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Are you someone looking or planning an extensive house renovation with multiple considerations this new year?
Do you know how you can create the perfect renovation plan, select the best contractors and ensure that the process is a breeze?
Have you tried to look at various house renovation guides and found them to be confusing and complex?
Many people fail to realize that an elaborate house renovation project can turn into an overwhelming experience. There are numerous considerations in place, from the planning stage to the final execution.
Thankfully, we have you covered in terms of helping you get the best out of your renovation project. We speak to one of the leading interior design firms in the world and request them to create a beginner’s guide for families looking to start with a house renovation project.
House Renovation Project: Where to start from?
The first step is always the toughest when it comes to a house renovation project. Experts suggest that when you are looking to start the project, you need to focus on three main words-
‘Plan’, ‘Plan’ and ‘Plan’!
You might say that these are the same words written thrice. Yet, planning is so important for the success of any renovation project that it should be emphasized not once, or twice, but thrice!
Planning for a house renovation project should ideally include all members of the family. In terms of timelines, you should start planning for the renovation at least three months in advance. This will give you sufficient time to do your homework and be prepared.
Most interior design experts that create stunning landed house interior design from Eight Design are of the opinion that the more time you invest in planning, the better will be the final outcome of any renovation project.
List of 5 Things to Consider when Planning a House renovation Project
The following are some of the things you need to plan for well in advance-
- The Size and Scope of the Renovation Project-
We often see that the renovation begins on a rather small scale, like changing the bathroom tiles and wall color. It then proceeds on to the kitchen, the garden space, and in a short span of time, the entire house is under renovation.
This is why you need to plan what areas require renovation and stick to the same. Experts suggest that you should never add-on projects when the work is ongoing. This compromises the quality of the work, extends timelines infinitely, and creates a lot of stress.
- The Choice of the Contractor/Designer-
Once you have fixed the scale of the renovation, the next thing is to lock down the best contractor or designer for the job. You can start with referrals and recommendations from family and friends at a first or initial point of contact.
Once you have the contacts, make sure that you are serious enough to do your own research. This needs to be both online researches, as well as offline. Check for ratings, reviews, and real work experiences. Once you are satisfied with the work done, you can make the selection.
- The Budget (and not going over the same)-
Planning and fixing the budget is very important. This should be done before you actually commence the project and fix the contractor. Everyone has some idea or the other on how much they would want the entire renovation to cover.
Yes, the same might alter a little bit here and there once you sit down with the contractor. However, care should be taken to ensure that you are holding the purse strings close to your heart. If you are not careful, you might end up spending double or treble of the decided amount.
- Setting up the Timelines and Sticking to it-
While you may not have the technical knowledge to decide on actual timelines, you can always get a great idea after speaking to the contractors. The task is to stick to the timelines no matter what happens. Renovation projects that go over timelines are a strain financially and emotionally.
You need to understand that for the contracting firm, extended timelines mean more labor charges and more profits. You need to take the timelines in writing according to the scale of the project and hold the contractor to the same. Trying hard to stay within timelines is crucial.
- Social Media Influence, Inspirations, and Pressures-
There is no doubt that social media has become a very important part of our lives. While there is no harm in seeking design inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram for your renovation, you need to draw a line between what is feasible and what is unrealistic.
Interior designers and contractors often complain about the fact that clients tend to change the design brief after coming across something on social media platforms. This is something, which should be avoided at all costs. This off-sets the timelines, budgets and creates extra stresses.
Why Home Owners Should Invest in a House Renovation Project?
- Improves Market Valuation of the House-
In the words of leading real estate firms and agents, a well-maintained and beautiful house drives up the market value incredibly. If you want your house to always have a valuation, which is over and above the rest of the houses on the block, you need to plan for periodic renovations.
- Identify Problem Areas of the House-
Regular renovations are also great as they give homeowners the opportunity to service, fix and maintain critical elements like the roof, wall, basements, and the open areas of the house. This ensures that complete breakdowns leading to new installations do not take place.
- Brings the Entire Family together-
Further, renovations should be done as it is a complete family thing to do. At the end of the day, you need to like the place you stay in. It has a tendency to bring the entire household together and ensure that something exciting and interesting is taking place.
The Final Word
Depending on how you plan the house renovations, they can either be something great and exciting or something you grow to hate! Yes, these are strong emotions, all dependent on how well you plan the entire process of the renovation. If you wish to know more about any specific aspect, drop your questions in the comments section below.