Bringing new life to the place you call home can be one of the most rewarding adventures undertaken, adding lifestyle, comfort and chic to your property. Unfortunately, as it mixes those ingredients of money, time, hard work and mess, it can also be one of the most irritating, so here are five tips to ensure your renovation runs smoothly.
1. BUDGET
A surprising amount of the work for a renovation is done behind the scenes, with the most essential piece of labor being deciphering your budget. You should know in advance how much disposable cash you have to spend on your reno-endeavor, and allocate accordingly.
Then it's time to work out the areas you can save on and the items that will require expenditure. It's also vital to have a little extra up your sleeve, just in case some unforeseen expenses or circumstances pops up.
2. PLAN ON PAPER FIRST
With your budget in hand, it's time to plan things out on paper. This involves measuring spaces, setting some time frames, choosing and pricing items, and getting quotes from necessary professionals. This way you'll know if you really have the spare change for bespoke leadlight windows, or if you might need to hunt around for some gorgeous second-hand numbers instead.
3. TOOLS FOR THE JOB
Having the right tools for any renovation is extremely vital, as it can save you countless hours and ensure a professional finish. If you need some new power tools, this should be considered in your budget. Opt for quality brands such as Ryobi that will see you through to the completion of your project and beyond into other DIY tasks.
Depending on the job, you are likely to at least require a drill, circular saw and even angle grinder, but there may be a few more needed along the way. If you're likely to use it only once - like a cement mixer or post hole digger, for example - consider hiring instead of buying.
4. EXPERTS WHEN REQUIRED
There will be jobs when only the expertise of an experienced trades person will do. This definitely applies to electrical work but, depending on your skills, this may also be the case for tiling, flooring or plumbing. Make no mistake: hiring an expert can actually save you money by ensuring the job is done to standard and is right the first time. It can also save a whole lot of time and hassle.
5. ONE SECTION AT A TIME
Undertaking a renovation can be so exciting that it's tempting to rip up the whole floor of your house in one hit, or start stripping off wallpaper in every room. However, if you are living in the house at the time of renovating, do one section at a time. This stops your entire property from becoming a work site and also allows you to celebrate the milestones along the way. It also lets you regroup and refinance if things prove more expensive than anticipated.
Renovating your property and improving your living space can be hugely satisfying. And with a little forethought and planning, it can also be a stress-free experience.
