Taking on a renovation project – no matter if it’s your first or fifth – it’s going to take over your life. There is an incredible amount of work that goes into a renovation, and it takes a lot from you, not just in a financial sense, but an emotional one as well. Interior designer Cheshire has got some top tips for those just starting out on their property renovation journey.
Have a Budget, Add at Least 10%
Renovations always have a curveball or two up their sleeves, and something will undoubtedly come up that you hadn’t budgeted for. Adding a 10% contingency fund to your budget should be enough to cover anything that unexpectedly crops up – and it’s more than likely that you’ll have to use it.
Clear Your Home First
A lot of homeowners make the mistake of keeping their stuff in situ whilst renovating their property, however, it is a good idea to consult with removal companies in Chester to move your stuff to a storage lock up to avoid damage to your furniture and belongings.
Plan for Time
It’s going to take you twice as long as it would with a new build property. To complete a full renovation, you’ll need to take the building apart and strip it right back to the bare bones and then build it up again. Buckle in for the long haul.
Original Features
If you’ve been lucky enough to grab a period property to renovate, you’ve bought it for a reason – the beautiful period features. Through your renovation you might be uncovering some hidden period gems; don’t hide them again, celebrate them and make them a bespoke feature of the property.
Don’t Neglect the Roof
Your roof should be your number one priority when renovating. If you don’t have a structurally solid and waterproof roof then there is virtually no point in doing anything else until it’s been fixed. You could have the most beautiful interiors in the world, but if your roof leaks it’s going to cost you and ruin all your hard work. Find quality roofers Colwyn Bay to check your roof over thoroughly before you find a costly mistake.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Renovating isn’t for the fainthearted; it’s a complete rollercoaster of emotions. Those days when you uncovered hidden period features that haven’t been seen for years are some of the best days, but they can be eclipsed by the days when the new glass for the windows smashes, or the bathtub is cracked. Be prepared for the crazy highs and lows.
Do your Homework
You need to be prepared, you need to know exactly what sort of boiler, heating system, plumbing pipes, gas mains and electrical elements you’re going to need. Having a plan and an idea of what you want to achieve in the early stages helps to avoid any delays on site and means that you’ll be able to keep people on schedule. It might also be worth consulting with architects Chester about your plans for the property.
Work with the Right People
You should be working with people who are as excited about the project as you are. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your chosen builder, plumber, electrician and painters Colwyn Bay. Ensure a positive and good working relationship for all, make sure you do your homework and pick people who are right for the job. Some builders enjoy the challenging aspects of renovating properties, whereas others like the simplicity of a new build.