What To Expect If You’re Taking On Your First Renovation Project
Are you taking on your first renovation project? It can be a daunting prospect, however, as long as you go into it prepared and having done your research, it can help you to feel more ready to take it on. One thing you can do is to read the following post we’ve put together, as we’ll be listing some of the things you can expect to encounter during a renovation project. Equipping yourself with this kind of knowledge will lessen the chances of you having unwelcome surprises you weren’t prepared for. So, keep reading to find out more!
Plan Your Living Arrangements
One thing some people tend to forget about when planning their renovation project is the level of dust, dirt, and mess that can be caused when knocking down walls, painting, and having building work carried out. It also could mean that you are temporarily without access to essentials such as heating and water. For this reason, consider if it might be better for you and your family to seek temporary accommodation elsewhere. You could perhaps live with family members, rent another property, or stay in a hotel as a short-term solution. Be sure to factor in the predicted length of time that you will need to be out of the house for work to be carried out so you can arrange appropriate accommodation.
Your Planning Permission Application
Have you checked if your renovation project is going to require planning permission? This is common if you’re going to be carrying out work such as an extension, loft, or basement conversion. You can contact your local council for further advice regarding planning permission requirements. When creating an application, make sure you don’t miss out on any important details as this could postpone what can already be a long-winded process. Work with an experienced architect for advice on what kind of work will best suit your property and will most likely qualify for planning permission. Don’t be too disappointed if your application gets rejected the first time you submit it, it can be more common than you may think. You can always use the feedback from your rejected application in order to make changes for a re-submission that will then be far more likely to be accepted.
Surveys
An important aspect of carrying out a renovation can be carrying out surveys. The most common type of survey will be involving the building you’re planning to renovate. This will involve an expert inspecting the structure you plan to work on, as well as the surrounding land. Common issues that crop up during these kinds of inspections involve things such as damp, mould, subsidence, Japanese knotweed, and toxic substances. The report you receive following your survey will indicate what needs to be addressed before building work can go ahead. You could also require other types of surveys such as ecological surveys or bat emergence surveys. These kinds of surveys help to make sure that protected species of flora and fauna will not be affected during your renovation work. The details in your survey reports will be an important part of what will need to be included in your planning permission applications.
Overseeing Contractors
Some people may choose to be the project manager to oversee their renovation project in order to be fully involved and in control of the project. Or you could choose to hire a project manager if you don’t want to have to deal with as much time-consuming work and potential stress. However, even if you choose not to be the project manager, it’s good to have some level of involvement and follow the process closely. Overseeing contractors can be an intimidating thing to do if you’ve never done it
before but there are a few things you can do to help. Although you need to make sure you’re being clear and decisive about choices being made in the project, you also need to balance this with having a good relationship with your contractors. Respect the knowledge and experience of your contractors and allow them to have an input in the project to an extent. Good communication will make the process of a renovation a lot easier and more smooth-running, so be sure to ask your contractors questions regarding the work and make yourself present on-site.
Managing Finances
It’s likely that you already have an idea of the estimated cost of your renovation project but it’s worth making sure you have a budget plan in place too. This should include as much information as possible but will of course vary depending on the type of project you’re planning to carry out. Your architect, project manager, and builders will be able to advise you on the cost of your renovation plans, but you will also need to do your own research into costs as well as ways to save money. You will also need to have a contingency budget plan in place for unexpected costs or if you run over budget. This could be another portion of savings you have in place for this or perhaps a loan from the bank or family members. Knowing you have this in place to fall back on should your finances become tight will help to alleviate some stress and worry surrounding your project being completed.
Back-Up Plans
It’s also a good idea to have backup plans in place for some of your plans. For example, if you’re planning an extension to your property, have more than one potential design in place should your initial plans be rejected. This is also true down to smaller details as well. When you’re designing your final touches such as kitchen fittings, consider different designs should you not be able to carry out your preferred design.
Take Advice From Others
If you know people that have already carried out their own renovation project, then ask for their advice on what they would have done differently or that they’re glad they did. They could provide you with expertise from having been through a similar process themselves.
