How To Renovate A House: Your Ultimate Guide
With all big projects, it helps to have a checklist that can guide you through each and every stage. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate checklist for renovating your home, with tips and tricks to help you with budgeting and DIY along the way.
If you like a challenge, you’re probably raring to go with your house renovation. House renovations are ideal no matter your property, and if they’re done right you can even live in the house as it’s being completed.
With all big projects, it helps to have a checklist that can guide you through each and every stage. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate checklist for renovating your home, with tips and tricks to help you with budgeting and DIY along the way.
Research And Preserve Property Features
This is a great thing to do first when renovating your home, especially if you’re renovating a period property. Over the years, many beautiful period homes have been stripped of their charm, so consider keeping that original fireplace or plaster moulding.
Calculate Your Overall Cost
Another thing to consider before evening lifting a finger on your property is to assess exactly how much money you’ll need in order to fulfil your renovation ideas. Take a good look around and make notes on every minute detail you want to change. This way, nothing should come as a surprise, and you can create a detailed financial schedule for your renovation.
It’s ideal to be realistic about your finances, and only spend what you can afford to spend, otherwise, you may end up in debt. It’s also a good idea to put aside a cache of money in order to prepare for any emergencies you may encounter along your renovation journey. In many cases, people will put aside 10-20% of their overall budget to allow for unexpected expenses.
Check If You Need Planning Permission
If you’re changing anything on the property, you may need to obtain planning permission before you start anything. If your home is listed (many built from before 1840 are) then you will need consent before making alterations too.
Conduct The Right Surveys
When you renovate your home, it’s a good idea to book the right surveys. Bat surveys can be bothersome, but it’s best to get them out the way as you may incur a fine if you harm or disturb bats when they’re roosting. You can find out more about this here. Depending on your house, you may also need other surveys such as a full structural survey or a homebuyers report. Luckily there are some articles online that can help you with this.
Find The Best Contractors
Whether you’re installing rooflights or are completely gutting your kitchen, you’ll need the best contractors for the job. Check-in with family and friends to see their suggestions or do a quick google search for the highest recommended contractor in your local area.
Make Your Site Safe And Secure
Before and after any demolition work, ensure that your site is safe and secure. Safety is imperative on a building site for everyone involved in the project. Make sure you remove any hazardous waste, wires etc from the ground, and make sure your home is protected from potential intruders while you’re away from the property.
Begin The Renovation Process
At this point in your renovation, you may have just started or finished a demolition. If you’re about to begin your demolition, inform your neighbours of any potentially loud work you’re undertaking. Then, make sure you can cater to your builder’s needs – they’ll need somewhere to park, use the bathroom, and a kettle for a good old brew.
Tackle The Big Jobs First
Now you’re ready to start any major jobs! Tackling these first is important, as it means you get the bulk of your renovation over sooner. From here, you can add on smaller tasks and eventually finish your project with finishing and decorating!
Do you have any home renovations tips? Perhaps there’s something we missed that you think is really important for people to be aware of so let us know in the comments below.
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