A home renovation is a great way to make your home more appealing, increase its value and improve its aesthetics. Although renovations can be done in older homes, they are more common in older homes due to their more complex structural problems. Because things were done differently in the past, this is a common reason. Home renovations for older homes can be costly and not very appealing to the pocketbook. Here are some examples:
- The building materials that were used back then are no more available and considered unsafe.
- A mediocre workforce has repeatedly done bad renovations.
- Obsolete flooring, plumbing, and electrical wirings
- Old layouts favor small rooms and long corridors.
To ensure your house renovation project goes smoothly, safely, and within your budget, you should follow these steps. This will help you avoid having to rework later. You will reap the benefits of your labor if you plan and execute well in the beginning stages.
While the terms “renovation”, “refurbishment”, and “remodeling” are often interchangeable, there are some differences between them.
- Retrofitting : Adding a new component or feature to an item that it didn’t have when it was made or constructed. Double glazing, for example, or new heating systems.
- Renovation: An improvement process that involves cleaning, retrofitting and equipping, or decorating.
- Remodelling: Modifying or extending the structure’s design.
- Renovation: Bringing something back to its original condition or to a new, revitalizing state.
Sometimes the owners of an old house may combine the above steps depending on their needs and urgency to get the result they want.
It is also cheaper to renovate a home than to build a new one. The whole home renovation process could take anywhere from two to eight months, depending on the plans you make in consultation with a professional contractor.
Before we move on, let’s first get to the basics. These are the 11 most important steps in a home-remodeling project.
- Evaluate the Property’s Potential: Be aware of things that could be costly to repair, make sure there are modern heating and electrics, and look for potential expansion opportunities. These potential issues can be identified in advance so that you can make a realistic plan for your home renovation in auckland.
- Create a Design and a Schedule of Works: Consider how the changes will work with the existing structure. You can either blend it in or extend it significantly. Before you start renovating your home, be clear about the steps involved and prioritize the work. You should have a clear vision of the house and a plan. Also, make sure you order the work in a logical way so you don’t lose any jobs.
- Calculate the Costs and Set a House Renovation Budget. Talk to an architect and do extensive research on the total and room-wise costs of your house renovation (including the associated services and furnishing needs) in order to make sure that your house renovation is financially feasible. It is important to be clear about your priorities, budget and what you can afford. To cover any unexpected costs, keep a buffer between 10-20% of your total house renovation budget. In your total house renovation budget, include costs for house renovation services such as painting, plastering and polishing, roof repairs, replacing floors, wiring, and bathroom fittings.
- Find the Best Contractor for Your Work. Talk to your family and friends about finding the best contractors and builders so you can feel confident in their abilities. You should also get a detailed quote from the contractor to be able to negotiate a good deal without sacrificing on quality.
- Recheck House Renovation Restrictions and Secure Permits. If the work is not authorized elsewhere, you should verify the restrictions.
- Begin the Actual House Renovation Work. This is where the house renovation process begins. It involves stabilising foundations, securing drainage and uncovering hidden problems. After that, it’s time to modify the structures by adding conversions or extensions. Finally, you will finish the walls, roofs and openings for doors and windows. Begin behind the walls and work your way outwards. Home renovation services include waterproofing, electrical work, plumbing and fittings for bathrooms, as well as flooring, painting, and polishing.
- Protect the Well-being of the Builders. Provide support for your builders while they are working so they feel connected to the project. Your schedule and project won’t be affected. You can provide temporary restrooms and parking spaces for your builders so they don’t invade your privacy and space.
- Adding the Finishing Touches to Your Old House Renovation Project: You are now close to finishing your house renovation project. Now you can add some finishing touches such as a staircase, wardrobes and cabinets, or light fixtures.
- Clean Up the Workspace: Make sure that your workspace is clean at the end each day to ensure that everyone who comes in to do their next job isn’t delayed by the mess. If you have a project manager, who oversees all subcontractors as well as ensures that everything is in order, this will make it easier.
- Get Rid Of Rubbish: You can sort things that you can make a little money from, such as fixtures and fittings, rather than just throwing it away. Donate to charity, and then you can finally throw away items that aren’t environmentally friendly or damaged beyond repair. You can reduce the cost of your skips by doing this.
- Decorate your Home: Now you can add your personal touch to the new home. This is the most exciting part of a renovation project because it involves less work and is more fun. You can choose your favorite colour scheme and then play around with the decor. To ensure that your interiors last a long time, it is important to stick with classic and minimalistic designs.
Once you have a good understanding of the various steps involved in a home remodel, let’s dive into the details. We will discuss the main rooms, renovation tips, and the associated costs.
Bedroom Renovation
You can find great ideas for bedroom and kid’s rooms like decorative headboards, large square footage, smart-looking wardrobes and thoughtful lighting. When renovating your child’s bedroom, you can be more playful and creative.
Dining Room Renovation
Some of the best ways to transform your dining room include adding a pendant light, an architectural wall niche and carefully selecting furniture.
Living Room Renovation
Living rooms are the most used rooms in your home so make sure you keep it simple but sophisticated. This can be achieved by playing with different colours, whether wallpaper or wall paint. To brighten the space and increase its energy, you can add lighting and new furniture. Don’t forget the details, such as curtains and other decors. They can make a big visual impact. A nested coffee-table is a great addition to any living space.
Kitchen Renovation
Plan your kitchen renovation by focusing on what you like. Keep the layout simple, practical and stylish. The surfaces you use should be durable and strong. The total cost of a kitchen is more than half if you have the right cabinets/hardware, appliances, countertops, and installation. Open-plan kitchens can now be used to create beautiful islands that will enhance the cooking experience and blend with the decor in the merged space.
Bathroom Renovation
The bathroom renovation is the most expensive DIY project. It can be costly if the work is completed in its entirety or if an additional one is added. If the workers are not coordinated properly, it can take longer. Large tiles are easier to clean and you will see less grout lines. The correct selection of hung toilets and shower areas, fixtures, countertops, cabinets, and other bathroom accessories will make up over half of the total cost of your bathroom.
Renovation of the Utility Room
Because all of the washing and cleaning takes place in this room, it is often one of the most boring rooms in your house. Your utility room can be renovated so that it is organized in a way that makes sense. It can also have humidity venting, electric drying, and water supply for the washer and dryer.
We have provided you with a practical and useful guide that will help you plan your home renovation project. Enjoy your newly renovated home. Best of luck!
