Renovating your home is one of the best ways to get the home you want. If done right, you can also make a good profit when you decide to sell it. Whether it’s a complete kitchen makeover or a small bathroom renovation, home renovation projects can be exciting as well as stressful.
A successful home renovation entails proper preparation and planning, and that’s where our step-by-step guide to home renovation can help.
How to Renovate Your House: Our Step-By-Step Guide
Any home renovation project requires solid planning and a willingness to expect the unexpected. Here are the steps you should take when renovating your home:
1. Decide What Improvements You Want to Make
Start with putting down all your home renovation ideas in one place. This will help you decide what changes you want to make.
Go through magazines, check social media, and chat with your friends and neighbours - once you have an idea of what you need to do, planning for it becomes easier.
2. Make a Plan
A solid, well-thought plan should be your priority when undertaking a home renovation project. Making a plan helps you make the whole process time-efficient and stress-free. Some things you should include in your plan are:
- What needs to be done
- How long will it take
- In what order should you complete it
- How much will it cost
However, when planning the schedule of work, ensure that you plan for:
- Weather disruption
- Snagging
- Possible delays
- Structural issues
- Planning permissions
- Cash crunch/overbudget
Set realistic deadlines while factoring in possible delays that are beyond your control.
3. Create a Budget
Creating a budget will help you know how much you can afford to spend on your home improvement project. A budget will also help you assess your financial situation, helping you figure out how much you have and how much more you need. Be realistic with your budget while factoring in an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. As much as we recommend home renovations that can be done without disrupting your budget, if there is any shortfall while the project is underway, instead of stalling it, consider a low-cost home renovation loan to bridge the cash gap.
Top Tip: Get a few rough home renovation estimates for the work you are planning to do. This will help you plan your budget, understand whether you can DIY or get professional help and decide whether you need to apply for a home improvement loan.
4. Work on the Design
This is the fun part. Start with the basics. But if your renovation idea demands detailed designs, it’s best to use professional help. Experts will be able to create the best possible designs based on your needs.
5. Choose Contractors Carefully
The right contractor can get the job done faster and better. So, take your time to select the best contractor for your design ideas. Meet a few of them and get a few different quotes. Also, check references. Choose a contractor that you trust and communicate with ease.
Top Tip: Ask for itemised quotes. This will give you a breakdown of costs, from tax and materials to labour.
6. Get the Required Permission
If your home renovations involve building a one-story building in your garden, adding an extension, or loft conversion, check with your local planning officer to find out if you need to take any permissions. Also, as a courtesy, let your neighbours know about your renovation plans so that they are aware of any potential disruption.
8. Commence the Renovation
Start your renovation work but be mindful of the fact that it can impact your life. Some areas of the house where the work is being carried out may be unusable. If you cannot deal with the disruptions, consider an alternative living arrangement until the renovation work is completed.
Summing it all up…
Home renovations can improve your home and life in many ways. The key to successful home renovation is planning. So, give yourself enough time to do it right. Home renovation doesn’t have to be stressful. Research, plan and have fun with it.
