Even if you’re a home renovation expert, there are certain jobs that can cause you a bit of a headache. And if you’re brand new to the refurbishment process, then you might have a daunting task ahead of you.
However, don’t be disheartened. A successful property renovation can be an immensely rewarding project, whether you’re readying your forever-home to raise your family in, or preparing your property rent out.
Whether you’ve bought a house unseen at auction or are just looking to give your old home a fresh new look, here are four important things you should consider before getting started.
- Check Restrictions
Knowing which changes you can and can’t make to your property is essential. From planning permission to preserving details of period properties, you should never rush in blindly.
Before you get started, if you’re property is older, then it’s important to check whether or not it’s listed – carrying out unapproved changes to a listed building will get you in a lot of trouble.
Get permission in writing before you change anything – something as simple as changing a window in a listed building could be a no-go.
- Consider Previous Owners
If you’re new to the house, then you need to keep in mind changes that could have been made by the previous owner.
Of course, some are definitely worth keeping – having a downstairs toilet is always handy. However, there are other alterations that aren’t quite as useful.
For example, if your home was previously owned by the elderly, they might have had a stairlift installed. Such additions might not suit your family’s needs, even if your little ones might enjoy riding it.
Removing one should only be undertaken by experts, and companies such as
We Buy Any Stairlift can safely get rid of this feature to leave your staircase looking as good as new. I’ve actually had experience of removing a stair lift and it needs to be done professionally.
- Beware of the Usual Issues
Surveys are essential when buying a house, and while every home is bound to have a problem or too – damp is a particularly common one – it’s important that you know about them before you go in.
This will allow you to properly budget for any fixes you need to make. The last thing any new homeowner wants is to have a surprise expense that needs tending to immediately.
- Take Your Time
It can be tempting to rush in, especially if this is a home you already, or plan on, living in – you just want your house back!
However, it’s a good idea to take your time getting to know your home, decide what will work and what won’t.
Plus, you also want to find reputable tradespeople who will do a good job – the last think you want is to be saddled with the mistakes of cowboy builders. Services like Checkatrade are a great place to find local experts in your area.
Have you renovated a home? What are your essential tips for the newbies out there!
You may be interested in my other post How to Pick a Theme for Home Designs
This is a collaborative post and you can see my disclosure policy here.
Really good tips especially taking time and checking restrictions x #mmbc
We’re currently renovating our home that we’ve owned for 20 years, the previous owners were only here for 4 years from new so nothing was done until we moved in
We gutted our cottage as it hadn’t been touched by the previous owners for a few of decades and had suffered. Fortunately old features had been covered over, so we could bring them back into the open. Smiling at point three. There is always the unexpected with an old house. I’m glad we took on the project. #mmbc
Such helpful tips – thank you for sharing!
Before any renovations, check the entire plumbing system in your home and do some repairs if needed. It really needs to be done before any home remodelings, since it may require opening walls and ceilings, and lifting carpets and floorboards to access pipes. Even though replacing pipes and plumbing fixtures can be quite costly, it is worth the investment. The old and faulty plumbing poses a great threat to your property.
Dampness is a serious enemy both for your health. so it is for your property. This can cause mold and mildew to grow on walls, ceilings and windows. As for health, exposure to mold can cause several health issues such as throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, cough, and wheezing, as well as skin irritation in some cases.
If there is such a problem in your house, first of all, consider upgrading your air conditioner filter to a pleated filter with a MERV rating in the 7 to 12 range. These filters offer adequate filtration and remove common contaminants including mold and mildew spores.
When renovating your home, choose eco-friendly materials. We are required to think more and more about how and where we live. Our homes have a huge impact on the planet, and we need to consider building homes that maximize efficiency while taking little from the environment. And don’t think that sustainable, eco-friendly homes equal boring homes — it is quite the opposite. Home architecture trends can follow the main idea, like sustainability, while including classical home features and architectural styles and incorporating vibrant home decor.
Thank you so much for this post, I so admire your authenticity! You have shared your skill, your hard work and what you’ve learned, and I will always appreciate that!
Commercial builders usually work with professional interior designers for a good layout and design of a project.
One of the most rewarding things in life is being able to improve your home. Not only does it have a tremendous impact on the appearance of your home, but it can also be a great source of personal satisfaction.
Renovation of the house is one of the most challenging elements that each homeowner goes through. After reading this informative article, I followed all the tips you shared, and I must say that it’s a convenient and helpful renovating checklist to prepare myself before moving into my new home. Thanks.