Deciding to renovate your home can be quite exciting especially when you think about all the possibilities this endeavor comes with.
However, it is not uncommon that, because of all this excitement, you forget about some crucial things when remodeling is concerned. To help you avoid any bad scenarios, we’ve gathered a list of things you cannot neglect when starting such a big project. Take a look.
Carefully plan out your budget
One of the most common reasons why renovations fail is improper budgeting. Before you start any work, you need to carefully develop your budget to see what you can realistically afford and see how many of your wishes can actually be fulfilled.
It’s important to understand the cost of doing such a thing, from hiring contractors to finding the right materials. A good way to approach this is to contact several contractors to see which one offers the best service at a price you can work with.
The same goes for materials, look at different suppliers and types of materials to see which one provides the most value for money. Plus, you can also consider reusing some old materials that were salvaged.
And, of course, you must have an emergency fund that will help you deal with any unplanned issues. Around 20% of your overall budget is usually recommended to have for just-in-case.
Create a list of priorities
Being aware of your budget and knowing your maximum spending power should help you decide on your priorities. Write down things you wish to achieve with this renovation and see which items fit into your budget.
Soon, you will realize that some things are more important than others and you’ll start accepting that certain items will be added at a later date. With that in mind, try to deal with major tasks first and coordinate your contractors so that they all work at the same time.
That way, you will shorten the downtime period, which you are bound to have either way and during which your home will be a bit less livable.
Don’t forget to dispose of the waste
Another important thing you must keep in mind is dealing with the mess you create. Depending on the type and magnitude of your renovation, you might have a lot of waste that you must dispose of.
It’s best to talk to your contractors to see whether there are any items that can be salvaged or recycled and to figure out the best way to approach them.
However, getting a skip bin might be the easiest solution. Luckily, there are companies that offer various sizes and types of containers that should meet all your needs. You put everything in the bin and then it’s taken away to a transfer station.
Just make sure to follow the instruction when it comes to what you can put into the container and which items should be disposed of separately.
Think about energy efficiency
Renovating your home is no small undertaking and you will probably not be doing it again in the foreseeable future. This is why you need to plan well in advance and look for energy-efficient items, elements, and fixtures that will serve you in the long term.
The renovation is the best time to get your home insulated, replace doors and windows, and get new EnergyStar-rated appliances.
Furthermore, consider implementing smart home technology as well. Not only will you be able to save on bills and be more energy-efficient, but you will also have the option to remotely control your home’s features. Not bad, right?
These four suggestions are just some of the many aspects of home renovation you should have in mind when you decide to start such a big project. Whatever you do, make sure you can finance it, set your priorities, plan for the future, and don’t leave a huge mess behind. Good luck!
Mike is an Australian business consulting specialist. He’s working with companies that outsource their IT maintenance. He often writes about technology, business, and marketing and is a regular contributor on several sites.
