It’s one thing to make small repairs or replace things at home, but another to make big changes. Renovating your home can be a challenging task because there’s so much to think about. It’s easy to forget things and make mistakes that end up costing you lots of money. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to remember when renovating your house.
Involve The Professionals
While you may be able to do some painting or minor repairs yourself, it’s generally best to hire a professional for bigger projects. They’ll have the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to complete the work correctly and on time. Any demolition work should only be done by those who have the necessary experience and equipment. The same goes for anything involving your home’s electrical system, plumbing, or gas lines.
You may need the following people: an electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter, architect, and landscape gardener. There are also installers of polished concrete floors who favor this option because it’s the most environmentally conscious flooring solution. They can help people whether their project is new construction or renovation, and they often post photos of their recent projects online. If you’re planning on doing any of the work yourself, however, consult with the professionals first so that the work can be done as properly and safely as possible.
Stay On Top Of Your Finances
You can create a budget by working out your total income from all sources and then subtracting your regular expenses such as bills and food shopping. This will give you an idea of how much you have left each month to spend on other things like your home renovation project (and emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses).
It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of a renovation and start spending more than you can afford – in which case you could end up in serious financial trouble. You need to keep track of all the money you’re spending, as well as any loans or credit lines you’re using to finance the project.
Cover The Legal Aspects
Depending on where you live, there may be different regulations that you need to follow. For example, in some states, you may need to get a permit before starting any major renovations. Failure to do so could result in fines or even having to stop the work altogether. Another legal aspect to keep in mind is zoning laws. They can dictate things like how tall your house can be,
how many stories it can have, and how close it can be to the street or your neighbor’s property. Once again, failure to comply with these laws could result in costly fines.
Another important aspect to consider is whether or not your contractor is licensed and insured. If something goes wrong during the renovation, you want to be sure that you’re covered. In some states, it’s actually illegal to hire a contractor who isn’t licensed and insured. If you’re unsure about any of the legal aspects of renovating your home, consult with a lawyer before proceeding. They’ll be able to advise you on what needs to be done in order to stay within the law.
Think About Safety
This includes making sure that there are no loose wires or cords, and that all electrical outlets are properly covered. You should also keep any poisonous chemicals or cleaners out of the reach of children and pets. If you’re doing any work yourself, follow the instructions carefully and always use the correct safety equipment. Scaffolding can be a hazard if not erected correctly, so make sure you hire a reputable company.
Rubbish and debris can pose a tripping hazard, so it’s important to make sure that it’s removed from the site regularly. Debris can also harbor pests, so you should have a pest control plan in place. It’s also wise to have a fire escape plan in case of an emergency so that all family members know what to do.
Add Value To Your Home
This means choosing renovations that will increase the resale value of your home, should you ever plan to move. Some ways to achieve this could include:
- Making cosmetic changes that’ll make your home more attractive to potential buyers
- Updating appliances and fixtures to energy-efficient models (e.g. windows and doors, toilets and showerheads, and white goods)
- Adding features that are popular in new homes, such as a mud room, an open floor plan, solar panels, or an outdoor swimming pool
- Extending the home to add an extra bedroom or bathroom
- Upgrading the current kitchen or bathroom
You don’t have to worry about the resale value if you’re planning on living in your home for the rest of your life. In this case, you can renovate according to your own taste and needs.
Create A Schedule
It’s wise to break up the project into smaller, more manageable tasks. This way you can better estimate how long each individual job will take – and ultimately how much it’ll cost. If you’re working with a limited budget, it’s important to prioritize the tasks that are most important to you. For example, if you’re dying for a new kitchen but can live with your old bathroom, for now, it makes sense to focus your money on the kitchen.
It’s also worth considering that some tasks may need to be completed in a certain order. For example, you’ll need to lay new flooring before you can install new kitchen units. By factoring in these dependencies, you can create a more accurate overall timeline for your renovation. Finally, speak to your contractors to check their availability and to confirm how long each task will take. This will protect your project from overrunning.
As you can see there are lots of important things to remember when you renovate a home. With professional help and plenty of research, you’ll be able to set the stage for this exciting new chapter. Whilst there will no doubt be unforeseen challenges ahead, they will pale into insignificance once the work has been completed.
Photo via Unsplash
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