Renovating Your Home
Home improvement can be a challenge, especially for those who are new to it. However, when tackled correctly, the end result is a beautiful home. Below you will find five things to consider when renovating your home.
-
The Design Stage
Have you heard the old saying “failing to plan is planning to fail”? Designing every detail at the start of your renovation is extremely important. If you fail to plan, it could have a knock-on effect on the cost of your project. It is worth taking time at this point to ensure the smooth running of the renovations. When renovating your home it’s essential to plan down to the smallest detail even your colour scheme.
You can get some home-style inspiration from this Home Style Inspiration article.
-
Find a Professional
Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash
Ensuring you have the right builder, architects, and tradespeople is very important. Not only that but finding a professional to help at the design stage will also make life so much easier. All professionals have a body which represents them, so do some research; for example in Ireland the regulatory body for architects is the RIAI – The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and in the UK it’s the Royal Institute of British Architects.
-
Quality not Quantity
Photo by Nolan Issac on Unsplash
There is no point in going for the cheapest quote from tradespeople if you don’t get the best service. You may end up paying for it twice. If the quotes you get are wildly different, especially if one is hugely cheaper than the others, treat it with extreme caution. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it generally is. Another essential point to consider is if you are happy with your choice and decisions – to draw up a contract which details word for word what you want your professional to do and the cost involved. This document will act as a framework for both of you; it also allows you to monitor progress.
-
Set up an Emergency Fund / Contingency Fund
Photo by Annie Gray on Unsplash
When renovating your home things can, and very often, do go wrong. This can often mean costs can increase over time. When you are setting your budget, also set aside money for any emergency costs. The rule of thumb is a minimum of 5% of your total project costs.
-
Prepare Yourself
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Any renovation to your home can be a stressful time. You and your family need to prepare for the upheaval that comes with renovating. Having builders, architects and tradespeople in your home can disrupt your life. From noise to having dust in every room, your home will not be your own for a while. Deciding to stay or move out during this time is an essential factor. Remember, keep things in perspective at all times and don’t rush to make decisions, keep your focus fixed on the end goal, which is renovating your home.
*****
Taking these five tips on board will ensure that you can sit back and relax, knowing you have prepared for the completion of your grand design. The reward will be a stylish new home without the stress, pain and frustration that would otherwise come with not being prepared. After all, knowledge is power, so understanding the pitfalls of renovating will most certainly help you in your journey to remodel your home.
PIN these Renovating Your Home Tips:
*****
Follow The Life of Stuff on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram