Renovating a house requires a lot of planning and preparation. It may feel like an overwhelming prospect at first, but it is an exciting opportunity. If you are up for this challenge, you will need to make several important considerations. Today we will cover the key steps you need to follow for a successful house renovation. You can use this advice as guidance throughout every stage of the process and ensure everything goes smoothly, safely and according to plan.
Assess The Potential Of A Property
Before you commit to a renovation project, you should determine what level of work you are happy with. Then, you can begin your search by consulting estate agents, browsing property databases and checking local auctions. Prior to making an offer, it is important to consider local amenities such as schools, shops and access to public transport. Be sure to check out the neighbourhood and the street appeal. To create a better list of potential repairs, you can also perform a building survey. Key aspects you need to look at include electricals, plumbing, and signs of damp.
Find The Right Building Warranty
It is advisable to consider obtaining specialist insurance designed to protect against building defects. Buildsafe can help you find the most suitable warranty for your renovation project. A team of experts will listen to your exact requirements and ensure you are supported throughout the whole process. This is a worthwhile investment that eventually will be necessary if you want to sell the property. Although it is not compulsory, many mortgage lenders and banks require a warranty before they agree to a mortgage. This is why it is crucial to do this research early on and guarantee you are protected.
Work Out Renovation Costs
You will need to set a realistic budget and research potential house renovation costs. Evaluating the extent of the work will help you set up a detailed financial schedule. Make sure you work out the cost of each room, taking into account everything from structural work to finishing touches. It is also recommended to be prepared in case of any unexpected costs. If the house is not in a habitable state, you will need to make it safe to live in by ensuring there is hot water and heating. It is also advisable not to move in until major work is completed.
Check For Renovation Restrictions
There are certain renovations you may encounter. It is essential to check if your home is listed as carrying out unauthorised work on a listed home is illegal. In this case, you will need to acquire Listed Build Consent before you conduct any alterations. Another important point to consider is whether your home is located in a conservation area. As the intention is to preserve the appearance of the area, you will not be allowed to make changes to the exterior of the building. Moreover, you will require planning permission to carry out work that will be authorised otherwise.
Apply For Planning Consents
Even if your property is not listed or in a conservation area, you will still need to adhere to building regulations. For example, you may need to arrange a party wall agreement with your neighbours. You should check with your local authority to find out if you need statutory consent. It is also advisable to hire an architect who can advise you throughout the project and offer solutions to problems that may occur. At the end of the project, you will need to receive approval from building control. This will certify that the building reaches minimum standards including room size, ventilation and access.
Create A Design Plan
Take your time to think about the design of the property. You should set up a plan which can help you meet your needs and priorities. It is important to establish what you would like to achieve and discuss it with an architectural designer. This process may involve adding extensions to support the existing property or transforming the exterior design completely. Remember to consider room placement and potential layout by aiming to maximise natural light. Be sure to research trends and use a variety of tools such as home design software and mood boards.
Implement A Schedule
Defining your home renovation process before you begin work will help you stay on track. It may be helpful to think about the specifics of each stage. You may discover that work in one room affects that of another one. Because of this, you will need to have a clear vision of the whole property. Also, finding the right builders and contractors will have a significant impact on the success of your project. To secure the best team, you can ask for recommendations from family and friends.
A successful home renovation may take a long time to complete, but it will be worth all the effort and hard work. Make sure you take these steps into consideration before you begin your project.
