Starting a home renovation can seem like a daunting task. Whether you’ve enlisted the help of a project manager or are tackling it alone, there are a number of important factors you’ll need to think about before you get underway.
You might be looking to extend your existing living space to create a bigger entertaining area or even moving up into the loft to add another bedroom, either way taking on a renovation is both a challenging and rewarding experience.
Here are some of the things you’ll need to consider when making big and small changes to your home.
Will your house still be sellable after the renovation?
It’s important to review what your plans are before you start. Although you’ll want to create the perfect space for you and your lifestyle, ultimately at some point you’ll come around to selling your home and moving on. Think about whether or not your house will still be sellable after you’re finished. Does the new layout work? Have your electrics been installed correctly and signed off by a professional? Do you have all of the legal documentation from the council to approve what you’ve done?
Will the renovation be in-keeping with the area around you?
Don’t forget, checking out the local area and properties around you is vital before starting any big renovation projects. You’ll want to see if you’re in a restricted, conservation or area of outstanding natural beauty, as these stamps can often have a bearing on what you are and aren’t able to do to your home. If you live in an area filled with period properties for example, it’s unlikely you’ll want to add a large glass or industrial looking extension as it won’t be in-keeping with those around you, and you’re also likely to upset the neighbours!
How will you fund the project?
You’ll want to think about how you’re going to fund the works before you begin. No matter how big or small your renovation plans might be, they’re likely to cost a substantial amount of money. Whether you’ve saved up, have re-mortgaged or are looking into equity release as a way of settling the final bill, consider all your options before you give the green light to any contractors.
What are some of the common mistakes people make?
Thinking about jumping in head first to your renovation project? You might want to think again! Here are some of the most common mistakes that people make when embarking all kinds of renovations to their home:
- Starting the project too soon
- renting a dumpster
- Underestimating costs
- Expecting everything to happen on time
- Choosing the lowest costing contractors
- Hiring a professional that doesn’t understand your vision
- Not asking for references
- Not asking enough questions along the way
