8 Things You Need to Consider Before Starting Any Home Renovation

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When we think about home renovation, the first thing that comes to our mind is probably a new kitchen or bathroom. After all, these are two spaces that people tend to update most often. However, there's so much more to it than just a few cosmetic changes here and there. Thankfully, if you have the right support system around you, undertaking a home renovation shouldn't be as scary of an idea as it might seem. In fact, it can be massively liberating and lead to an even better life in your home. Of course, when undertaking any project—even on such a personal level as your own house—it is essential to remember that not everything will go smoothly all the time. Regardless of how small or big your renovation plans are, they will require careful planning and execution. But no worries — we got you covered with some valuable pointers on what things you need to consider before starting any home renovation:

Know your why

Why are you renovating your home? What do you hope to achieve from it? This may seem like a very basic "first" point, but it's easy to forget about amid a renovation project. Make sure you know the reason behind your renovation to set realistic expectations and when to call it quits. For example, is your goal to create a wheelchair-accessible space, do you need more bedrooms for a growing family, or do you simply need to bring your home into the 21st century?

Assess your needs

What exactly do you need your finished home to do for you? When you know your why, you will know your needs. It could be wider doorways to accommodate wheelchair access, and it could be a bigger space for more room for raising children; it could even be to create a new home office. Your needs are personal to you, and you need to know what you want to form your home before any work or planning begins to ensure you design a new space perfect for you.

Know your limitations

This is one of the most important things to consider before starting any home renovation. What does that mean? It means you need to know your budget, time, and skill set. The budget can be managed, especially if you're not doing significant renovations that will take months. However, the time frame is something that can't be changed and can often be the most important factor. For example, if you want a brand new kitchen but only have three weeks until the holidays, you'll want to consider which renovations you can do within a short timeframe. Skill set is something that can often go unnoticed, but you need to be completely honest with yourself about doing any level of work yourself.

Where will you live during work?

Where you will live during the works will depend on the renovation you are undertaking. For example, if you are undertaking a kitchen renovation, you can continue to use your kitchen during the renovations, but you might need to move your appliances to another room. This is an important thing to keep in mind. Will your home be liveable during the renovation work, and will you be able to live there for this duration easily? For some people, moving out until everything is finished is the best answer, while others will simply be able to live around the work until it is finished.

What type of costs can you expect?

The type of costs you can expect often depends on the type of renovation that you are undertaking. For example, if you are undertaking a kitchen renovation, you can expect to pay upwards of £5,000 depending on the work you need. However, there are always hidden costs to budget for that you won't be aware of until you come across them. If carrying out some work yourself, you need to ensure you have everything you need, including tools, equipment, and safety gear, and are working with the appropriate suppliers, such as pipe suppliers, to get the suitable materials for each job. Ensure any quotes you receive include all tools and materials if using a contractor.

There will always be issues and delays.

No matter how well-planned your project is, there will be issues and delays. This is one of the most common problems of home renovation. Many things can affect your project, from weather to financial problems (e.g. if your contractor doesn't get paid on time) or even supply chain issues. It is essential to stay on top of these issues and delays to ensure your project stays on track. If you notice a problem, talk to your contractor immediately. This way, they can take care of it quickly, so it doesn't become a bigger problem.

What is your tolerance level?

There will be some days when renovating your home that you will want to throw in the towel and walk away—and that's okay. It is essential to know your tolerance level and make sure that you give yourself enough time to rest and relax. It is also necessary to have a support system in place. You can use online forums to connect with other renovators or vent to family and friends.

Will you need a project manager?

If you are undertaking a major renovation, such as adding a room or renovating the entire house, you will probably need a project manager. A project manager will help you stay on track with the renovation and ensure it is completed within your timeline. A project manager will also help minimise your stress by providing updates on the renovation's progress but it will also incur an additional cost to the renovation too so this is something ot consider carefully.

Final words

Renovating your home is a big undertaking, but it can be gratifying. Whether you are adding a room or renovating your entire house, there are many benefits to doing so. You can personalise your home even more and create a perfect space for you and your family.