Renovating your house is no easy task. It can be frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive. From tearing down walls to drilling new holes for wiring, it’s an all-around hassle. Luckily several things can make this process easier. With the right preparation and tools, everything will go a lot smoother. Here are some tips to help you prepare for making your home renovation easier than you can imagine.
Find Reliable Contractors
If you have never done construction on your home before, then it can be difficult to know who to trust. You might want to ask neighbors whether they were happy with their renovations or not. You can also try asking friends or family members for recommendations.
If you are satisfied with the renovation company’s previous work, then they are probably a good choice for you as well. You should also consider whether you want to hire a general contractor or a carpenter. For example, if you just need a couple of holes drilled through your wall, then it is most cost-effective to hire a carpenter. But if you plan on doing extensive renovations, such as adding new rooms or tearing old ones down, then you should hire a general contractor because they can do everything for you and give you a better price.
Make a list of the materials
Renovating a house requires building materials to help complete the job.
To make this overwhelming renovation process go more smoothly and efficiently, consider making a list of needed materials, including any specialized tools or equipment. These building materials can range from boards and nails to mortar for building brick. Brick can come in wide varieties, from natural clay brick to white or grey cement blocks, providing different looks when creating walls or houses. Besides, building brick is particularly popular among those who favor a more rustic look when renovating a home, as they range in color and have a unique texture that is rarely found in any other form of building material.
Also, remember to include any necessary safety gear to your lists, such as hard hats, gloves, and goggles.
Find The Right Time To Do It
This tip seems like a no-brainer, but it’s often overlooked. The best time to do house renovations is during the winter or summer when the weather is bad and nobody wants to go outside anyway. This also ensures that you can close off any unfinished rooms and avoid distractions from curious children and neighbors.
If you have to renovate your house during nice months, then try to schedule it for midweek when people are at work and children are in school so they won’t get underfoot. Also, try to avoid significant holidays such as Christmas and Easter when everyone is trying to relax.
Start Project Early
Renovating a house can be a long process, so you need to start planning well in advance. This means if you have planned renovations for your kitchen, then it wouldn’t make sense to schedule them while the flooring in your living room still needs replacing. That said, if you plan on tackling many different aspects of your home at once then you should hire a professional contractor to help coordinate everything for you.
This will ensure that all activities are carried out within a reasonable timeframe without causing too much inconvenience for anyone involved.
Plan Your Budget Carefully
For renovation projects not to get out of hand, you need to make a budget and stick with it. Don’t get too carried away with the prospect of having that perfect home. If you spend more than originally planned then it’s likely that you’ll end up in debt and renovation-less. It’s important to try and find the right balance between what you currently have and what you want.
That way, if any unexpected expenses arise, or some materials cost more than initially estimated, then there should still be room for maneuverability before your budget is blown. The best way to create a budget is by writing everything down and adding up the prices including unexpected costs. This way, you can see where your funds are going instead of spending them mindlessly throughout the renovation.
Get Rid Of The Things You Don’t Want Or Need
This tip will save you a lot of hassle later on. When renovating your house, it’s important to remember that you’re going to be in there for a while and you don’t want to have stuff lying all over the floor or furniture in the way. Now is your time to get rid of everything that you don’t need or use anymore that might cause problems down the road.
On the other hand, If you have some bulky items that you need but take up too much space and will cause problems during the renovation, then consider renting a storage unit for them until everything is done. This way when it comes time to renovate, things will go much smoother without any unnecessary distractions from clutter.
Keep A ‘To-Do’ List
The temptation to go overboard with renovations can get the better of you. Before long, all your money will be gone and you won’t have anything to show for it except for a list of things that need doing next time around.
Therefore, it is important to prioritize certain tasks over others so that you don’t forget any crucial jobs while running around trying to tackle everything at once. If some small tasks only take 15 minutes or so, give them priority so they don’t pile up too much and become overwhelming. It’s best to start work early in the day when things are fresh so you remember what needs doing and how much time each task takes. Only do one job at a time until it’s finished before starting another one.
Whether you aim to completely redo your house or just need to make a few changes, these tips can help you along the way. Even though renovations can be a lot of work, the result is always well worth it, so make sure you cover all the bases and you’ll be well on your way to creating the house of your dreams.
Things to Consider Before Renovating Your Home
When done properly, home renovations can be incredibly transformative, gratifying, and rewarding. Whether you are updating the living room, bathroom, or kitchen, upgrading a house is an adventure. However, there are numerous things that could go wrong, just like in any adventure. Many homeowners frequently start the process without having any knowledge about what to anticipate. They only realize they should have had a plan after experiencing the consequences of a failed project.
Home renovations can become the most stressful experience of your life due to incorrect supplies, unforeseen delays, and hidden costs. If you don’t have everything planned out for your renovation job, you can find yourself overwhelmed by all the potential problems. The complexity of renovations exceeds what is portrayed on television. It really does need a lot of work, time, and money. Before beginning the project, you must think about and prepare if you want to complete it properly the first time around.
Map out your plan
Because you do not start with a clean slate, renovations are more difficult than new home construction. Let us consider it in this manner. Consider replacing your bathtub if you are redesigning your bathroom. You suddenly realize that you underestimated the bathroom’s square footage as you are attempting to install it. Your new tub is too close to the toilet, and there is not enough space for you to move around comfortably.
Because of this, it is important to have a strategy in place before beginning a renovation project. Without a comprehensive and practical plan, you can find yourself confused. Even your original goal may be lost in the process. Your objectives must be well-defined and written down. It can be straightforward to express your desire for a new bathroom.
Develop a comprehensive design direction and action strategy. While renovating, concentrate on a few essential components. Only a new bathtub, countertop, or mirror is all you need. Does it entail structural alterations like shifting cables and plumbing fixtures, tearing down walls, or altering the room’s layout? What should you complete first? You must consider every aspect, not just the overall picture.
Set a budget
Setting the budget comes after you know what you want. Try to do the math before you become overly attracted to that Pinterest image of a contemporary kitchen. You may get a fair idea of how much your project would cost by browsing the aisles of your neighborhood hardware or design stores. Compare the costs of all the materials you require by window browsing as much as you can.
You can request quotations from suppliers and architects if that seems like too much work for you. The majority of builders are eager to visit a site and offer a free estimate. Around 50% of the material cost, 30% for labor, and 20% for taxes are what you may anticipate paying. Speak with at least three contractors before comparing their quotes. Whether you are biting off more than you can chew must be considered.
You should take a contingency excess into consideration when creating your budget so that you have it available in case of setbacks. During the process of your restoration project, unforeseeable setbacks like burst pipes or blown circuits may occur. The majority of people frequently forget this. While sticking to a rigid budget is important, you should also allow for unforeseen expenses. So that you won’t have to panic when things unexpectedly don’t go as planned, put aside a little extra cash.
Figure out a realistic timeframe
Make a timetable outlining the tasks that must be completed and in what order before you begin your restoration project. Most individuals soon lose their motivation when renovating their homes because it takes a lot of effort and lengthy hours. The renovation process might be stressful due to the amount of work that needs to be done. While remodeling multiple rooms, it’s simple to lose track of what needs to be done. You can work steadily and remain focused on the task at hand if you have a routine in place.
Yet, you should be aware that renovation projects frequently take longer than anticipated. Many factors, including adverse weather, delayed material deliveries, and sick subcontractors, could cause the project to be delayed. Your anticipated one-week wait to use that brand-new tub may end up being seven weeks.
While creating a timeline, you must be reasonable. Think about how long you are willing to use a temporary lavatory. If there are any approaching events that demand your complete attention, check your calendar. Do you intend to host an open house in the upcoming month? If the renovations take longer than four weeks to complete, are you willing to wait for another two?
Consider if you need any permits
Remember that some home improvements require city government permissions before beginning your project. Buyers and lenders today verify that residential and commercial properties adhered to building laws and regulations. If you want to sell your property or refinance it, you can run into problems without this paperwork.
For all remodeling projects, with the exception of minor interior renovations, the National Building Code of the Philippines mandates that an individual or business get a building permit. To ensure that your remodeling plans comply with the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096), Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514), and Local Building Code, an official will review and evaluate them as part of the Building Permit procedure.
By obtaining this permit, the homeowner or contractor working on the project is guaranteed to adhere to all applicable building codes, standards, and minimum specifications. A breach of PD 1096 would occur if this code wasn’t followed. The penalty consists of a fine of not more than $377, up to two years in prison, or both.
Decide whether you want to DIY or call in the experts
Some home improvement tasks are simple enough for a homeowner without any construction experience. Easy cosmetic home upgrades like painting a room new or changing the light fixtures can be completed without professional assistance. Although you can certainly profit from their knowledge, there is no harm in doing it yourself. You can use your restoration cash for more important activities, including purchasing high-quality materials, rather than paying for their labor.
You should, of course, be realistic about the jobs you can complete on your own and the talents you possess. It might be risky to renovate a home by knocking down walls or shifting wires. It is best to discover the correct people who can manage the job if you don’t know how to handle a particular activity or feel confident performing it. Otherwise, you risk generating new issues that could end up costing you more money.
You should also take your free time into consideration as well. Nobody wants to spend a month sleeping on the tiny couch because their bedroom is still completely unfinished. The renovation process can be greatly facilitated by hiring qualified professionals. They can complete the task quickly and efficiently in addition to having the necessary tools and knowledge.
Insist on an airtight contract
Beginning a renovation project is enjoyable, but things become more challenging and realistic as it progresses, things start to become more challenging and realistic. To protect your interests, you should insist on a binding contract if you want to engage with a professional builder. This is still possible for mishaps and problems beyond a person’s control to arise even if you engage a contractor. Because of this, your contract must be detailed and include the following:
- Payment schedule
- Timeframe
- Potential penalties if the contractor fails to meet the deadline
- Details on all the work
You can protect yourself from dishonest contractors by creating a thorough written agreement with safety clauses. A well-written contract will protect you but also demonstrate to contractors your seriousness. That will stop them from attempting to scam you by using confusing language and limited descriptions of the renovation procedure.
Think about layout functionality
Another issue you should think about is the room’s usability. Most individuals are unaware of how important the arrangement is in relation to the room’s aesthetic attractiveness. You have probably seen photographs on the internet of kitchens where there is scarcely any space for you to move around comfortably.
The room will make you feel cluttered and cramped due to the large appliances and awkward placement. Consider the room’s square footage and the remodel’s design before approving the floor plan.
Consider how the space will appear if all of the drawers and appliances are in use at once. Do you have to close the fridge door before using the stove? Will having a kitchen island make it difficult for you to move around the space comfortably?
Maximize existing spaces
Storage room is a characteristic that home buyers want, so if you’re preparing to sell your house, keep that in mind. Homes on tiny lots will gain a lot from remodeling initiatives that make the most of available space. You may improve the aesthetics, give a single room a dual use, and make sure no space is wasted by rearranging rooms and reorienting a layout.
There are numerous creative tactics you can use. If you run out of room to expand, try making the most of your vertical space. You could, for instance, raise the bathroom cupboards to head height to give yourself more freedom to move around. Smart cabinets can be used by people who live in small spaces to properly store all of their belongings.
Test run your colors and materials
When you begin purchasing the materials, you should give the interior design project careful thought if you intend to work on it yourself. Make an effort to compile a picture, color, and texture mood board. To test out the colors and materials, you can go to showrooms and get samples.
Remember that during the day, color and pattern are affected by the light. If you have an adequate number of samples, consider painting a thin streak on a piece of durable cardboard and moving it around the rooms all day and all night.
Accommodations and lifestyle changes
How a restoration project will impact a homeowner’s daily life is one of the most essential aspects that many homeowners overlook. This not only interferes with your daily routine but can also have a significant negative influence on your way of life and mental health.
You may need to plan how you are going to live in your home while the renovations are being done, depending on how big the project is. You could find the frequent hallway traffic and noise to be too loud and stressful to handle.
You may need to find alternate housing if you believe you cannot survive in that environment for more than a few days. If you don’t have enough money, you could have to move in with your parents or rent a property for a while. Consider your options for taking a shower, cooking, and sleeping if you intend to stay at home during the renovation project.
Conclusion
It can be difficult and time-consuming to renovate a home, but with proper planning and consideration, it can be made simpler. A well-planned remodeling requires a budget, the use of qualified contractors, and advance preparation. In addition, it is essential to emphasize functionality, think about the home’s potential market value, and maintain organization throughout the restoration process. By using these tips, you can simplify the renovation process and create the house of your dreams.