Renovating your home is an exciting time. But if you don’t plan and prepare carefully, you could end up in all sorts of trouble. This guide will tell you the eight things you must know before starting your home renovation.
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Invest in a key lockbox
If you’re heading out for the day while workmen are in your house, it’s important to protect yourself from a break-in. Get a key lockbox from a locksmith and program a few codes for your close family and friends. Whenever someone will be working in your home, give them one of these “keys” to keep on their keyring.
Spend time in the space you’re renovating
Don’t just leave your home each day to go to work while the renovations are in full swing. If you’re living in a construction zone for an extended period of time, take your lunch and eat there every day. Sit there, read the paper, relax with friends or family in peace and quiet in your home. It will help you feel less stressed.
Be realistic about your timeline
Renovations will inevitably take more time and cost more money than you originally estimated. Be honest with yourself about how long it takes, and be prepared to go over your budget if necessary. But don’t get hung up on sticking to a strict timeline or budget – at the end of the day, you want your home to look fabulous!
Expect the unexpected
It’s important to be prepared for your renovation and expect the unexpected. Construction is an unpredictable business, and there will always be something that goes wrong. Be open-minded and try not to get frustrated by setbacks or changes in plans. If you can stay calm, it will help everyone around you feel less stressed, too!
Interview multiple contractors
Make sure you interview multiple contractors before hiring one. Have each contractor provide a detailed breakdown of the work they’ll do, how long it will take them to complete each task, their price per hour or per item, and the materials needed. You should look for an experienced and well-reviewed contractor, like Bela Development.
Renovate your kitchen first
Kitchen renovations are the most popular and impactful home updates in Australia, largely because they’re easy to do, don’t require a lot of square footage, and add significant value when you’re ready to sell. If possible, renovate your kitchen before anything else – it can be used by contractors and your family whilst the rest of the renovation is happening.
Be specific about design ideas
If you want to be specific about design ideas, hire a professional designer or architect. If you can’t afford that fee, the next best thing is to find an inexpensive house plan and choose items to decorate yourself (and allow for some flexibility). Work with your contractor and suppliers closely to ensure they know exactly what you’re looking for.
Ask friends for help
If you have a friend who knows a lot about construction, consider asking them for help. It will be easy to manage if the contractor they recommend is trustworthy and qualified. Even if not, it’s helpful to have someone on your team who is an expert in renovations – it will help keep your project on track when things get stressful.