Collaborative Post
When your home needs renovation, the mere idea of it can become a source of stress. Whether it’s serious damage that urgently needs repair or simply an outdated decor that needs an update, most people immediately groan at the thought of renovating their home. The financial aspect can be very stressful, particularly in serious situations. Plus, having your home in a state of renovation means that your day-to-day life will be strained and messy.
Some people, however, find the idea of a total renovation super exciting! If you love your house and don’t want to move, but need a change of scenery, renovation is a great mid-way point between moving and staying. Here are five super helpful tips for getting started on your renovation!
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Be Realistic
The biggest mistake you can make when renovating your home is taking on too much at once. If you make this mistake, you can easily drown in bills, mess, and stress. Being realistic about what you can achieve within your time frame means that you won’t become caught up in the stresses of renovation.
Renovations are unpredictable. No matter how much you plan, there will always be things that come up unexpectedly. Being realistic about the inevitable hiccups that come along, reduces stress and stops you from running out of money before the renovation is up.
2. Making a List
If you have a larger project to complete, making a list of your priorities helps see what you must complete first. Prioritizing your work and making sure the most urgent projects are completed first will help massively in the long run.
Renovations can be difficult, both physically and mentally. There will be a point at which you start to panic, thinking, “Will this EVER be finished?” For your mental wellbeing, list-making helps rationalize and structure the renovation in our head. Plus, there’s the added satisfaction of ticking off your completed work! This will make you feel like you’re making progress, even in the middle of what feels like a total mess!
3. Seek a Consultation
Even if you have decided to complete the work yourself, getting a professional consultation done on your property is advisable. Often, consultations do not cost too much and can help you realize the scope of the project you’re about to embark on. A professional builder or decorator can point out any potential hurdles you might not have considered.
Additionally, by calling in an expert for consultation, you have made a connection which you can subsequently call upon if they’re needed. This relationship can help you get advice or even physical intervention on your renovation, if necessary.
4. Know When To Call A Professional
If you do run into a larger problem, it’s very important that you know when to call in a professional builder or contractor.
There are certain situations which warrant professionals. This is both for you and your family’s safety, and for legal reasons. For example, when dealing with major electrical work, professional electricians should be called. DIY electrical work is incredibly dangerous and can result in hospitalization, or even death in some tragic cases.
Similarly, the foundational structures of your house should not be repaired by anyone but a professional builder. Wall or ceiling repairs should only be completed by someone with the proper equipment and experience; otherwise, the structural safety of your home is compromised.
5. Strictly Budgeting
When you begin your plans to renovate your home, explore your budget options carefully. Look specifically at the work that needs to be done, and get quotes from various companies to help you budget this work. There’s nothing worse than starting a project, then realizing you can’t finish it due to financial problems.
This budget should include:
- Room for error. As stated in Tip Number 1, renovations can bring up problems which you didn’t foresee. In fact, most renovations do. Don’t budget so tightly that you assume nothing will go wrong! Always allow a portion of your renovation budget to be for emergencies. You will probably need it.
- Allow for an extension. However meticulously you plan these projects, the chances are, some things will take longer than expected. Don’t let this get you down; it’s a part of the renovation journey! But do make sure your budget allows for the renovation to take longer than you thought.
- Consider other factors. Home renovation affects every part of your life. During a renovation, the house can become messy, dirty, dusty and generally out of control. Your renovation budget should accommodate extra cleaning, among other factors!
