So, you’ve got your renovation hat on and you’re ready to rock’n’roll. The time has come to make those changes you’ve always wanted. What fun! Such excitement! But hold up a minute… Have you thought this through? Have you done your research?
If the answer is no, then you’re in luck because we’ve got quite the treat for you:
Building Masters Inspections thought that it might be a good idea to put together this comprehensive checklist that will help prepare you for the task at hand, and make sure that you stay on track every step of the way.
If you have already done your research, then you must be here because you want to double, triple, and quadruple check that you know exactly what to expect. This is a wise choice and I can assure you that you’ve come to the right place.
So without further ado, let the checklist begin!
Step 1: Planning the Renovation
First thing’s first – Round up all of you design plans to help refresh your original ideas and get a handle on precisely what you’re hoping to get out of this renovation.
For example, why do you want to renovate?
- Is it to boost the property value?
- Gain more living space?
- Freshen up your home’s atmosphere?
- Get it ready to put on the market?
- Fix the Feng Shui in your bathroom?
If you’re struggling for ideas, why not do some investigating? Take notes from home renovation websites or visit some open inspections. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to come by inspiration when you’re feeling stuck. Pinterest anyone?
Once you’ve got your ideas in mind then organise them into a folder or a notebook so you don’t forget the important details.
Step 2: Council Permission
Secondly, you’ll want to make sure that you contact your local council in order to ensure that the renovations you’ve planned to undertake are permitted in your area.
If you can acquire a copy of the council’s development guidelines, you should then know exactly what renovations they will or will not allow you to engage in. This way, you can know for sure whether or not the rooftop spa or 5-story add on is actually a no-go and going to cause you big trouble.
Step 3: Budgeting for the Build
Now is the time to check your finances. Make sure you have a rough idea of how much you’re willing to spend and where the money will come from – will this be coming out of your savings or can you get a top-up loan on your mortgage?
It’s also a good idea to prioritise each element of your renovation – colour schemes, materials, size, etc. This will give you a clear picture of what you 100% need to include, and that which you can happily (or begrudgingly) live without.
Step 4: Building Materials
After the idea prep and the financial assessment, you’ll want to start inquiring about the cost of your preferred materials. Get quotes so you can get a better idea about how much your ideal materials will end up costing you and that way you won’t get any nasty surprises when the invoice arrives. This will also help you decide whether you need to re-evaluate your options and maybe forgo the polished marble floor this time round.
You’ll also want to get a rough estimate of the cost of work per square metre so you then have a better idea of whether or not this price fits into your ballpark figure. Again, re-evaluations may need to be made.
Step 5: Even More Planning
Think ahead: One thing you might want to consider is where you will be when the renovations take place. Will you be living elsewhere for the duration, or will you just find a way to rearrange your living space and work around it? Once you’ve figured that out, just double check that you hadn’t planned your mother-in-law’s birthday celebrations or a romantic anniversary dinner during that period. No? Then you’re good to go.
Step 6: Ask around
Your friends, family and workmates might just be the perfect resource when it comes to looking for guidance and advice for your upcoming project. Check out any renovations they might have had done and carefully inspect the quality of that work. If you like what you see, ask if they have the number of the worker/s involved in constructing it, or if they have any other recommendations, draftspeople, architects or builders in mind that will make your renovation army complete.