It is true that our home is our resting place, our sanctuary. It is a place to feel comfortable, safe and relaxed. Our home should also be a reflection of our personal style, a place that we are proud to show off to family and friends. But what happens when your home is in dire need of some updating?
With the rental market skyrocketing at the start of the pandemic and with many homeowners in the United Kingdom doing renovation projects, it may be time for you to also start with your home renovation.
A home renovation project can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, it can be a rewarding experience. So, whether you’re planning a small refresh or a large-scale renovation, here are 10 things you need to know for a smooth project.
1. Define Your Goals
The first step in planning any home renovation is to define your goals. What do you hope to achieve with your renovation? Are you looking to update the look of your home, increase its value or make it more functional? Once you know what your goals are, you can start planning your project accordingly.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at homes similar to yours in your neighbourhood or online. See what features they have that you like and make a list of the things you’d like to change about your own home. This will help you narrow down your focus and figure out what exactly you want to achieve with your renovation.
2. Consider The Design and Proper Planning
If you want your renovation to go smoothly, you need to put proper planning into it. This means taking the time to come up with a design that suits your needs and budget. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online or you can hire a professional designer.
Not all home renovation projects are created equal. Some may require more planning than others. If you’re planning on making big changes, such as adding an extension or restructuring the layout of your home, you’ll need to factor in additional time for the design process. Working with an architect or designer can help bring your vision to life and ensure that your plans are achievable.
3. Set a Realistic Budget
One of the most important things to know before embarking on a home renovation project is how much money you’re willing to spend. It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford and to stick to your budget as much as possible. There are many ways to save money during a renovation, such as shopping around for deals on materials and labour, but it’s important not to sacrifice quality in order to stay within your budget.
4. Know Your Limits
While it’s tempting to try to take on a large home renovation project yourself, it’s important to know your limits. There are certain tasks that are best left to the professionals, such as electrical work, plumbing and structural changes. Not only is it important to avoid injuring yourself, but attempting to do these types of jobs without proper experience can actually end up costing you more money in the long run if you have to hire someone to fix your mistakes.
5. Create a Schedule
Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, budget and timeline, it’s time to start creating a schedule for your renovation. Depending on the size and scope of your project, you may need to allow for some flexibility in your schedule, but having a general timeline will help keep things on track. Be sure to factor in additional time for unexpected delays, such as weather damage or material shortages.
6. Hire a Reputable Contractor
If you’re planning a major renovation, one of the most important things you need to do is find a reputable contractor. Be sure to get multiple bids from different contractors and check references before making your final decision. Once you’ve found a contractor you can trust, be sure to communicate your vision for the project and agree on a schedule and budget.
7. Don’t Forget about Permits and Inspections
Depending on the type of renovation you’re planning, you may need to obtain certain permits from your local government before starting work. For example, if you’re planning on doing any structural changes or electrical work, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate permits. Failure to do so could result in costly fines.
In addition, most home renovations will require at least one inspection from a qualified tradesperson, such as an electrician or plumber. This is to ensure that the work meets all the necessary safety standards.
8. Protect Your Furniture and Belongings
If you’re planning on doing any work that will generate dust or debris, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your furniture and belongings. Covering items with plastic sheeting or moving them to another room can help minimise the amount of cleaning you’ll need to do once the renovation is complete.
9. Stay Organised As Much As Possible
Home renovations can be stressful, but try to stay organised as much as possible. This will help the process go more smoothly and minimise the chances of anything going wrong. Keep a folder or binder with all your important documents, such as contracts, plans and permits, in one place so you can easily find them when you need them.
10. Consider Skip Bins For Renovators
If you’re planning a home renovation, chances are you’ll have a lot of waste to dispose of. From old furniture and appliances to construction materials, there are a variety of items that need to be properly disposed of during a renovation. This is where hiring a skip comes in handy.
Skips are large, open-topped waste containers that can be hired for a set period of time. They’re perfect for renovations, as they provide an easy and convenient way to dispose of all your unwanted rubbish. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, not to mention money, compared to disposing of the waste yourself.
Conclusion
Home renovations can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared before getting started. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your renovation goes smoothly and according to plan.
Undertaking a home renovation can be a big task, but if you’re well prepared and organised, it can go smoothly. Enviro Skip Hire allows you to hire a skip in Northwich so you can easily and conveniently dispose of all your renovation waste. They offer a variety of skip sizes to suit your needs, so you can be sure to find the perfect one for your project. Let us help you make your home renovation as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our skip hire services.
