When you finally find the home of your dreams, it can be tempting to just start moving in and putting your own personal touch on things. But before you start tearing down walls or ripping up floors, there are a few things you should do first.
Here are 15 renovation tips when buying your first house:
1. Get a professional home inspection:
This will help you identify any potential problems with the property that could end up costing you a lot of money down the road.
2. Talk to your lender about renovations:
Some lenders may not finance certain types of renovations, so it’s important to know what their guidelines are before you get started.
3. Create a realistic budget:
Once you have an idea of what kind of work needs to be done, you can start putting together a budget. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of materials, labour, and permits.
4. Prioritise your projects:
Some renovations are more important than others, so you’ll need to prioritise based on your budget and the severity of the repairs.
5. Get multiple bids:
When it comes to hiring contractors, get multiple bids to ensure you’re getting the best price for the job.
6. Compare apples to apples:
Make sure that each bid is for the same scope of work so you can accurately compare them.
7. Check references:
Before hiring anyone, be sure to check their references and look at examples of their previous work.
8. Get everything in writing:
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, make sure you get a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work and the price. This will help avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
9. Add new things:
You can also add new things to your house like a resin above ground pool or a deck. Garden Rooms are also great. But, be sure to factor in the cost and get the proper permits before starting any work.
10. Have realistic expectations:
Remember that renovations can be messy and stressful, so try to have realistic expectations about what the process will be like.
11. Take your time:
Don’t feel like you have to rush through the process. If you take your time and do things right, the results will be worth it in the end.
12. Be prepared for the unexpected:
Things rarely go according to plan, so be prepared for the unexpected. Have a little extra money set aside in case there are any unforeseen expenses. You should also take care of what you already have to keep expenses down. For example, adding Perspex Cut To Size onto outdoor tables to protect them from the rain will help make them last longer and prevent you from needing to buy new ones.
13. Stay organised:
With so many things going on, it’s important to stay organised throughout the renovation process. Keep track of all your receipts and documents so you can stay on top of things.
14. Hire professionals:
While it may be tempting to try to do everything yourself, there are some things that are best left to the professionals. Hiring an electrician or plumber can save you time and money in the long run.
15. Enjoy the process:
Renovating your home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Try to enjoy the process and create a space that you love.
In Closing
If you follow these tips, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your home renovation goals. Just be sure to do your research and budget accordingly to avoid any costly surprises.