A home renovation can add several thousand pounds to a property on re-sale but, frequently, will alert you to problems that weren't previously visible, like rising damp. If this is true then the costs can soar quite drastically, and that's why you're advised to look for an assessment of the property's state .
In regards to home renovation projects, consider the actions involved before committing. Use this home renovation checklist to dictate your ideas, and begin planning your dream house!
Decide what you want
Keep a scrapbook, want list or Pinterest board of the designs you love. There might be a few key structural changes that you need but you can also build up a library of ideas by researching different projects. Learn which design you like best, what is affordable and what's out of bounds. Prioritise your must-haves and nice-to-haves, as this can help to determine your financial plan.
Before meeting with an architect, have a budget estimate in mind. This will direct you so that you may put some realistic expectations. Don't forget to also build in a contingency fund for those unexpected hiccups, like discovering moist after ripping plaster off the walls.
Get out the calendar. When do you need building works to begin? How long will they last and what effect will that have on daily life? These are important points to also talk with your architect and contractor.
Utilities (Water, Gas, Electricity)
In a particularly old property, you will likely need to upgrade old wiring. This is the perfect opportunity to install gadgets, if you would like a'smart' home, as well as contemporary requirements such as Wi-Fi and TV cable. It's also wise to think of lighting and make sure that it is wired safely.
Everything degrades over time, and pipes and gas supplies are no different.
Budget
Think through how you'll pay for the costs. Savings? Re-mortgaging? Taking out a loan? Prices and timescales can be calculated and planned before work starts. To help handle the budget, set a deadline of action throughout the job when you meet your architect or contractor as they may provide you further guidance.
Some tasks should be carried out by a specialist, such as rewiring, but you can find additional remodelling jobs which you're able to take on yourself. The main benefit of this is saving money. You may need to look at taking on yourself, or sharing the workload with a couple buddies to get your budget go further. An added factor to take into account if you're planning to do a little bit of DIY is that the undertaking may take a lot longer than if you should hire a specialist.
Locating an architect
In regards to researching architects, begin with a listing of sailors. Speak with your friends, family and acquaintances for recommendations and have a look at their sites or arrange to meet face to face. Give them a short of your renovation project and a demanding budget. You should meet with a few architects to be certain you get on, not just that they have exactly the same design taste as you.
Hunting planning permission
Searching for planning permission is essential for any new construction but renovations also require full planning permission to be granted before works begin. The local authority will decide whether to grant permission by assessing the affect your renovation may have on privacy, reduction of pure lighting, influence on listed buildings, materials and overall design, nature conservation, etc.. It can take about eight weeks to gain acceptance, so the sooner you're able to procure this, the better.
Locating contractors
Like when studying architects, you should get several bids before deciding on a contractor to perform your renovation. Start looking for local businesses, and receive word of mouth recommendations from friends or family. You may ask for references from past clients also. Prospective contractors will provide an estimate which includes the cost of materials. It's possible to talk to the providers to find out which mark-up is being implemented, and whether it is reasonable. Learn what projects they're already working on so that you may gauge their availability and resource, particularly for small businesses.
Living arrangements will need to be considered also, and will probably be dependent on the size of this renovation project. Will you remain in the house during the renovation, or even look for temporary accommodation? What impact will this have on your financial plan?
You also have to think about insurance when undertaking a home renovation project. Not only do you want to seek cover for the present arrangement however, you will need general liability insurance in the event of any mishaps while building works are continuing, such as roofing tiles falling and injuring a passer-by. In case you decide to lease elsewhere while your property is being renovated, then you should also take out unoccupied home insurance.
Remember, once
Commercial Building Projects is complete you must improve your sum insured to pay for the new additions to the property. HomeProtect can offer renovation insurance quotes online, or contact us to inform us about your forthcoming job and pay requirements.