When planning a home renovation, it can be tempting to jump straight to the fun part of picking out new paint colours, fixtures, and fittings. However, there are a few things you need to think about before you even start.
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Know What Your Plan Is
Before you decide how much to change, you need to know what you want to do with your home in the end. Do you want to raise the value of your home so you can sell it, or do you plan to stay there for a long time? Before you start, think about the condition of your neighbourhood and know which improvements will give you a good return on your money and which will be too much for the area. Having a clear plan for your future will help you figure out how far you want to take your project. For example, if you need demolition and excavation make sure you put it in your plan.
Have A Budget
One of the most important parts of planning a renovation is to know your budget and stick to it. Don’t forget to include a “just-in-case” fund for any costs that come up that you didn’t plan for, and plan to use it. This could include the cost of eating out during a kitchen renovation or staying in a hotel for a night or two. It’s easy to want a top-of-the-line renovation, but maybe all you need are some cheap upgrades that will make your house look more expensive. Before you ever pick up a hammer, do your research and plan your budget.
Do As Much Research As Possible
Talk to your friends, family, and neighbours about the work they have done on their homes and the problems they have run into. Homeowners who have been in your shoes can give you a wealth of information that can help you plan, and this information may change your final plan.
Know Where You Stand
DIY renovations are a great way to save money, feel like you’ve accomplished something, and get the whole family involved, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, they can go horribly wrong. Know which jobs you can do safely and which ones you should leave to the professionals, like a wall that could hold weight, asbestos, or lead paint.
Pack Up
To make a house renovation as easy as possible, get rid of or move anything that is in the way. If you are remodelling your whole house, you might want to rent a locker or storage pod to keep all of your things safe and clean.
Think About Your Routine
If you’re a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, you probably know how to work around the mess of a house remodel. But if you’ve hired a contractor to do any part of the job, make sure they know your daily schedule and work with them to find start and end times that cause your family the least amount of trouble. After all, nobody wants to meet a salesperson while still in their robe.
These tips should help you to get started with any house renovations. Do you have any tips that could help? Please share them in the comments below.