In principle, there are two types of renovation. On the one hand, there is the annual wear and tear, which you regularly have to deal with. Some examples are: a new roof, renewing the electricity or having the boiler replaced. These are renovations that cannot be ignored. There are also renovations that you carry out in order to embellish and increase the value of your home. You have been living in your home for a number of years now, and you think it’s time to have decorations carried out. Here it is also interesting to look at renovations that can also bring you something afterwards: in other words, renovations that increase the value of the house.
A renovation, whether it’s repairing annual wear and tear or embellishment work, is never really nice. That is why it is important to draw up a well-founded plan in advance, on which you will follow up the renovation step by step.
Collect as much information as possible
Collecting information is the beginning of the adventure. Buy refurbishment magazines or interior books: you can never get enough ideas. It’s never easy to determine your style. That’s why you can work with an interior design specialist. He or she will then help you on your way to the interior you dream of.
Be inspired by the internet
The internet contains a wealth of interior information and renovation tips. You can not only be inspired, but also look up information about contractors and construction companies in the area.
Make a financial estimate
Financially looking at how you’re doing, you can’t ignore that. What is your budget, can you still go outside (i.e. do you have reserves) and if not, where are we going to get this money from? It is essential to make a financial estimate for the renovation. Make a note of the space you want to take care of, inform about prices and decide on the budget. Still, it is important to always build in a small margin.
Compare quotes from different contractors
Never decide who you want to work with for the renovation. When choosing a contractor, there are two essential things to take into account: is he from the neighbourhood? (low transport costs) and what are the references of this contractor?
Consider what you can do yourself
(Free) Helping hands can make all the difference. Try to do as many chores as possible yourself or ask your family to come and lend a hand. The work will progress faster in between and you will also be able to make some financial savings.
Plan the renovation
Set up a schedule in advance. This will allow you to follow the different steps and their duration. If it turns out that it will take a little longer than agreed beforehand, talk to professionals about it. Moreover, you also have to do everything in the right order. Otherwise, you may be stuck at a certain moment and you can’t go on with the next one. Absolutely avoidable!
Continue to monitor the finances
Keep your nose on the finances. Let it slip between your fingers, but keep a close eye on it. This way you will never be surprised and you always know where you stand.
Good craftsmen
Some parts of the renovations you want to do yourself, that’s possible. But sometimes it is also advisable to hire good professionals. This may make the work a lot faster. For example, if you are renting a house and you are in danger of having to pay double rent, it would be better to hire a professional. The most important characteristic of a good craftsman is punctuality. This gives you a small indication of whether the work will be completed on time or not.
Always agree on an end date
Anyone who is going to work with a contractor and his experts on a renovation project must always agree on an end date. This is mandatory in the agreement. Don’t be fooled and follow this up carefully. When negotiating the contract, you can always have delay clauses included.
