Home renovations come with excitement and anxiety as they can be huge investments. As such, It is not something to rush into; you must do your homework well before embarking on such a project. Costs and time are prime considerations you should take into account in a journey that starts from planning, execution to completion. Getting that sense of satisfaction after the completion of the project means doing everything the right way. To make your journey smooth and flawless, here are seven tips to guide you.
1. Plan well
Planning is the first and most crucial step in any home remodeling project. When preparing the plan, ask yourself a few questions. For example, “ Am I doing a full renovation? “, ”When do I expect the renovation process to begin and end?” , “ Will I hire a professional team or will I do part of the work myself?” etc. Jot down on the spreadsheet the phases that you expect the project to take until completion. Note materials, time, and costs under every phase. Plan ahead so that when the project starts, it continues smoothly without any delays. Proper planning keeps you on budget and negates distractions that usually cause unanticipated problems. A good plan lays down a robust groundwork that is needed to thrust forward the entire remodeling project.
2. Solicit For Estimates From Contractors
Once you have a plan ready, you need to shop around for affordable, experienced and reliable contractors in Brisbane. Prepare a list of about ten contractors after searching the web, social media and asking for referrals from friends and family members. Send your blueprint to the general contractors to help them discern the nature of your home renovation. After receiving the estimates, you’ll be able to get a rough idea of the total cost of the project. To select the best estimate, check on the experience of the contractors, the materials they use, their financial stability and reliability in delivering what they have quoted in the estimates.
Estimates may include plumbing or electrical work. These are technical installations which may require you to hire experts in the field. You can ask for recommendations or go online and search for the best electricians in Brisbane. If you’ve your go-to installer, then that is a plus.
3. Prepare Your Finances
The estimate is a guide that enables you to know the amount the entire project will cost. If you’ve been planning for the project for a while, then chances are that you’ve saved cash for it. Add 10% of the total cost of the project to your budget to cater for unexpected expenditure. Also, you need to compare the costs of various materials and connect with reliable suppliers that will enable you to save costs by buying in bulk. While that is imperative, it is even crucial to know how the renovation process may affect your home insurance. You can take advantage of rebates that come with making your home ‘greener’ by installing energy saving or water saving gadgets. Be proactive and look for effective ways to cut down costs. If you’re considering going for a loan, shop around for the best mortgage lenders. A practical budget is flexible allowing you to cover extra costs with ease.
4. Get All the Paperwork Ready
You need to fill forms and sign agreements with your contractor, insurance provider and local construction authorities. Before flagging off the construction team, ensure that you have a home renovation insurance. It comes in handy as sometimes renovations can cause structural damages to the building. Note that your usual home insurance is invalidated when your home is under renovation. Kindly check with your provider to know their requirements for home renovations. Besides that, you can save on costs by avoiding fines and extra costs by acquiring the required permits to renovate your home. Permits ensure that the construction work meets the standards set by the local council. If you are not sure what the permits entail, your local council will help you know if your home is subject to estate covenants requirements, heritage regulations and energy-and-water-saving regulations. Another document to keep in mind is the contract between you and the contractor. Most contractors have contractual agreements ready just to be signed by clients. Read every section of the agreement and do not ignore areas that you don’t understand. Having all paperwork ready will help you begin the project without wastage of time.
5. Supply of Materials
You can either purchase the materials or let the contractor purchase them. If you have a busy schedule, you can delegate the task to the contractor. Purchasing materials, yourself implies that you’re responsible for transport and supply and the return of materials that do not meet the requirements needed.
6. Map Out Project Schedule
The estimate you choose will likely give you a rough idea on how long the renovation project will take. Most homeowners desire to see the renovations take the shortest time possible so that they can begin using their home. Larger projects disrupt your way of life momentarily as you may not be able to live in your home for weeks.
Your contractor should be clear on the time the project is going to take. Don’t push the contractor to finish off the project within a tight time frame as it may lead to poor craftsmanship. If you’re undertaking a kitchen or bathroom renovation, the actual remodeling work can take a few days, but if you’re carrying out loft conversions, room extensions, and basement conversions, it might take months to complete the project. A proper schedule will help you plan your time well and know if you’re going to pitch a camp or rent a home until the project is completed.
7. Review Work Contract
You need to ensure that the contract meets your desires in regard to costs, time and quality of the services delivered. Ensure that the contract has:
- Project scope with an explanation for each phase of the project.
- A fixed price for the entire project.
- A Clearly spelt payment schedule.
- A change order that helps support work details that lead to an increase or decrease in the overall price of the project.
- Changes clause that ensures that the contractor adheres to what is stated in the contract.
- Proof of payment clause that allows you to withhold payments until the contractor provides mechanic’s lien waivers from vendors and subs.
- Warranty. Insist on a one-year warranty for damages that may occur due to improper workmanship.
- An arbitration clause that will help resolve any disputes in case they arise.
When renovating your home remember to involve your family as well as institutions such as your insurance and mortgage financier. The success of the project depends on how you select your contractors and how articulate and inclusive your renovation plan is.
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