Renovating your home is an exciting time. Whether you’re in the midst of choosing the perfect kitchen island you’ve always dreamed of or are finally ripping out the avocado bathroom suite, it can be tempting to get stuck straight in.
But although renovating your property can help increase your house price during a time of turmoil for the UK housing market, it’s not something to be taken on without due consideration.
To help you decide whether renovating is right for you, here are some things to consider before you take the plunge.
What 5 Things to Consider Before Renovating your House
Finances
Firstly, it’s important to think about your finances. Before you start even getting quotes together, you’ll need to look at your budget and decide whether you can afford to start the renovations. This is especially important given the fact that mortgage rates are increasing.
If you can afford to renovate your home, you should start improving your credit score in case you need to finance some expenses.
Permits
Just because you think you can build a home office in your garden, it doesn’t mean you can. Before you start any home renovations, it’s important to investigate planning permission. If you’re just redecorating a few rooms then this won’t be required, but any external building work will need to be approved by your local authority.
And if you’re removing a wall? You’ll need the work to be approved by building regulations.
It’s also worth noting that listed buildings tend to have much more stringent requirements when it comes to renovation. So, it’s always worth double-checking before you agree to any work.
Otherwise, you could end up in hot water!
Time
You only need to watch an episode of Grand Designs to know that renovations can take a long time.
In some cases, depending on the scale of your project, you won’t be able to use your home and you’ll have to move somewhere else during the renovation.
Contractors and professionals
Before you start your home renovations, you’ll need to decide whether you can do some of the work yourself or if you’re going to call in the professionals.
It’s always best to call in the professionals if you’re not sure, as you could end up devaluing your home if you don’t complete the work to a high standard. This is especially true for jobs that require technical expertise, for instance, when you require scaffolding to be constructed; hiring Chelmsford scaffolders (or those elsewhere more relevant) ensures that any work involving heights is done safely and efficiently, adhering to the required safety standards.
This not only allows builders to work more effectively, but it will also mean they can focus on providing a high quality service as they’re not distracted by a subpar construction platform that might be unsafe.
If going down the contractor route, be sure to research and select reputable tradespeople, architects, designers, and other specialists. Where you can, it’s usually best to rely on personal recommendations. This could include seeking out local experts, who have a proven track record in your community. By choosing the right professionals, you ensure your renovation project is completed with the highest level of skill and care.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
With energy prices rising and more of us becoming more attuned to our environmental footprint, you might want to incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable elements into your renovation. This could be anything from using eco-friendly materials (such as stone, bamboo, and cork) to installing energy-efficient appliances, insulation, or even solar panels!
Once you’ve considered all of the above, simply get stuck in.
Conclusion
Renovating your house can be an exciting and transformative experience, but it’s important to approach it with careful consideration and planning. Before diving into any renovation project, there are five key things to consider that will help ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
In conclusion, before embarking on a house renovation, it’s crucial to consider your finances, permits, time, contractors and professionals, and the potential for energy efficiency and sustainability. Taking these factors into account will help you navigate the renovation process more smoothly, make informed decisions, and ultimately create the home of your dreams. So, take your time, plan meticulously, and enjoy the journey of transforming your house into a space that truly reflects your style and needs.
