Home renovation can transform your living space for the better and add serious value to your property.
Whether you’re thinking of sprucing up your home to add comfort, adapt to changing needs or generate extra resale value, renovation jobs could be easier and cheaper than you might think. If you’re planning a home makeover, take these top tips on board to avoid stress and ensure that the renovation goes smoothly:
Decide on the purpose of the renovation
Firstly, you’ll need to figure out exactly what it is that you want from your home renovation, whether that be generating extra value, making your property more comfortable or making essential repairs – it’s always best to prioritise repairs and structural renovations over cosmetic jobs, although you may want to focus on the ‘beauty’ element (such as exterior touch-ups and frontage) if you’re looking to make a quick property sale.
Divide big jobs into sections
Once you’ve worked out a sensible budget for your dream renovation, try to work out which jobs or areas of the house you’ll need to work on first. If you’re undergoing a full property renovation, it’s essential that you plan carefully and take logistics into account – some works will be more costly and time-consuming than others, while exterior structural renovation jobs are best carried out in the spring and summer months. You may have to put the brakes on certain jobs depending on the urgency of others.
One critical area that homeowners often overlook when planning a renovation is the state of the house’s foundation. A solid foundation is the bedrock of your entire project; without it, your carefully planned renovations could potentially go awry. This is where you might need to consider investing in foundation repair. A well-maintained and repaired foundation ensures the safety and longevity of your renovation.
Go green!
With the UK government providing grants and loans to homeowners who wish to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, there’s never been a better time to go green. When you’re planning renovation works, consider going with the most energy-efficient options when it comes to installing new fixtures and sourcing materials. Consider upgrading your traditional boiler to a combi boiler unit or making use of solar energy to reduce your property’s carbon footprint and emissions. While sustainable alternatives may be more expensive to purchase and install initially, these will almost certainly save you money in the long run, reducing energy costs and other utility outgoings.
Work out a manageable budget
In order to work out your budget for home renovation works, you’ll first need to make a thorough assessment of all of your income, outgoings and expenditure – make a list of essentials such as rent, bills, groceries and living costs. Examine your finances to see where you can cut costs, but never sacrifice essential funds to pay for home renovation. Consider dipping into your savings or taking out a loan if necessary, but always take into account the fact that you may have to cover extra costs if the job runs over schedule. Ensure that your budget is manageable and sensible in relation to your everyday finances.
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