It’s only natural to want to start a home renovation project. It is important to do your research and plan before you start to tear down walls.
While planning doesn’t guarantee that you won’t run into problems along the way, it will help you be better prepared to handle them quickly and efficiently. What steps should you take to ensure that your project goes smoothly? We have listed five essential elements of home redevelopment planning.
Make a realistic budget
First, you need to be clear about your budget. You should know what you can spend, and have a contingency plan. This is essential as it is better than making plans and then finding out you don’t have the money. It is not only frustrating, but also a waste time and effort.
When it comes to choosing style, materials, and most importantly, a contractor for your project you must know what your budget is. When setting your budget, consider whether any work will increase the value of your home. This isn’t important if your home is your permanent residence. It is not a good idea to spend money that you won’t be able to recover if you plan on moving later.
A clear and concise vision is essential
After you have established your budget, you can start to decide on the style and look that you want. Once you have settled on the materials, style and look you want, you should stick with them. You can delay your project by changing your mind about fixtures and fittings, or what kind of kitchen doors or windows are best. It is important to verify that there are no restrictions on building extensions.
Choose Your Contractors Carefully
The right contractor can make or break your renovation project. When choosing contractors or suppliers, it is a good idea to ask for recommendations from past customers. This will give you confidence that the people you select are trustworthy and reliable. There have been many stories of contractors who disappear for days or weeks, leaving you with a half-finished home. Before any work begins, make sure that you have agreed to a price for the build. Also be aware of the details. This will help you avoid unexpected costs that you didn’t anticipate.
Make sure you have a schedule of works
Before any work begins, you must have a clear schedule. If you plan to continue living in the house while work is completed, this is crucial. It is important to know when parts of your house might be out of service and plan accordingly. A schedule of work will allow you to control your contractors. To ensure that jobs are created in the right order, your schedule of works must follow a logical structure.
Talk to your neighbors
This may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it is polite for your neighbors to be informed. Imagine if the other side was in control. Would you be content if they went ahead with their plans? It is important that builders respect the property of your neighbor and avoid blocking entrances and exits. It’s also important to inform your neighbours about the duration of the project, any major deliveries, etc. Even though it may seem insignificant, it can make a big difference in helping you and your neighbors rebuild smoothly.
