Before getting started on any form of renovation work in your home, it’s essential that you give each of these points some serious consideration.
Will I be Able to afford it?
Many homeowners forget that any form of renovation work will most likely be quite costly. As a result, you will need to sit down with your budget and determine how much you will be able to realistically afford to spend when renovating your home.
Before agreeing to perform any renovations, it is strongly recommended that you obtain an estimate of expenses from an accredited builder. You may also need to research various loan or mortgage options to help cover your renovations costs, as few people can afford to cash flow these.
Know why you want to Renovate
Do you want to renovate your home to give it a much-needed makeover or are you keen to sell the property in the near future? If you intent staying in the property indefinitely, you will want to spend as much as you can comfortably afford on fixtures to ensure that you get maximum usage from them. However, if you plan to sell shortly, opt for neutral finishes and paint jobs – few people will find a glowing orange kitchen wall appealing.
Can you DIY or not?
It may be a tempting proposition to try and perform home renovations yourself to cut costs. However, this is not recommended if any forms of structural changes are going to be made because while some walls can be removed without repercussions, load bearing walls cannot – and only a structural engineer will be able to determine which are which.
In cases where cosmetic changes like painting form part of the project, this can often be performed in a DIY capacity. When choosing paint, always spend as much as you can comfortably afford, as this will ensure that it is durable and dirt-resistant.
Are you willing to be inconvenienced?
Most people who have already renovated their homes will tell you that this can be an extremely inconvenient time. In many cases, projects can take longer than initially planned, meaning that you will have to be willing to live with contractors underfoot for weeks or even months on end, especially if a lot of work is being done. In cases where kitchens and bathrooms are being revamped, you may even have to organize alternative living space until the work has been completed.
Various Permits may be required
In most cases, you will need to obtain permission from the relevant authorities, council or municipal departments before going ahead and digging for that new pool or knocking walls down on your property. Neighbours will also need to be informed if excessive noise levels are going to form part of your project. Always ensure that you obtain all necessary permits before starting your projects – you don’t want to have to deal with the heartache of tearing things down because you don’t have the necessary permits.
After your renovations have been completed, it is recommended that they be professionally inspected to ensure that they comply with current building and safety standards. If you need assistance in this regard, contact our team today.