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Are you taking on a big renovation project over the next few months? It’s a brave step but ultimately a rewarding one as you see your dreams unfold with every objective you tick off the list.
Before you start tackling the crumbling paintwork, rusty radiators and wobbly woodwork take a look at our handy checklist to make sure you have what you need in place before you start.
Get the structure checked out
If your property is a new buy the first thing you’re going to need to do is to make sure it’s structurally sound, so call in the experts to give your home the once over and make sure it doesn’t have any subsidence or other urgent issues.
If you’ve got a good idea for these things, check out the paintwork around the property and look for any telltale signs of damp like wet, cold spots or areas where the paintwork is crumbling. Once you’re sure you’re working on a sound canvas, you’re good to move on to the next stage.
Find your team
However good you are at DIY and however practical your skills if you’re taking on a large-scale renovation you’re going to need your people around you. Find an architect who shares the same vision as you, who doesn’t try and persuade you away from your own ideas but who instead finds ways of making them happen while bringing their own creative flair.
Similarly ask around for recommendations on electricians, plumbers and building companies who you can trust and who have a great reputation. It’s always worth paying slightly more for great quality work then paying less and having to call in the experts to patch up mistakes.
Consider too what you’re going to need to do after your builders have left the property and if you’re going to need to carry out an industrial clean, get information from ServiceMaster for this kind of work.
Budget realistically
Be creative with your budget but always be realistic and try to stick to it as closely as you can. While it’s tempting to spend money on all the beautiful things, get the basics in place first. Once your heating, electrics and plumbing are all in place, then it’s time to turn your attention to your interior designs. You might find creative ways of maximizing your money by looking around second-hand stores or reclamation yards for vintage radiators and furniture to give your home a unique feel.
Big projects like a house renovation are scary and often feel out of control so look to have a scheduler or project sharing software that all your teams can contribute to and which has clear tasks and a timescale. Then watch as your bargain is slowly transformed into the house of your dreams, knowing that every detail has been thought of and designed by you. It won’t be long until you can close the door in your sanctuary knowing that everything is just as it should be.
