House renovations can be so transformative, fulfilling, and rewarding when done right. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, home transformation is an adventure. But like all adventures, there are many things that can go wrong. Many homeowners often dive right into the process without knowing what to expect. Only after facing the consequences of a failed project do they regret not having a plan. From unsuitable materials and unexpected delays to hidden costs, renovate your house can turn into the most stressful event of your life. If you are not fully prepared for your renovation project, you will be overwhelmed by the number of setbacks that can suddenly occur. The repair is not as easy as described in the series. The reality is that it takes a lot of energy, time, and money. If you want to get it right the first time, you need to think and prepare before starting a project.
1. Map Out Your Plan
Unlike building a new home, renovating a house is harder because you don’t start from scratch. Let’s see it this way. Imagine you are renovating your bathroom and adding a new bathtub. When you try to install it, you suddenly realize that you have overestimated the size of your bathroom. Not only is the toilet too close to your new bathtub but there isn’t enough room to comfortably move around. That’s why it’s so important to plan everything before starting a renovation project. Without a realistic and detailed plan, you can have a lot of problems. There is a chance that you will even forget what your original goal was. You must know what you want and put it all on paper. It can be easy to say that you want a new bathroom. But what does it mean? Try to create a detailed design direction and make an action plan. Narrow down what you want in your renovation project. Do you just need a new mirror, countertop, or tub? Does this include structural changes such as the redevelopment of space, demolition of walls, or relocation of wiring and plumbing? What task should be done first? You need to know all the details, not just the big picture.
2. Set a Budget
you’ve decided what you want, it’s time to set a budget. Before you get too attached to this modern kitchen photo you found on Pinterest, try the math. A good way to get an estimate of how much your project might cost is to review the color at your local hardware store or design center. Make as many windows as you can and compare the prices of all the materials you need. If you feel like this is too much work, you can get suggestions from vendors and architects. Most builders are willing to visit the site and provide a free quote. You can expect to pay around 50% for materials, 30% for labor, and 20% for taxes. Consider talking to at least three contractors and then start comparing offers. You need to know if you are biting off more than you can chew. When setting your budget, you should also consider a contingency surplus that you can rely on when you run into setbacks. Your refurbishment project may run into some unforeseen problems such as burst pipes or blown circuits. This is something most people often forget about. While having a strict budget is vital, you should also leave room for unexpected expenses. Set aside extra money so you don’t panic if things don’t go according to plan.
3. Figure Out a Realistic Timeframe
Before starting a renovation project, create a schedule that lists the tasks that need to be completed and in what order. Because home renovations require hard work and long hours of work, most people often run out of steam quickly. With all the work that needs to be done, the repair process can be chaotic. It’s easy to forget what you should be doing, especially if you’re renovating multiple rooms. With a set schedule, you can work in a steady state and stay focused until the project is complete. But one thing you need to know about renovation projects is that they often take longer than expected. Inclement weather, late delivery of materials, and sick subcontractors can delay the project. A week-long wait to use a new bath can turn into a seven-week wait. You have to be realistic when defining the timeline. Consider how long you are willing to use the temporary bath. Check your calendar and see if there are any upcoming events that require your full attention. Do you have an open day planned for next month? Do you need to complete the renovation in four weeks or can it be extended for another two weeks?
4. Consider if You Need Any Permits
Before you renovate your home, keep in mind that some types of upgrades require city approval. Today’s buyers and lenders check to see if homes or commercial spaces meet building codes. Without these documents, you may face problems if you plan to sell or refinance your house. The National Building Code of the Philippines requires a person or firm to obtain a building permit for all renovation projects other than interior cosmetic upgrades. Obtaining this permit ensures that the homeowner or contractor working on the renovation complies with codes, standards, and minimum building requirements. Failure to comply with this code shall constitute a violation of PD 1096. The penalty shall be a fine of not more than twenty thousand pesos, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
5. Decide Whether You Want to DIY or Call in the Experts
Some renovation projects are so simple that even a homeowner with little building skills can handle them. Home improvements guide, such as adding a new coat of paint or updating lighting fixtures, can be done without the help of a professional. Of course, you can take advantage of their experience, but there is nothing wrong with doing it yourself. Instead of paying for their work, you can allocate your renovation budget to more important tasks like buying quality materials. Of course, you have to be realistic about the skills you have and the work you can do on your own. House renovations that involve tearing down walls or moving wiring can be dangerous. If you don’t know how to complete a certain task or feel confident doing it, it’s best to find the right people to handle the task. Otherwise, you may create more problems that could cost you more money. You should also think about how much free time you have. Nobody wants to sleep on a tiny couch for a month just because their bedroom is still broken. Hiring professional contractors can make the repair process easier. Not only do they have the necessary equipment and knowledge to get the job done right, but they can get it done in no time.