Home renovations can be tricky, frustrating and downright exhausting at times. With so much that can go wrong, it feels like inevitably something will. However, with the right thought and planning put into your project, you can still avoid major mishaps and have a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Here are a few important considerations to make before you even get started – having these factors in place will help you to avoid unnecessary drama, wasted time and a blown budget.
Quality Control
First of all, you’ll want to make very certain that the materials used in your home are of a high quality and will last. Before you start building or even tearing things down, ensure that you hire a company for testing construction materials before you start building to ensure the integrity of materials like cement.
Poor quality building materials could cause problems even years after your renovation. Not only will this be damaging to your budget, but it could pose as a serious danger to your safety at home.
Choose the Right Professionals
On the note of quality, the companies and people you choose to hire will play an absolutely pivotal role in your project from start to finish, so it’s in your best interests to take your time with this decision.
Picking the right architects, interior designers, landscapers, etc. the first time around will help you end up with a final product you actually love, works, and won’t, well… fall apart in a year.
Know What You Want
Having a pretty clear idea of your vision for the final product before you get started will help you save time and trouble. Before you start talking to professionals, spend time looking for ideas and inspiration, discussing plans with your household and drawing up rough sketches of what you want.
At the same time, you need to be willing to compromise and have an open mind. Not everything you want to do will work, and the pro designers might have some counterarguments that you’ll want to listen to.
Plan Your Budget Carefully
Of course, one of the biggest pitfalls families face when embarking on a home renovation project is going way, way, way over budget. Try to have an idea of what things will cost, and be sure of what you can afford to spend on the entire project.
Be sure to look out for ways to save money and make the financial side of things a little easier. For example, you might qualify for incentives if you apply eco-friendly and energy-saving elements to your home.
Consider Temporary Housing
If your project is going to be big, long and disruptive, it might be for the best that you find somewhere else to stay for the duration of the construction. Especially if you work from home or have kids or pets, your comfort and safety will be a concern.
You could consider staying with a friend or family member who’s willing to help out, or even look for a short-term rental apartment or bed and breakfast.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
