Whether you’ve just bought a new home that needs a little TLC, or are looking to renovate your existing home, it’s important to do your research on home renovations before taking the plunge. Renovations can be exciting as well as daunting, and it’s essential that property owners have an excellent handle on their finances before committing to extensive refurbishments that could run over time and budget.
To help you see the pitfalls before they happen we’re sharing tips and tricks from recent renovators with first-hand experience. The tips below will go a long way to helping those considering doing home refurbishments avoid unnecessary problems, costs and headaches that usually come along with bricks, dust, building contractors and paint samples.
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1. Choose your contractors wisely
Get more references than you think you need before making a final decision on a contractor. Local social media groups offer a wealth of information and recommendations on reputable service providers. Ultimately, you want to be sure your selected contractor has a long list of happy customers and not an upcoming slot on Carte Blanche.
2. Ask questions, manage your expectations
It pays to remember there are no stupid questions when you’re parting with your hard-earned cash. Make sure you understand and agree on your contractors’ scope of work, terms and conditions and each and every cost involved before signing on the dotted line.
3. Go green
Go green as far as possible. Get a plumber to put your geysers on timers or opt for solar geyser heating. Consider investing in roof insulation and replace old lightbulbs with energy-efficient alternatives.
4. Document everything
Documenting absolutely every step of your home renovation process is a universal bit of advice you won’t regret taking. Whether it is the name of the tile you choose, paint colours per room, window measurements and room dimensions. Doing this means you can touch up paint, replace a broken tile or buy a new piece of furniture with peace of mind.
5. Ask an expert
Leave some decisions to the experts. Not sure what colour and shade paint to use in which room? Enlist the help of a paint consultant who can advise on which tones work together, how many litres you need and how much you can expect to spend. If making a decision causes you anxiety, then find an expert to help you.
6. Don’t underestimate costs
Estimates vary, but the general rule of thumb is to add 20 percent on top of all current costs to give you some breathing room in case of unexpected expenses. If you’re lucky, and you don’t need to spend this, you have some budget to spend on décor!
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7. Don’t rush the décor
As tempting as it may be to splurge on soft furnishings like curtains, linen, throws and wall art, don’t rush the process. Live with the room for a little while first and spend later. This gives you time to bargain hunt too.
8. Start your research online
The internet is full of advice and inspiration, so don’t be afraid to use it. Start your research online. There are apps available that enable you to create sketches and visualise changes before you decide to bash down that wall. Beware of comparing your home (and budget) to polished influencer accounts on Instagram or Pinterest and embrace and celebrate your unique style without any unnecessary filters.
9. Don’t overcapitalise your investment
Make sure you keep the property’s value in line with your chosen area. If you decide to sell your property in the future, you want to be able to recoup your costs.
10. Don’t make too many changes along the way
Give yourself time to plan long before the renovation, and then don’t make too many changes along the way. Think about where you will place lights, plug fixtures, and built-in cupboards. Scope changes increase the cost of a renovation and can set you back weeks. You will be happy in the long run making some of these changes, but the time and cost in the short term may make you think twice.
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