So you’re thinking of taking on a house renovation project? Breathing new life into an old home can be an overwhelming task, especially if you haven’t completed one before. With careful planning, thoughtful design and a considered choice of contractors, a renovation or addition can improve the livability of your home.
Develop a plan
The first step in a renovation project is to develop a plan that clearly states your main goal for your renovation which includes design inspiration and an outline of the work that needs to be completed. If the house is not big enough for your needs, consider how you could change it to rectify that. You might be able to easily convert an existing space such as a garage or unused room to create a more livable space. Does the site allow room for a rear extension whilst leaving a sizable outside space to still enjoy? Look at neighboring properties for an indication of what may be possible.
In this initial phase of home renovating it is important that local zoning regulations and permits are investigated making sure the neighborhood is zoned for your renovation, especially if these include a project that will change the structure of your home or the use of a room. Although many types of home renovations and minor building projects don’t need approval from a council or certified accreditor, you may need permission from some. At LBD, we can do this sometimes confusing/complicated task for you.
Determine your budget
The next step when planning a home renovation is to determine your budget and financing. Your budget should include the costs for permits, building materials and labour costs. In building your budget, decide how much you want to spend. Many renovation projects blow their budget due to conditions that cannot be estimated or accounted for. To avoid this happening to you, set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected costs and request cost estimates from several contractors to find the best option for your budget.
Next in your home project planning, consider what you can DIY or whether you will need to hire a dream team! Don’t choose your designer or contractors based on cost estimates alone. When interviewing and selecting your contractors, also consider years of experience, current contracting licence and insurance for the type of work they perform, references and a simple contract that describes the work being carried out, its costs and any warranty.
Establish a timeline
Once you have a budget and team in place for your renovation, it’s time to put together a timeline for the project. Be sure your timeline includes time to clean out the project area, allows for the shipping and delivery of materials and accounts for any holidays your contractors may take off.
When you’re planning a home renovation, make sure you’re prioritising any structural projects first. If your roof, foundation or electrical system needs improvements, be sure to complete those before spending money on general cosmetic changes. While a kitchen renovation might improve your day-to-day life, a leaky roof could destroy your new kitchen if it’s not addressed at the first sign of a problem.
Renovating your own home might be a lot of work but it is also a very rewarding experience in creative expression and skill building.
Book your Free “is it possible” consultation with one of our design experts now.
