If you’re planning on renovating your home, there are a number of factors you need to consider before you begin. Here are the top ten things you need to think about before you get the sledgehammer out:
1. What exactly needs doing?
It may sound obvious, but without a clear plan you can’t even start. Think about exactly what you want to do - if it's simply an extra bedroom you need, would converting your garage do the job? Or are you completely renovating your property from top to bottom to create a dream home? Do you want to create more space, open up the house or add another storey?
2. How much is it going to cost?
You need to ensure you have not only the funds to complete the work, but also enough money to keep paying the bills - plus, factor in any unforeseen events or problems which may arise. A good idea is to work out how much money you think your renovation will cost, and then double it. Seriously.
3. Who is going to do the work?
If you’re a builder who has done major projects before, of course you will want to do it yourself - but remember you may need to get experts in to do the jobs you have no experience in, such as electrics or gas. Do your research, and then find a builder you can trust and rely on.
4. How long will it take?
Be prepared for any project to take much longer than you originally think. Just as with a budget, our natural inclination is to underestimate. If you really want a major job done in a couple of months, you’re going to have to pay for the extra manpower.
5. Will you need planning permission?
Many projects, even small ones, will need planning permission. If in doubt, check! You don’t want to get into trouble once everything’s already complete.
6. Do it for the long-term
Don’t put anything into your new-look home which you could easily fall out of love with in 10 years’ time. What’s fashionable now may look ridiculous in a decade - sticking with a classic look will always pay dividends.
7. Are there any hazards?
Find out before you start if you are likely to encounter hazards such as asbestos or lead when you’re carrying out building work. Also check that your supporting walls are never compromised. Better safe than sorry!
8. Be prepared for a mess
It’s inevitable that renovation creates a huge amount of dust, debris, noise and overall messiness. If you can’t live with this, you’ll have to move elsewhere for the duration.
9. Where to source the materials
Always check where you will get your materials from before you start work. If you’re buying something exotic or unusual you may have to wait months for it to arrive, so it’s best to make a detailed plan and then stick to it.
10. It’s not the end of the world if something goes wrong
Finally, renovating your home is bound to be a stressful time, even if you’re just converting your attic. The bigger the project, the more problems you will encounter, but the thing to remember is that it’s unlikely to go smoothly from beginning to end. Just try to enjoy the ride!