What’s The Best Way To Renovate Your Home?

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    Undertaking a home renovation is both an exciting and challenging experience. The process can be stressful if not properly managed, especially when it involves significant changes. 

    However, the right planning and approach can ensure a smooth, organised, and relatively stress-free renovation. This guide will provide practical steps to renovate your home efficiently while minimising disruptions to your daily life.

    Let’s get straight to the point.

    Renovating your home can be challenging, but with proper planning and organisation, it can be done smoothly and with minimal stress. Key steps include getting detailed contracts in writing, deciding on living arrangements during the renovation, protecting your home from dust and debris, and planning your interior design early. 

    Practical tips such as budgeting wisely, optimising storage, and focusing on smaller, manageable tasks will help ensure success. For larger or more complex projects, consider whether you need an architect. Staying organised and prepared will make the renovation experience more manageable and rewarding.

    Preparing For A Home Renovation

    Get Detailed Agreements In Writing

    When working with contractors, it’s crucial to have everything documented. A detailed contract will clarify the scope of work, timelines, and expectations, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and project delays. Make sure your contract includes the following:

    • Property Address: Clearly state where the work will take place.
    • Start and Completion Dates: Have a defined timeline to keep the project on track.
    • Scope of Work: Specify what is included and excluded from the project.

    Keeping all these documents in a binder will help you stay organised throughout the renovation process.

    Decide On Your Living Arrangements

    Depending on the extent of the renovation, consider whether you can continue living in your home. For smaller projects like a bathroom or kitchen renovation, you can stay put with some adjustments. However, consider temporary accommodation options for larger projects, such as staying with family, renting, or booking an Airbnb.

    Key Considerations:

    • Budget: Your financial situation will play a significant role in deciding whether to stay or move out.
    • Convenience: If you decide to stay, plan how to manage daily activities, such as using a temporary kitchen in another part of the house.

    Managing The Renovation Process

    Protect Your Home From Dust And Debris

    Preparation is key to keeping your home clean during the renovation. Dust and debris are inevitable, but you can minimise their impact with the following steps:

    • Remove Curtains and Dust Collectors: Take down items that easily collect dust.
    • Cover Furniture: Use tarps to protect furniture from dust and paint.
    • Store Valuable Items: Keep delicate or valuable items away from the work area.
    • Declutter: Clear out unnecessary items to make the space more manageable.

    Investing in portable storage solutions, like rolling clothing racks or plastic containers, can make moving items around easier as the renovation progresses.

    Store Personal Belongings Safely

    Renovations can spread throughout your home, so storing personal items away from the construction zones is wise. Consider renting a storage unit to protect valuable possessions from dust and potential damage. Label all boxes clearly and maintain an inventory so you know exactly where everything is.

     

    packing of things due to renovation

    Keep Track Of Receipts

    It’s easy to overlook the importance of keeping receipts during a renovation. However, holding onto them is essential for returns, warranty claims, and tax deductions. This applies not only to large purchases but also to smaller items like hardware and paint.

    Plan Your Interior Design Ahead

    Plan how you want to decorate the newly renovated spaces as the renovation progresses. Whether you’re reusing existing furniture or buying new pieces, having a design plan in place will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the renovation.

    Tips For Planning:

    • Create a Pinterest board or a mood board to gather inspiration.
    • Think about the overall theme and how each room will complement the others.
    • Consider the functionality of each space and choose decor that enhances it.

    Practical Tips For A Successful Renovation

    1. Budgeting Wisely

    Sticking to a budget is critical during any renovation. Before you begin, determine your financial limits and prioritise spending accordingly. It’s important to leave some room in your budget for unexpected expenses that often arise during renovations.

    2. Maximise Storage And Kitchen Space

    If you’re renovating your kitchen, consider how you can optimise storage. Custom-built cabinets and clever storage solutions can make a big difference in functionality. If you’re on a budget, consider refurbishing existing cabinets rather than replacing them entirely.

    3. Divide And Conquer

    Approach your renovation project in phases. Break the work into smaller, manageable tasks rather than tackling everything simultaneously. This method lets you focus on one area at a time, ensuring that each part of the house gets its attention.

    4. Research Your Options

    Thorough research can save you money and time. Whether it’s materials, fixtures, or decor, compare prices and look for alternatives that fit your budget. By shopping around, you can often find similar items at a fraction of the cost.

    5. The Impact Of Paint On Lighting

    Paint can dramatically affect the lighting in your home. If you’re on a tight budget, consider using a black-and-white colour scheme to create a modern and sophisticated look. This classic combination works well in any room, making the space more open and bright.

    6. Make A Strong First Impression With Your Front Door

    Your front door is the first thing visitors see, so make it count. If replacing the door is outside your budget, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Please choose a colour that complements the exterior of your home and enhances its curb appeal.

    7. Flooring Options On A Budget

    Flooring can be one of the most expensive parts of a renovation. If replacing the floor isn’t feasible, update other room elements to complement the existing floor. Rugs, new paint, and updated furniture can breathe life into a space without costly flooring changes.

    8. Making Small Spaces Appear Larger

    If your home has small rooms, use mirrors to create the illusion of more space. Mirrors reflect light and can make a room feel more open and airy. This is a cost-effective way to enhance the appearance of smaller areas in your home.

    9. Maximising Natural Light

    Natural light can significantly enhance the look and feel of your home. If replacing windows is outside the budget, you can still maximise the light by painting window frames in lighter colours and using sheer curtains that allow more light to enter the room.

    10. Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovation

    Updating your bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank. Simple changes like repainting cabinets, adjusting water pressure, or replacing fixtures can make a big difference. Look for affordable yet high-quality products that give your bathroom a modern look without a hefty price tag.

    11. Coping With The Mess

    No matter how meticulous you are, renovations bring a certain mess. Dust, debris, and displaced furniture are part of the process. Instead of stressing over it, find a balance that works for you. Clean regularly, but keep the mess manageable. If dust is a major concern, consider staying elsewhere during demolition.

    working renovation apartment

    Essential Steps For A Structural Renovation

    1. Get A Measured Survey

    Before starting any structural renovation, it’s essential to have a measured survey done. This will give you accurate floor plans of your home, which are crucial if you resubmit a planning application or make significant changes to the structure.

    2. Understand Structural Issues

    Almost all structural issues can be resolved, but it is vital to identify them early. Whether it’s subsidence or other issues, addressing them before the renovation begins will save time and money. Keep in mind that some structural problems can affect insurance and resale value.

    3. Assessing The Need For An Architect

    Hiring an architect is only sometimes necessary, especially for smaller renovations. However, expertise can be invaluable for larger projects or extensions. They can help with design, planning permission, and ensuring the project stays within budget.

    When To Consider Hiring An Architect:

    • Large-scale renovations or extensions
    • Projects in sensitive areas or listed buildings
    • Complex designs that require professional input

    Conclusion

    A home renovation can be daunting, but with careful planning and the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. You can transform your home with minimal stress by preparing in advance, managing the process efficiently, and staying organised. Whether you’re updating a single room or overhauling the entire house, these tips will help you achieve the best results while keeping the process as smooth as possible. 

    FAQs On  Home Repair 

    What Are The Different Types Of Renovation?

    There are four types of renovation projects: the basics, kerb appeal, best bang for the buck, and passion projects.

    What Is Included In A Renovation?

    In a renovation, a kitchen remains a kitchen, and a bedroom remains a bedroom, but repairs and updates are made. This generally includes such things as painting, installing new flooring, and switching out items like cabinet knobs and faucets. The renovation also includes structural rebuilding.

    What Is The Difference Between Renovation And Construction?

    Merriam-Webster online defines construct as: “to make or form by combining or arranging parts of elements: build.” To renovate is “to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding).” Therefore, a dwelling is under construction if it is being built from scratch.

    Do You Put Cabinets In Before Flooring?

    In most cases, given standard flooring heights, you will install the cabinets before the floor covering. Floor covering, or finish flooring, is the surface you see and walk on, not the subfloor (under the underlayment) or underlayment (between the subfloor and finished layer).

    Do You Install Baseboards Before Or After Flooring?

    Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the flooring used. The trim must be in place for carpeting, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after.

    How To Complete A Home Renovation With The Least Amount Of Stress?

    Your daily routine might need to be drastically adjusted for the duration of a home improvement project. However, if you learn to renovate a house in an organised manner, you can reduce the amount of inconvenience (and stress) caused by the project. We have compiled a list of useful guidelines that, when followed, will ensure that your home remodelling projects are organised and stress-free.

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