Things to consider when renovating a house or flat

A renovation project is a huge commitment. It’s expensive, stressful, and extremely time-consuming. However, a renovation can also transform your lifestyle and allow you to live in your dream home. There is a lot to think about before you jump into a renovation project, especially if it’s on a much larger scale.

Preparation is essential for renovations, big or small. You need to think about materials, practicality, budgets and much more. If you’ve ever watched Grand Designs, you should know that things will go wrong with your renovation. There is no doubt about it. You need to prepare for these challenges and, more importantly, anticipate them.

Here are the main things you should consider when renovating a home.

Learn to prioritise

You will need to prioritise more urgent tasks at times. You may have to prioritise fixing a problem instead of staying on track to meet your deadline. You can’t rush or skip steps in a renovation – the property must be structurally sound. You could hire a project manager to oversee the day to day operations while you continue to work. However, you will still need to make the bigger decisions and prioritise different aspects. A project manager can offer advice and help you with the decision-making process.

Set a budget

You should make a detailed budget for your project. Just remember that things are likely to go over the budget, and you will need a security net. Try to make the initial budget lower so that if you need to spend more, you have the means to do it.

Keep an emergency pot for any unexpected problems or delays. You can use the emergency money to cover the costs of these problems without the need for a bank loan.

Hire professionals

Professionals are experts in their field, and they will make sure the job is done right. You will need an electrician, plumber, construction workers and more. The bare bones of the property must be safe and secure. You can save money by doing some of the cosmetic work yourself.

Decorating and furnishing

If it’s within your budget, you could hire a professional interior designer to make your property look fantastic. They will use trade interior suppliers to source the best furniture and turn your property into a home.

Think about what kind of style you want in your home – whether it’s rustic, modern or industrial. Find a few statement pieces to fit this style and build your personal touches around it. For example, you could have an industrial dining table with pendant lights hanging above as the room’s statement piece. You could then add a few family photos and personal possessions around it.

Make sure you are prepared to renovate your house and enjoy the process.