When your home is restricted by certain things, you have to renovate a challenging site. This could be within strict limitations, on unstable ground or in a heritage building. Any of these can make your life much harder. So, here is a quick overview of some of the things to consider.
Find an Architect with the Required Skills
For any renovation project where you will make structural changes, it is vital that you find a reputable architect with the necessary skills and dedication to see your project through. Googling this is easy enough. But be aware of fake reviews, and don’t just pick the first one you see. Custom home builders like Latitude 37 and other businesses in this sector are experts in building on challenging sites. So, look for companies with experiences similar to your needs.
Apply for the Necessary Permission
One of the biggest headaches when it comes to renovation is planning permission. This is also often overlooked. But if you don’t get the required planning permission for your project, you will lose money and face heavy fines. Additionally, you can be ordered to revert any work you have done. Your building contractor will usually do this for you as an added charge. If it isn’t included, ask them for it. Or use your local government’s online systems for building consent.
Survey the Land to Renovate a Challenging Site
The land your house is built on can dictate what is and isn’t possible. For example, there might be protected wildlife in the immediate vicinity of your home, making expansion illegal. Also, there might be pitfalls you cannot see from a standing position. It’s always a good idea to get a vantage of the land before planning a project. There are professional services that can do this. Or you can even buy a cheap drone and get a bird’s eye view of your land from your phone.
Include Setbacks in Your Budget
Setbacks come in various sizes and shapes when renovating. And most are a surprise. But you can alleviate some of the negativity by actually working it into your budget. Most experts agree you should set aside between 10% and 20% of your initial budget for setbacks. This is to cover things like increased material costs (something which has been common lately) and the costs of ad-hoc labour. When you plan for these, you help ensure that your project goes as planned.
Be Prepared for Project Failure
Factoring in budgets and permits and using the right people is a great start to your renovation. However, around 24% of renovation projects fail. There are many reasons for this. But it mostly comes down to poor planning. And many of them include DIY issues. So if there is something you aren’t 100% confident you can do successfully, then don’t do it. It might cost more to hire people. But the cost is offset by getting the job done right rather than a costly failed project.
Summary
It isn’t easy to renovate a challenging site, and there are many setbacks. So always find the right people, make sure the land is sound for a project, and plan for setbacks or project failure.
