You might have just bought a house that you’re ready to turn into your dream home. Or perhaps the needs and wants of your old home are changing and you don’t feel it fits you anymore. Whatever reason you want to renovate, you need to take your foot off the gas for a second. Going ahead without the proper planning will cause you much more trouble than you might think. Here are a few questions you’re going to need answering before you start implementing all those design ideas.
Is it as cost-effective as it should be?
We’re not going to use the word cheap. Cheap shouldn’t be applied to something as extensive as a renovation. You should never skimp on quality when it comes to a change that will last you years. But there are ways to make sure that it fits within your budget. For instance, you should consider what parts of the job you can reliably do yourself. You should also look at opportunities to get materials for free by being salvage savvy. There are businesses, construction sites, and even friends who might have more home materials to share than you would think.
Do you have the green light?
Having your money ready is just one of the essential provisions to get in advance. You also have to consider any permissions or documentation you might have to go ahead with your planned renovations. Look at the common questions about party walls if you’re concerned about the boundary between you and your neighbour’s home. If you’re making exterior changes, see if there aren’t any rules on aesthetic conformity you need to follow in your area.
Can you get a little help?
Preparation isn’t just about making sure that you’re safe to go ahead. With a little more, you can even get some help on getting there. They aren’t very common, but there do exist some grants and tax breaks that can contribute to the work you want to do in your home. A lot of them are for specific areas, properties, or designations like historic buildings. It might be a long shot, but it’s worth taking a look at, anyway. Otherwise, you could miss a grant of thousands of pounds and then you’ll really be kicking yourself.
Do you have the right hands on deck?
Don’t go for the first renovator you see. You want to make sure you have builders you trust working on the home. Looking at their online reputation, reviews, and what services they offer is just the start. Invite more than one team to look at the property and tell them what you want from them. In most cases, you want the one that’s most transparent about what work they need to carry out and what exactly they quote you for. When you can, it’s a better idea to take a closer look at those who are part of trade associations, too. They’re not mandatory for builders, but they are a sign that their methods and work are regularly checked and kept to standard.
If you’ve found the answers to all those questions, then you might just be ready to start work. Here’s hoping your new home gives you all the joy you deserve.
Love,
*This is a collaborative post