Essentials to Know BEFORE you begin renovating:
If you’re a budding do-it-yourself expert, the chances are you’re itching to get started on doing up your DIY project. However, there are some things to bear in mind when it comes to picking the right home to restore or renovate.
Historical restorations can be time-consuming and frustrating, as you are bound by the era your project was built in to restore it in a period fashion. True historical restoration are historically accurate projects that return a home or building to original condition.
Home renovations can preserve the historical character of a home or building while adding modern conveniences, updating the floor plan to better suit your current requirements or building additions to the original structure.
The following tips will help you when you select the right project for restoring a property back to its original state of glory or renovating it to be just right for your purposes.
Do your research BEFORE you buy!
Handy American wisely suggests that you: “Determine the weak and strong points of your house, consult with friends, neighbors and even building suppliers to get an idea of the scope of the project you want to undertake.” [From Tips on How to Plan a Home Restoration Successfully.]
What should you look out for?
Ensure you’re not buying a money pit. In an older property you should be prepared for anything, right down to half the wall staying on the wallpaper when stripping or huge holes behind the paneling. Don’t be afraid to make umpteen visits with every type of tradesman in order to know what you’re letting yourself in for!
Ask the experts
Roofers, timber and damp specialists and electricians will charge nothing or very little to engage their services for estimates and will be more beneficial to you than a surveyor or architect in the initial stages.
Contact us or call (888) 209-9307 ~ We are happy to assist.
How much work is involved?
This depends on the property, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. For a good first experience of renovating, try doing up a dated property rather than a wreck. A new kitchen, bathroom, central heating, carpets and re-decoration will miraculously transform something dark and decrepit into a ‘des res’. You can always leave the architects, specialists and planning department to another time when confidence and funds are more plentiful.
Funding
Be prepared. The phrase most heard when doing up a wreck is:
“It cost twice as much as I thought it would.”
Set yourself a budget and build in some contingency funding – 15 per cent of the total cost is a good guideline.
or methods to bring quotes into your price range.
Contact us or call (888) 209-9307 ~ We are happy to assist.
Managing the project
A project manager will liaise with the builder and ensure work is carried out to specifications. You could manage your own project or employ an independent. Get all the quotes well in advance, from carpets to carpenters. That way you can calculate all your expenditure.
Never expect the scheduled timescales. The buying and the restoring may not always go as planned. It makes sense to seek as much advice as possible, especially from people who’ve done it before, and be prepared to live in a building site until things are settled.
Employing tradesmen
Decide exactly what work you want to undertake before asking for any quotations. Write a clear specification; it need not be technical, but it should detail the work you want to carry out.
Working with experienced, quality focused people will ensure you are spending your money wisely and you will get a consistent level of support and advice along the way.
Contact us or call (888) 209-9307 ~ We are happy to assist.
RENOVATION RESOURCES:
- StartRemodeling is an excellent site for do-it-yourself (DIY) home remodeling, renovation and restoration
- Trusty Guides Home Renovation Overview
- Handy American: Tips on How to Plan a Home Restoration Successfully
- Tips for Choosing the Right Remodeling or Home Renovation Expert
- 7 Rules to Avoid Home Remodeling Disaster
- How to Keep the Cost of Remodeling Down
- MissouriFamilies.org What’s the Difference Between Renovating, Remodeling, Rehabilitation and Restoration?
- LandMark New England Home Renovation Services: The Difference Between Home Restorations and Renovations
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Twitter: @dannyintampa
I am no handyman so I wouldn’t even attempt to do any do it yourself projects. I would call the professionals like yourself here at good millwork to handle the project, but that is just me.
Danny @ Tampa Real Estate´s last blog ..Tampa Bank Owned Homes
Thanks for the tips. As you said, it is definitely important to get Roofers, timber and damp specialists and electricians to check the conditions of your home first as they can definitely help to identify any potential problems that your house might have.
Twitter: @GrowMap
I know this post could benefit many more people that do home renovations. I’ll do my best to spread the word online.
Gail @ Support Small Business´s last blog ..Support Small Businesses
Great tips… What style ceiling is that with the wood trim? That ceiling looks amazing.
Steve@Steam Showers´s last blog ..Why Oasis Steam Showers Are the Best on the Market
I agree that is its better to call in the experts when it comes to home renevation, But since I’m no handyman and nothing about DIY, choosing a reliable professional is something difficult, so its great to know that you give recommendations
Great tips
Love the flooring in the pic, can’t quite see what it is – is it carpeting?
I think its always important when undertaking any significant project at home to add a little buffer to the estimated project cost. Projects NEVER come in under budget so make sure you add in a little bit of extra cash to your next estimate.
Pablo @ Policeman Costume´s last blog ..Privacy
You should definitely have a home inspection done before you think about buying a house. I think no one would like to end up with paying extra for renovating parts of the house that were supposed to be ok. Only after the thorough check up you can buy and move into your new place.
Very good tips
I agree that it is important to get Roofers, timber and damp specialists and electricians to check the conditions of your home first