Renovating a home is a complex task that can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of renovation and the size of the house.
As stated by Andfacts, one out of every five homeowners in the UK are planning for a significant home renovation in 2024.
We reached out to Callidus Surveys (callidussurveys.co.uk/) to get expert advice on what homeowners should consider before starting any renovation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five key steps that can help you avoid common pitfalls and make your renovation a success.
Essential Preparations For Your Next Renovation
Here are the five essential preparations you must consider before your next renovation project.
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Get a Comprehensive Building Survey
Each and every building material has a limited lifespan, so crucial structural elements are expected to significantly worsen when a property reaches over five to six decades old. Incorporating the risk of collapse, moisture, or wood decay, a property that seems in good condition to a new observer may conceal multiple significant issues beneath the surface.
Conducting a survey involves more than just simple observations and offers mandatory information about your property’s structural stability. Experts at Callidus Surveys recommend a comprehensive building survey. They Stressed the importance of this step, noting that even seemingly minor issues, like dampness or structural weaknesses, can lead to significant complications if left unchecked. Their experts use advanced technologies like laser surveys to uncover hidden problems, ensuring your renovation is built on a solid foundation.
Investing in a survey will give you a perfect understanding of potential problems that may result in expensive repairs.
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Estimate Renovation Costs Based on Survey Findings
Homeowners frequently need to consider cost estimates during home renovation planning, leading to budget overruns.
- Before starting a renovation project, it is crucial to consider these estimates.
- Carry out a comprehensive investigation which can pinpoint critical areas that require focus, like dealing with moisture or fixing structural issues.
- Once you identify these problems, you can collaborate with your contractor to integrate these costs into your renovation budget seamlessly.
Data reveals that the minimum cost for renovating a home in the UK is £49,898, while the maximum cost is £76,302 in 2024.
For example, if your survey reveals asbestos, you must consider the cost of hiring a certified expert to correctly eliminate it before proceeding with any renovation tasks. Similarly, structural issues or old wiring may require additional specialised knowledge and costs.
By obtaining these cost projections in advance, you can prevent underestimating costs and guarantee sufficient funds are set aside for all essential repairs. This vital planning step ensures that your renovation project stays on schedule and within the designated budget.
You can calculate the estimate for your renovation project yourself or have an expert to do it – the decision is yours. However, the person tasked with determining the project cost should consider the project’s risk factor, time constraints, and undisclosed costs to provide an accurate estimation.
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Ensure Permits and Regulations Are Followed
Are you considering renovating your house but feeling stressed about dealing with permits and regulations? If yes, then you are not alone.
Various homeowners are surprised at building regulations and paperwork and need help figuring out how to start.
Before commencing any renovation work, it is important to verify whether you require planning permission or permits from your local government. Depending on the size of your renovation project, approval may be necessary for:
- Structural changes
- Electrical work
- Plumbing alterations
A building survey conducted by a professional can also identify areas that must comply with certain regulations, such as fire safety or the safe disposal of hazardous materials like asbestos. This ensures that your renovation project follows all legal requirements from the beginning.
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Inspect Utilities: Electrical, Plumbing, and Heating
When you’re renovating your home, make sure to check your electrical, plumbing, and heating systems for safety and functionality.
A building survey will identify potential problems, such as:
- Electrical wiring
- Ineffective plumbing
- Broken boilers
Addressing these issues before starting the renovation is essential to avoid significant interruptions during the project.
If your home’s electrical system is old, you might have to redo all the wiring to support new appliances or lighting changes. Likewise, older plumbing systems may need to be upgraded to accommodate more bathrooms or modern kitchens. It’s important to deal with these issues first to avoid problems and ensure everything works well after the renovation.
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Factor in Time and Resource Commitment
When starting to renovate a home, it becomes clear that time is not only a tool but a valuable asset. The careful coordination of schedules, the collaboration among various professionals, and the unexpected challenges all emphasise the crucial importance of time in turning a house into a dream home.
Following your building survey and budget calculations, you will better understand the timeframe and materials needed for your project.
Removing asbestos, repairing structures, or improving your home necessitates expert care and time. By incorporating these factors into your renovation timeline, you can prepare for unforeseen situations and prevent the need to speed up the project.
Keep in mind that thorough preparation not only saves time but also reduces stress. Understanding the time and effort required for renovations can help plan for temporary accommodations or making necessary adjustments to daily routines due to potential disruptions.
Conclusion
Before starting your renovation, follow these five steps for a successful outcome. Get a building inspection to uncover hidden problems, ensure permits and regulations are in place, inspect utilities, and consider time and resource commitments.
