girlfriends-2213259_1920

5 Tips to Project Manage your Renovation

Giving your house a makeover, it’s renovation time

So you want to renovate your home? What an exciting journey you’re about to embark on. We’ve compiled 5 things to keep in mind, from the people who’ve gone through the journey themselves.

1. Start with a budget 

It’s great to be home says when starting out, you need to start with a budget. Setting up a budget can be tricky, but a great place to start is by doing your research.

We research materials, trades, home prices, etc. and you should as well.  The more information you have floating around in your head, the  better.  For example, contractors often put “allowances” into their bids for materials – tile allowances, appliance allowances, allowances for  plumbing and electrical fixtures – pretty much anything that the homeowner would be supplying to the project can be an allowance. Your contractor may budget $1,000 for the tile allowance, thinking that you want builder basic tile – but what if you want the entire house tiled in carrera marble?  You need to be able to pick up on the fact that the allowance will not cover your material costs and correct the budget.

Here’s a visual breakdown of how your budget could look.

 

 

2. Prior planning is key

When it comes to decorating a room or house, preparation is the difference between stress and peace of mind.

It always helps when you have a clear idea of the finished result. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. A lot of people are having  trouble visualising new chairs, cabinets, tables, wallpaper, carpet, etc. The solution? A virtual interior design tool where you can recreate your own house (or design your dream home) and test various setups. 

A 3D home planner is an excellent tool if you’re thinking about renovating your home.

3. Choosing your style 

Don’t always follow the trends, House Nerd suggests.

The kitchen, for example, is usually here to stay for a long time, so choosing a style colour and overall look that will stand the time is really important. Colours and materials that are timeless will also appeal to a broader range of people, should you go to sell the home in the future. Assess what your needs and wants are, and what is really necessary. Let’s say you’re updating your kitchen. Start with the bench top. The bench top is the most used part of any kitchen, so investing in good quality tops such as engineered stone is important. A common mistake people make is that they have not done enough research into the maintenance of their chosen material – so whichever material you choose, just make sure to do your research. 

4. Choosing your team 

Everyone’s going to need the services of a tradesperson at some point, and if you’re building or renovating you’ll likely end up with an army of them all through the house.

According to Build, the main things you should look for in a tradesperson are:

  • Skills and qualifications – there’s no substitute for experience and training if you’re after a high standard of quality and workmanship
  • Punctuality and commitment – the best tradespeople will keep disruption to a minimum by always turning up on time and finishing the job as soon as possible
  • Attitude and professionalism – respect and personal responsibility are as important in construction trades as they are anywhere
  • References – a proven track record is a strong assurance.

5. Don’t forget décor! 

Darling Street – the décor queen – advises when designing any room, you need to start with one inspirational element, whether that’s a piece of furniture, a rug, a colour or even a texture.

When it comes to creating a beautiful and comfortable home, you really don’t need a ton of spare cash – you just need to keep a sense of consistency throughout the house. This can be achieved by using the same flooring throughout, the same colour palette, or the same overall feel. 

You can have a lot of fun with decorating and bring a space to life – just like they’ve done below.

There’s a lot to consider when renovating your home – but there’s also a lot you can do to prepare yourself. Take your time and enjoy the journey