If you have recently purchased a property or looking to smarten one up to sell, then you might be looking for help with the renovation. Home renovation is an exciting thing to do, but without research, it could turn into a money-draining situation. From remodeling a single room to large projects such as a full renovation of an old property, there are times when we need some advice on how to proceed. If you are looking to renovate a property, this guide gives you some tips.
Assess your Project
To fully understand what your renovation or remodeling project will require, you need to look at every aspect that you want to change. As you do this, write down the jobs that need completing for each part of the project, and the estimated costs or materials, and labor if you don’t have the skills to do it yourself. Getting a full picture of the work involved will help you to set a realistic budget and timeline, helping to minimize stress during the project.
Updating
Updating or modernizing a property can involve a variety of jobs, depending on the condition and age of the building. For example, you might want to make it more energy efficient by having a new heating system installed.
Old pipework can often be prone to leaks that lead to water damage, so if you are going to all the effort of improving your property, you don’t want the results spoiled by something that could have been prevented. If water has damaged your home, you might need to get help from a water damage service in your area.
Wiring is also something you should check if you are updating a property, as the old wiring will be inefficient and can sometimes be dangerous.
Restoring Original Features
If you are renovating a period property, there are features that you might like to restore to their original form. This includes plaster ceiling roses, wooden window frames, and open fireplaces. Restoring these original features keep the character and charm of your property intact, and they also make a good selling point if you decide to put the property on the market in the future.
Restoring original features can sometimes be a specialist job, and paying an expert is often worthwhile. Not only do you get a quality job, but you might even save yourself money on putting right mistakes should a non-expert have a go at doing it.
Extending
One of the most common ways to renovate a property and add value to it is by extending. Small rooms, such as a kitchen, bring benefits when made larger, such as giving you more living space to enjoy. To extend a property, you might have to apply for permission from your local authority, so it is best to check before you being work.
Unless you are a builder by trade, taking on an extension is something for which you need to use specialist services. For example, you will need a grounds company to dig footings and channels for pipework, bricklayers you build your walls, and roofing services to complete the exterior. If you don’t feel able to manage these different services, then there are also companies that will take care of all the work for you, or you might want to hire a project manager.
Structural Changes
Sometimes, a property may benefit from structural changes, such as making two smaller rooms into one bigger one by removing a dividing wall. Other structural changes are moving doorways, staircases or undertaking an attic conversion. Each type of structural change will need careful evaluation because if it’s not done correctly, it may weaken the foundations of your property. For example, removing a supporting wall will need something else to replace it, such as a lintel, to hold up whatever is above.
Structural changes can make a difference to the layout and usability of a property and is a great alternative to extending.
Renovating a property is a worthwhile project, especially if you are going to be living there for some time. If you haven’t done any building work before, it can be a learning curve. That is why it is really important to get a realistic look at everything that needs to be done, and the costs, before you begin. Otherwise, you might find yourself with an unfinished project that becomes a financial drain. On the other side of the coin, renovating a property can transform the look and the feel of it, and enhance your quality of life. Don’t be afraid of a home renovation project, just approach it sensibly and you will benefit from a great result.
