![\"DIY](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/renovations-plan-DIY-300x187.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWhether you’ve just bought a new home that\u00a0needs 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\u2019s essential that property owners have an excellent handle on their finances before committing to extensive refurbishments that could run over time and budget.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Also read:<\/strong>\u00a0Buyer\u2019s Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Solar Geyser in SA<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It pays to remember there are no stupid questions when you\u2019re parting with your hard-earned cash. Make sure you understand and agree on your contractors\u2019 scope of work, terms and conditions and each and every cost involved before signing on the dotted line.<\/p>\n Go green as far as possible. Get a plumber to put your geysers on timers or opt for solar geyser heating<\/a>. Consider investing in roof insulation and replace old lightbulbs with energy-efficient alternatives.<\/p>\n Documenting absolutely every step of your home renovation process is a universal bit of advice you won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re lucky, and you don\u2019t need to spend this, you have some budget to spend on d\u00e9cor!<\/p>\n1. Choose your contractors wisely<\/h3>\n
2. Ask questions, manage your expectations<\/h3>\n
![\"DIY](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/home-renovation-DIY2-300x198.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n3. Go green<\/h3>\n
4. Document everything<\/h3>\n
![\"DIY](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/home_renovation5-300x169.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n5. Ask an expert<\/h3>\n
6. Don\u2019t underestimate costs<\/h3>\n
![\"Glad](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/DIY_paint_seal-300x153.jpeg\")
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![\"kitchen](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Kitchen_accent-300x152.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"view](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Buttons_ViewOffers-300x57.png\")
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