Home renovations come in all shapes and sizes, they are a great way of injecting a new lease of life into your home and can even help to increase your property’s value. Whether you’re upgrading the bathrooms, restoring period features or exploring the option of a complete interior overhaul, a home renovation is a challenging and rewarding project and with so many areas of consideration it can be hard to know where to start. In this post we give you our top 7 tips for making your home renovation a success.
Plan ahead
Every home renovation project is unique but one of the first things you need to consider drawing up is a plan. Setting a clear outline is a great way of guiding you throughout your renovation project and will help to keep you on track. Before starting you’ll want to look at the project as a whole and prioritise the jobs that need doing first. Consider whether it makes sense to approach one room at a time (especially if you’re going to be living in the property during the works) or whether you can afford to do everything at once. Once you’ve got your plan in place, you can start looking at your budget.
Set a realistic budget
The most important part of any project is the budget, establishing one isn’t always an easy task especially if you don’t have a clear vision in mind but it’s important to calculate your figures early in the process. The best way to do this is by taking the cost of materials and labour and add on 15% as a contingency, which should be more than enough to cover you should you run into any unexpected issues mid-way through the renovation.
Establish a timeline
It may sound obvious but once you’ve set on your project and budget it’s time to clarify what is happening and when. Planning a timeline is a great way of helping you stay on track throughout your project. A good timeline will outline each job that needs to be done, from start to finish and in the right order. Ideally you should also add in who is carrying out the work and how much it will cost.
Call-in the professionals
Renovating a property isn’t an easy task. Choosing reliable contractors can be tough but it’s important you take the time to do your research. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest, especially when working to a budget but it’s one expense you don’t want to cut corners on as it’s likely you’ll end up spending much more in the long run. If the project you are starting is rather large and you don’t feel you have the time to project manage or organise it yourself, then I strongly suggest you consider an interior design or design house professional who can organise and manage the project for you like SP3 London. SP3 London specialise in interior design and design house services offering a range of services which include project management, design management, FF&E and more. One of the best ways to find good tradespeople is to let the professional organising your project select the professional who will carry out the construction work.
Draw up a contract
It may sound tedious but drawing up a contract and having a framework set with your tradespeople helps ensure both parties are clear from the start. Your contract should outline what work should be taking place and when. During the renovation, it’s likely timings may change but having a timeline from the start helps ensure both parties are held accountable and have goals to stick to. Your contract should also include a payment plan outlining when the contractor should invoice you and for how much. This will also help with budgeting.
Go For Materials with Good Quality
When it comes to choosing materials for your home renovation project, it’s important to prioritize quality over price. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper materials, these are often less durable and may need to be replaced more frequently, costing you more money in the long run.
One option to consider is engineered hardwood flooring. This type of flooring is made from layers of wood that are bonded together, making it more durable and resistant to moisture than traditional hardwood flooring. It also comes in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can find a look that fits your home’s aesthetic. Another example of a high-quality construction material to consider for your home renovation project is construction Canadian brick, as it is known for its exceptional quality and durability, making it a wise choice for exterior walls, fireplaces, and accent walls. By choosing materials that are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to wear and tear, you can enjoy your newly renovated space for years to come.
Plan ahead
From the tiles on the floor to the washing machine in the kitchen, anyone who has finished a home renovation project before will tell you it’s easier for you if you’ve decided on 80% of the things before the work starts. This is because you’ll need to be on hand to make decisions when the renovations are on-going so the more you’ve made prior to work starting, the easier it will be for you.
Décor and Furniture
Décor and furniture play important roles in home renovations as they really help to amplify the space you’ve created. When managing your own home renovation this area can seem time consuming which is where FF&E services come in. FF&E stands for furniture, fixtures and equipment and by opting to bring in an FF&E specialist to your renovation project you can easily achieve the interiors of your dreams. An FF&E specialist will take your ideas and requirements, understand the spaces you’re trying to create and then source all the products for you whilst ensuring your budget is met. By hiring an FF&E specialist you have more time to focus on the overall project, ensuring it’s all going to plan whilst you have a qualified specialist finding you exactly what you need to help complete your home renovation.
