Home renovation projects can be huge and daunting and exciting. With so much to plan and decide, to organise and manage, it can be overwhelming, to say the least, but the end result is almost always worth it.
One of the best ways to stay on top of things throughout your renovation and not feel like you’re drowning is to plan things ahead of time as thoroughly as possible. Here is a list of some important things to remember during the planning phase, so that you don’t run into trouble later down the line.
Approvals
First of all, you need to remember that any plans you have will need to comply with safety regulations and will need to be officially approved before you can begin – as well as be inspected once your project is concluded.
Larger projects may require you to obtain specific permits, and you can get Materials Testing Consultants to ensure that your materials and project overall meet requirements and are safe to go ahead with.
Limitations
People love the saying that “the sky is the limit” and while it may be true in some cases, home renovation is not one of those areas. While there is a lot you can do, you’ll have to keep in mind what limitations are in place when planning your projects.
Not only will your budget limit you, but the size of your property and the structure of your home will also play a role in what can viable be done to the space. Unless you decide to tear down the building completely and start from scratch, you’ll need to make sure your plans and ideas will fit into the home you have.
Design
Don’t be afraid to be a little creative and daring when designing your home, but be sure to work with a qualified and experienced designer to help you through it. A good starting point is to gather pictures online of ideas you like and to sketch any rough plans you have for the space.
Next, a consultation with a designer will enlighten you on which of your ideas will work, how they’ll work and any ways they might need to be tweaked. A good designer will help you take your dreams and create the blueprint that will turn them into a reality.
Budget
You’ll need to plan your budget carefully, long before you begin the process. Keep in mind that every step of this journey will cost you – designers, architects, permits, blueprints, builders, inspections, and even the décor after the fact.
Make sure that you try to account for anything that will be included and be financially prepared for it.
Time
Finally, you’ll need to try to gain a clear idea of how long the renovation will take by talking to designers and the construction team. Consider the size of the project and allow for any weather-related (or other) setbacks.
Knowing how long the project will take will allow you to make plans for accommodation during periods when you won’t be able to stay in your home and other plans that might need to be made.
