As a global population, we have always been prideful homeowners. Whether you are the proud keeper of a neat studio apartment, a cosy countryside cottage, or a swanky modern mansion, you’re likely to have ambitions and dreams for how to design your space. This may involve significant renovations.
If you’re considering making changes to your current home, or you’re having your first foray into the property flipping market, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into.
Construction and renovations are notoriously tricky. Many people run into issues during projects and end up with serious problems. When problems occur on a site, it’s easy for costs to escalate. While some are part and parcel of the industry, many common issues are avoidable.
To help steer clear of unnecessary trouble, here are some things you should know before renovating.
Photo by Monica Silvestre from Pexels.
- Know the true costs
Don’t overlook the cost of the project. Take the time to go over every single detail, and plan for the best and worst-case scenario. On average, building projects turn out to be significantly more expensive than planned, so allow yourself a cushion in case you go over budget.
2. Know the time to start
As mentioned, costs can add up quickly when building. Plan accordingly, and don’t get ahead of yourself. If you need an extra six months to gather funds, take the time to ensure the project is done correctly.
Your project should have a timeline with a series of milestones. Although this will be subject to change, it’s a great way to be organised and to manage time efficiently.
3. Know to Hire the right people
Hiring the right workers is crucial. Do your research, get some referrals from people in the business, and try to find someone who’s done work on a similar project to yours.
You may find an excellent builder or designer, only to discover that they don’t suit your specific needs.
4. Know to be legally covered
Construction work can be dangerous. Seek legal advice to ensure that you are covered in case of an accident. Anyone working on the site should hold high risk work licenses. A legal dispute could cost you money and time.
5. Know how to read and understand a design
Design drawings and plans can be difficult to interpret. Some people can take in a plan at a glance, while others will need to study it extensively. Don’t pretend to understand your designer’s plan and then complain later that the work isn’t right.
Familiarise yourself with plans and learn to read them.
6. Know when to ask questions
If you’re unsure of anything, it’s always a good idea to ask questions. When it’s your money on the table, there are no stupid questions.
7. Know how to manage stress
Following the above steps will help keep stress levels low, but with extensive work, it’s natural for anxiety to build.
Manage this stress by effectively communicating with those who are working on the project. Take a step back now and again, and don’t burn yourself out. Finally, have an emotional outlet where you can vent and air out whatever issues that you may have.
