seek planning permission even if you’re not sure it’s required. You don’t want to be forced to undo your dream renovation because of a lack of planning permission.
Professional Help
Some homeowners might feel equipped to do everything themselves. Even if you don’t have any skill in a particular DIY task, the chances are good that you’ll pick it up by the time you’ve finished renovating the entire house.
In some cases, however, the difference made by bringing in a professional can be significant. Amateur plastering rarely matches up to the professional equivalent. Some jobs, moreover, might be too dangerous for an amateur to perform. Gas and electricity, in particular, are best handled by professionals.
What to avoid when renovating
Many homeowners make the mistake of ordering insufficient materials. In most cases, you’ll be able to use common items like plywood sheets elsewhere in the property. It’s better to have too much than too little, especially if you’ve got several tradespeople on the clock.
You should also be aware of the price ceiling of your property. It’s mistake to try to push the price of your home beyond what the area will support. The quality of your fittings should reflect the target market for the property and those that surround it.
Finally, don’t destroy any unique period details that your property has. Try to repair them wherever possible, and where replacement is necessary, look (and budget) for an authentic replica.
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