A few things could prompt you to renovate your home. You could plan to prepare the property for sale, intend to repair defective amenities, or increase the size of your house. A well-thought-out renovation should increase the value and appeal of your home. So, what should you consider when renovating your home? Below are some essential tips.
1. Consider a property inspection before renovating the property
A property inspection informs of property defects that you may not be aware of. For example, you can’t always identify damaged insulation or a termite infestation in your attic. You will also need a professional to assess foundation defects such as warping, sinking or salt damping.
2. Check planning laws
Most homeowners presume that they can renovate their homes to any designs that they wish. However, this is not always the case. Zoning regulations, building codes and strata bylaws in your area often dictate how far you can go with your renovations.
Typically, you will require a demolition permit if you intend to demolish a section of the property. Additionally, you will need a renovation permit if the home improvement affects the property’s original design.
Besides, an accredited certifier often needs to supervise any work. The certifier will award inspection certificated to guarantee that the contractor complied with the building code. However, you do not need these permits for minor renovations such as installing a new fence or floor.
3. Plan carefully
The home renovation plan is a document detailing the intended work, the sequence at which this renovation will be conducted and how much you will spend. You usually do not have to be worried about how to fund your home renovation project. Most banks will readily give a renovation loan or allow you to refinance your mortgage to free up some cash.
In most cases, homeowners will want to continue to live on the property as they renovate. As such, you might want to reorganise your home to ensure minimal disruption to your daily routine. For example, you could move part of the house to a temporary storage unit. Alternatively, you could utilise the living space whilst renovations are underway.
4. Consider long-term renovations
Long-term home renovations are often return on investment (ROI) projects aimed at increasing the property’s value. They include:
- Improving your landscape to increase its appeal. For example, you could install a gazebo, install a lawn or install an asphalt driveway
- Renovating the kitchen with laminate floors, marble surfaces, storage cabinets and high-quality appliances
- Including energy efficiency improvements such as installing insulation, double-glazed windows and skylights
- Creating open living spaces to make the house look spacious and modern
Conduct market research to identify the current home construction and renovation trends. This is a sure way to give your home a modern look.
5. Work with experienced contractors
One of your concerns when hiring a renovation contractor should be their experience. Therefore, conduct some background research to determine if they have conducted renovation works in the past. Ask for the contractor’s portfolio, interview their clients or ask them to take you to some of their sites.
Your preferred contractor should have a valid operating licence. This is a guarantee that they will give high-quality services. Also, assess the contractor’s insurance. Liability coverage will protect you from injury claims should a third party or an employee suffer injuries at your home. The contractor should also have reasonable terms and pricing.
Finding a suitable contractor for your home renovation project can be a daunting price. At Builders At Your Service, we understand that clients require high-quality services at a fair price and within a reasonable time frame. Partner with us today for your renovation and home improvement works.
