Home renovation has to be among the most stressful projects for every homeowner. Everyone who has ever undertaken a renovation of their home will tell you that it’s far more complicated than you might think if you rely on various shows on TV.
With so many details and tasks to organise, it’s no wonder many people put off such projects until the very last moment.
Still, you should not be discouraged. After all, the reason you’re planning to renovate your home is either because you want to create better living conditions for your family or you are about to put up your house for sale, make a profit and buy a better home.
Either way, this is an investment that you have to look after and in order to make it a successful one, you need to be well prepared. Here are some tips on how to renovate your home without unnecessary stress.
Perfect planning prevents pathetic performance
Like with so many other things in life, planning is the key. First, you need to know exactly what you want to do and put it in writing or, even better, sketch the whole thing. Next, make sure you get realistic estimates regarding the price and time-frame necessary for renovation works.
Finally, check whether you have enough money to fund the whole thing and allow for some unexpected expenses.
Once you know what you want and can afford, your task is to find licenced contractors who are available and apply for all necessary permits. If there are some things you want to do yourself, you need to plan them so that they don’t interfere with other activities.
First things first
If your renovation project includes some major works, make sure you deal with them first. For example, you need to secure the foundation and make any repairs to walls and load-bearing beams before you start with other works. Also, the roof has to be carefully inspected and if there are any problems, fix them as soon as possible.
Next on the agenda are windows and siding, which are supposed to prevent water infiltration. If they need to be replaced, it has to be done before any “fine” works you’re planning. On the other hand, if they don’t require your immediate attention, you can deal with them later.
Demolition
If you’re planning any demolition works, you should rent a container for waste before carefully demolishing any part of your house. Make sure that the waste is removed as soon as you’re done demolishing, since your construction/renovation site has to be as clutter-free as possible.
Carpentry
Next on the agenda is structural carpentry, which supports walls, windows, doors, etc. You might need to introduce beams to support a greater weight upstairs, make larger window openings or even build new walls.
In order to do that, you should consult an expert who will tell you exactly what is necessary and possible.
HVAC, wiring, plumbing and insulation
With your walls and, possibly, ceiling open, experts in charge of installing central heating, air-conditioning have to get down to business. Make sure all the works are done properly, because this is the time when electrical and plumbing inspectors will pay a visit to confirm that your new electrical and plumbing systems meet all the requirements.
Flooring
One of the last things you need to do is install the flooring; if you do it too early, it might be damaged during the works. No matter what surface you choose, try to postpone installing it as much as possible.
Also, make sure that you use quality floor paint, because you don’t want to remove everything from the home every now and then to apply a new coat of paint.
Interior decoration
Once all the works are done, you’re free to express your creativity and decorate your home the way you want. You might need some professional help, but you can also get some ideas from the pictures people have posted online.
You may wish to buy new furniture, restore or simply re-introduce old items or you might try to get rid of everything that you never wanted or needed. Now is the time to do it.
Conclusion
Although stressful, a home-renovation project has so many benefits to offer, which is why it’s crucial you plan well and know exactly what you want and how to achieve that. Following these tips should help you go through the process with as little stress as possible.
