Tag: home renovation

How to create a home renovation budget – and stick to it

How to create a home renovation budget - and stick to it

Whichever way you slice it, home renovation projects require lots of time and money. That’s not to put you off doing a renovation altogether. Indeed, there are plenty of reasons that warrant a big overhaul, whether it’s because you need more space because you want to add value to your home or simply because you want a change.

Before you embark upon your project, make sure you know how much time and money it’s going to require. Setting a home renovation budget is of the utmost importance if you don’t want to be faced with an eye-watering sum at the end.

What to consider when formulating a budget

When calculating your budget, decide what jobs you want to be carried out and which ones you want to prioritise. An easy way to do this is to consider what tasks are suitable for which seasons and which of your wants and needs are more urgent.

Of course, the renovation project doesn’t end once the construction workers leave. You’re going to want to spend a decent amount of money on updating the interior and decoration. And remember, it’s always better to invest in great quality furnishings once rather than pay again and again to replace cheaper models.

Finally, include a financial buffer so you can deal with any unexpected costs if and when they crop up. Work a contingency into your budget – setting it 20% higher than the amount you think you’ll actually need, so you’re completely covered for every eventuality.

Vet your contractors

Hiring a construction company for the first time? Make sure you investigate their track record to ensure they’re reliable and will finish the job on time and to budget. Read reviews and speak to others who have hired them.

Broaden your options too, getting quotes from at least 3 companies in order to compare and weigh up your options.

Look out for deals

Furnishing your house can be an expensive business. However, it doesn’t have to be that way if you simply shop smart! Charity shops and second-hand stores are particularly good for affordable furniture and they often have some great quality pieces.

Alternatively, if you want something brand new, scour the internet for great Argos discount codes that will give you a great price for quality furniture that you’ll use and treasure for a lifetime.

Do it yourself where possible

You need to be a bit smart with this one; obviously don’t start knocking walls down and rebuilding core structures of the house. However, there are plenty of jobs that you can do yourself!

Leave the electrics and plumbing to the construction professionals whilst you busy yourself tiling your bathroom or kitchen in a style that pleases you, using stencils to create pretty patterns on the walls, painting your bedroom a brand new shade or erecting storage cupboards that will keep the mess at bay.

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Home renovations that can increase your home’s value

Home renovations that can increase your home's value

Home-owners should always be looking to add value to their property. Whether you plan on selling soon or not, adding value is a smart move that ensures that you maximize the amount of money you get when you do eventually come to sell or pass it on to loved ones. There are all kinds of home improvement projects worth considering that could increase your home’s value while also improving your quality of life. Here are a few of the best ideas.

Garage conversion

Many home-owners have a garage that’s used mainly as a dumping ground. This is a waste of valuable square footage that could be converted and used in more beneficial ways. Ultimately, people want square footage when looking at properties as it provides them with more space in which to live. A garage could be used as a home gym, office, living room or an extension of the home by knocking through from the main house.

Landscaping

Landscaping is also worthwhile because this can add value and make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Additionally, landscaping is often a lot more affordable than other home improvement projects. This could include improving the curb appeal, creating more privacy by growing tall hedges or making the back garden more appealing with eye-catching flower beds just as a few examples.

Energy efficiency

One of the best ways to improve your home right now and add value is to make it energy efficient. At a time when energy bills are a major concern and people are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, a home that’s energy efficient is highly appealing (it will also help you to lower your bills). There are a number of ways that you can make a home more energy efficient, including installing solar panels, fitting double glazing, laying insulation and switching to a smart thermostat.

New kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home and a space that has a massive impact on a property’s value. This is also a space that can begin to look run down over time, so remodelling this space is always a smart way to add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. A new kitchen can be expensive; however, you could look into how equity release could help by freeing up money tied up in the property to fund the project.

New doors

Sometimes, simple upgrades like adding new doors can make a huge difference to the overall look and value of your home. If you really want to impress future buyers, consider adding sleek and modern-looking bifold doors. Not only do they add more daylight to a room, but they can bring the fresh outdoors into your house on those pesky hot summer days. These grey aluminium bifold doors, for example, are also custom-made and highly secure, which means they’ll look great in any property and ultimately increase the value of your home!

If you’re looking to add value to your home then these are just a few of the projects you could consider. All the above are upgrades will increase your home’s value while at the same time changing your life for the better.

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The 3 most common principles forgotten by renovating home-owners

The 3 most common principles forgotten by renovating home-owners

Renovating a property can be an intensive experience, and if you’re not careful, the expenses can ramp up more quickly than you may have expected. This is why it’s good to plan out all stages of this effort in advance, and of course, agree on that plan and the quoted price with your contractors before you sign any contracts.

Yet if renovating has started to feel like a chore, or you feel somewhat dismayed by the scope of the project, it’s good to bring things back to the drawing board and try to remember some of the common principles that caused you to start this plan in the first place.

In this post, we hope our advice will help you move forward and remember that renovating and remodeling your home should be fun – in the best possible way. We’ll also provide some suggestions that make this process easier to deal with; so a unified, well-thought-out result can be enjoyed by everyone who lives in your home for years to come.

Less is often more

It’s important to remember that less is often more when it comes to structuring the base of your renovations; because as long as the finish is applied properly and the fixtures are present, you can design and adorn this space as much as you deem necessary over time.

So – let’s say you’re changing a living room wall to feature brick slips. Will you need large acrylic signs, exposed light fixtures and more distinctive colour gradients than you know what to do with? Probably not. The more you can restrain yourself and opt for simple visual appeal and function first, such as making sure every brick slip is level and uniform, the more room you have to pivot and design as the project concludes.

Consider appliances & fixtures

It’s also good to consider how the renovation may provide the foundational staging for appliances and fixtures you deem to be the most suitable for your needs.

For instance, you may decide to knock through a wall to expand the open plan living space between your living and dining rooms. But could this also be a great opportunity to open up the original fireplace which had its chimney blocked by the previous owner, too? Or could opening up two bedroom spaces into one master bedroom now offer you the potential to implement an en-suite?

Remodelling is about the finer details, too

It’s important to remember that remodelling a home is often about the finer details, too; those details that actually redefine the space and make it yours. Don’t be afraid to have fun with the smaller considerations, like the means by which you’ll add drawer and cupboard handles between rooms to create a consistent theme.

Alternatively, the finer details could also inspire greater changes. If you prefer a top-basin toilet installation with a pull chain to keep the retro and rustic ambience in your home, then perhaps that can be a fun indulgence you pursue. Geeking out during your home renovation is always fun, and as you’re the one footing the bill, entirely justified.

With this advice, you’re certain to see the three most common principles forgotten by renovating home-owners.

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6 tips for home renovations from planning to execution

6 tips for home renovations from planning to execution

There’s a lot of excitement that comes with renovating your home. Finally, you can make all of the changes you’ve been dreaming about! But before you get too carried away, there are some things you need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we’ll share six tips for home renovations, from planning to execution. We’ll touch on everything from budgeting to choosing the right contractor. So whether you’re just starting to plan your renovation or you’re already in the thick of it, read on for helpful advice!

Start with a plan

The first step to any successful renovation is to have a plan. This means knowing what you want to achieve and how you’re going to go about it. Do some research, set out a schedule, make some sketches and figure out what your budget is. Once you have a clear picture of what you want, the process will be much smoother.

Set a budget

Budgeting is key when it comes to home renovations. You don’t want to start the process and then realise you can’t afford it. So take some time to figure out how much money you have to work with. Then, create a budget for each individual aspect of the renovation. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

Choose the right contractor

One of the most important decisions you’ll make during a home renovation is choosing the right contractor. This person will be responsible for bringing your vision to life, so it’s important to take your time and find someone you trust. Get recommendations from friends and family, and then meet with potential contractors to get a feel for who they are and what they do.

Get permits

Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to get permits from your city or county. This is usually the case for major structural changes, like adding a new room or knocking down walls. So before you start any work, be sure to check with your local council to see if you need a permit or permissions.

Self-storage units

If you’re planning a big renovation, you may need to move some of your belongings out of the way. Self-storage units are a great option for this. They provide a clean, safe and convenient place to store your things while the work is being done. Just be sure to choose a unit that’s close to your home so you can easily access it at short notice when needed. You can learn more at StorageArea.com.

Schedule some downtime

Renovating your home can be a stressful process. There’ll be noise, dust and general chaos in your house for weeks or even months. So it’s important to schedule some downtime into your renovation. This means taking some time off from work, hiring a babysitter and just generally making sure you have some time to relax. Otherwise, you’ll likely end up feeling overwhelmed.

Hopefully, these tips have given you a better idea of what to expect when renovating your home. Just remember to take things one step at a time, and you’ll be well on your way to having the home of your dreams!

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