If you’re a homeowner, at some point you will probably consider making renovations to your property. Whether that’s repairing areas of your roof that have become damaged over the years, building a major extension to your home, or just making some small changes here and there to improve your property and boost its value, you’ll have to take many important factors into consideration first.
Renovation work can be costly and take a great deal of your time and energy – it may even require you to move temporarily or make changes to your living arrangements while the construction workers take over. Make sure you’ve considered these essential points before you sign any contracts or start a project.
1. Find the right people for the job. You don’t want just anyone working on your property. This renovation could have a profound impact on the value of your home should you decide to sell, and any mistakes could be costly. Many homeowners also put a good deal of money into large renovations, so finding a highly regarded contractor and workers to get the job done perfectly is crucial. Make sure you’re using workers who have a rpl certificate iii in bricklaying so you know they’re skilled and experienced in this type of work, and use a contracting service with stellar references and a strong reputation in your area. Doing your research first could save you plenty of money and grief further down the line, and ensure that you end up with the exact finished project you’re hoping to achieve.
2. What’s your budget? The amount of money you have available to cover this renovation will be the primary consideration before you make any big decisions. You’ll need to sit down with your partner and take a look at your entire annual income and expenses, as well as your savings, and assess exactly how much you can afford to spend. Some homeowners take out loans to renovate with the aim of increasing their property’s value, but it’s generally better to wait until you have the money yourself to pay upfront to avoid the stress of debt looming over you in the future. Have a defined budget with some added wriggle room for unexpected expenses that could come up throughout the process, and make sure your contractor is aware of the budget and able to work within those financial parameters.
3. Understand the materials. While you won’t be doing the construction work yourself, you can discuss particular details with your contractor to make sure every aspect of the renovation meets your needs and desires for your property. Material choice is an important example. The materials you opt for will depend on your budget, the type of quality you’re looking for, as well as environmental considerations. Discuss the options and the pricing of each option with your contractor so you’re fully informed before you make your choices.
4. What will this renovation do for your property? You need to have a strong sense in your mind of what you want to gain from this renovation. Do you just want an extra bathroom to add convenience and space in your home, or are you hoping to give your property value a major boost? Consider these aims and look at what type of renovations will help you achieve those goals.