Home renovations can be a timely and costly process, with lots of moving parts to consider. Before any work begins, it’s important to set yourself up for success by putting a solid plan in place for the work you’re going to have done.
Here, we explore how you can plan a successful renovation and create the home of your dreams!
Plan your priorities
First things first, you need to decide what work you want to have done. It’s important here to decipher what your main goals and priorities are, rather than veering into “the sky’s the limit” wish list thinking.
For example, if you’re having a new kitchen and extension built – what are the main things you want to achieve? Is it creating effective storage solutions? Is it a bigger dining space for your growing family? Is it having an open plan area where you can socialise?
Once you have your priorities in place, you can figure out exactly what needs doing and avoid undertaking any costly work that you may not need to do.
Set a budget
When you’ve decided what you want to have done, it’s time to set a realistic budget for the work. To help you get an idea of costs, it’s worth having a qualified professional such as a builder or surveyor do an inspection. They will be able to tell you if you need any repairs to the existing building and the rough costs of the upgrades.
You could also get quotes from tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians to give you an idea of what labour and materials will cost. Think about which work requires the experts and what you may be able to do yourself to cut costs, like painting and decorating.
When creating your budget, make sure you factor in design elements such as fixtures and fittings you may want as these can vary significantly in cost.
Invest in equipment
If there are tasks you are keen to take on yourself, you’ll need to invest in the right tools for the job. Consider the equipment you’ll need for each stage of the project and choose good-quality tools that will help you complete tasks to a high standard.
For instance, if you’re planning to paint and decorate at the end of the project, you’ll need brushes, rollers, a tray, tape, and ladders to get started.
You should also ensure you have essential tools for use throughout the renovation, such as screwdrivers, hex keys, pliers, a cordless drill, hammers, a Stanley knife, spirit level, tape measure, and putty knife. It’s worth investing in a storage system like the Milwaukee Packout boxes to keep all your tools organised and ready to go.
If you’re about to undertake a home improvement project, take some time to make a proper plan before you get started. By planning your priorities, setting a realistic budget, and investing in the right equipment for the job, you can set yourself up for success.
