There’s nothing wrong with taking on some DIY tasks for your home’s renovation project, but please do NOT go into this blindly. An extreme planning phase is vital to making your plans work and we compiled the must-use list of dos and don’ts to help you get it right. Here’s what the experts have to say on renovating a home.
Do Use Experts Where Necessary
We’ll start off by saying that you MUST stay open minded and not be overconfident about your skill set. For certain tasks such as plumbing changes or caulking, you need expert tools and quality products. This is why even experienced DIYers still use electricians, plumbers and caulking services Melbourne vendors offer.
For example, just the slightest mishap during bathroom caulking could mean a gap where moisture seeps in and ruins the room from the inside out. This can require you to redo the entire bathtub or shower area! When considering the situation from this perspective it’s clear that spending a little money on expert services means you’re actually saving money in the long run.
Don’t Under-budget
Whether you’re building a new construction or upgrading an existing one, it usually costs more than you initially anticipated. The reason can be something as simple as the cost of timber or metal going up and it affects your entire costing.
You can’t risk not having a buffer in your budget. If you spend all the money you have and have no excess to cover unforeseen expenses, it could mean an incomplete project. You’ll have to live with it for months until you’ve saved some money again.
Experts agree that your buffer should be as much as 20% of your estimated costs!
Do Use Your Home’s Existing Style as Inspiration
A simple way to keep to a conservative budget is to use your home’s current styling as a starting point. Aim to improve, rather than completely change the rooms and exterior.
One benefit of sticking to the theme you have is that you don’t have to change all aspects of the house to still have a sense of cohesion. You can upgrade a room at a time—which is much more budget friendly—without creating a disjointed feel.
Don’t Do Too Much
In addition to not completely changing the style of the house, also don’t spend an exorbitant amount of money on major changes if it won’t benefit you in terms of resale value.
Remember, houses in certain areas will usually stay in a specific price range, no matter how many improvements you’ve done or features you’ve added. Doing major renovations that cost a lot puts you at risk of having to sell at a much lower price than a similar home in a different neighbourhood would go for. So, protect yourself by only making changes on which you can expect some returns when you set a selling price one day.
Do Stay Compliant
It’s your responsibility to ensure your property complies with relevant standards and regulations. Even a small change in terms of the power or plumbing infrastructure may require certification from a professional. Without it, your insurance company may refuse to do a payout. It can also create problems when you sell the house one day.
And after all, you don’t want your loved ones staying in a space that you’re not sure is up to health and safety standards, do you?
Don’t Order Furniture Too Early
Despite proper planning, many renovation projects undergo various changes along the way. You may realise you want a bigger window to have an even better view, or smaller when you realise you’ll need more privacy on that side of the house. Or perhaps the builders make a small mistake and you end up simply working it into your plans rather than break down a wall or step and starting again.
To ensure you don’t end up with furniture that won’t suit the spaces once they’re finished, rather order couches, tables and even décor once the rooms are finished.
Also, only when the spaces are done will you see the real effect that light and space have. This will empower you to pick furniture sizes and colours that will complement each room the best.
Do Measure Correctly
Now, whether you’re measuring a space for a sofa or you’re just starting out with renovations and getting the kitchen dimensions to buy new flooring, check and then double check your measurements. Even get someone to measure independently and compare it to your list!
Few things are as frustrating as getting to the end of a renovation and realising you’ve run out of paint, wood, fabric or tiles. Furthermore, why not buy a bit extra? You’ll know you can complete the task even if some of the resources get damaged, spilled or ruined.
In Summary
These tips should give you a good perspective on what a renovation project will be like. You must be prepared for anything and staying flexible will keep stress and frustration to a minimum.
Now go for it, but remember to ask for expert help along the way!