Things to Consider Before Starting A House Renovation
Are you thinking about renovating your house? Let’s take a look at the things you need to consider before committing to your next big project.
Property restoration often involves a steep learning curve and this can be a stressful task for first-timers. If you are a beginner in the area, seeking advice and getting someone with professional experience on board is the best way to your project going.
Small vs. Large Property Restoration
If this is your first time, take on small restoration projects like redesigning your kitchen or renovating your bathroom.
It might not be apparent, but renovating a kitchen or a bathroom involves a broad range of skills. At the very least, you need some experience with plumbing. Depending on your setup, you might need to have experience working in with wood, masonry or electrical wiring.
Only move onto a larger project once you have completed at least one small project at first. The experience you will gain from entry-level projects will give you the confidence to take on larger restorations.
On the other hand, if you do have some experience - you should definitely consider taking on large property restoration projects such as renovating the whole house. This will be benefit you in the long run in terms of cost savings, as well as increase the value of your asset.
Planning Ahead
Planning is an essential step for any restoration project. You should be able to answer questions like:
What specific parts of your house need to be replaced?
How long are you planning to work on it?
Can you do it all by yourself or do you need professional help?
Start by making a list of everything you would like to change or improve and next to each item on that list, make a note if it is important or just a nice-to-have. Doing this will help you get your priorities straight, as you want to avoid overcapitalizing – most likely, you have a budget constraint.
Another thing to include in your planning is the timeframe. Often renovations take longer than expected. Designing and planning can take three to four months before you even get started.
Do You Have the Budget For A Complete Restoration?
Think like a builder. That means budgeting to the smallest details. Don't forget about things like door handles, as most doors don't come fitted with door handles. Small things like these should be factored in when you are planning out your budget.
If you need to borrow money for this project, your lender may want to see your budget. Do your homework and make sure you include everything to make sure that your project is well funded.
Generally, an overhaul of a small bathroom will cost around $10,000, including installation and plumbing. A kitchen on the other hand could cost anywhere between $25,000 to $35,000. Are you planning for a loft conversion? Then you will need to put $300,000 aside. Even a paint job for your single-story house will cost you around $10,000.
Do You Need Professional Help?
Consider whether you need some professional help.
If you are not a qualified builder yourself, taking on larger projects including replacing windows and fitting skylights is generally not a good idea. You should only tackle the things that you have experience with and can finish to a good quality standard on your own.
For things that are outside your comfort zone, we highly recommend seeking help from professionals. Their accumulated experience and knowledge will ensure things are done right and built to last.
Here at Beacon Construction, we have decades worth of experience in whole house renovations - no project is too big or too small for us. We are happy to discuss your ideas and give you some advice on how to go about your project. If you are thinking about a renovation, give our friendly team a ring and we'll be happy to give you a free consultation - no strings attached!
