Renovating can be very demanding at times, causing you so much stress. But there are ways to handle the pressures brought about by renovating. Check out our 10 helpful tips towards a successful renovation.

1. Do your research

Before planning on any kind of renovation, you have to do your research. Look out for the latest trend and designs by reading magazines or browsing the internet. If your purpose is to resell, you will need to examine the demographics of your area, its housing styles and sale prices. Property specialists recommend that aside from research, you also need to look for an inspiration to help you get through the strenuous task of renovating.

Experts advise to look for attractive images as inspiration so you can tune up your mood to help you imagine what you want your home to look like. If you’re renovating your kitchen, look into details like the sink, tap, stove, etc. Most importantly, don’t forget to consider your family and yourself. Plan out how much stress you are ready to take in for the renovation to take place.

2. Allocate a budget

You should set out your funds for your renovation plans. This includes costs for materials, labour, and living arrangements in case you need to look for alternative housing during the renovation period. Ask an expert such as an architect to help you at this phase. You may need to seek out a loan or extend your current mortgage in order to cover the costs. It’s good to speak to your mortgage broker beforehand to ensure you have the needed funds.

3. Consult an architect

Hiring an architect can bring about a lot of benefits – it can save you time and money when it comes to renovation, and they cost less than you think. A concept, when drawn by an architect, is a cost-effective way to jump start a project. An architect can create an artistic, realistic design that best suits your budget and lifestyle requirements. The important thing is to plan according to affordability and individual lifestyle needs. An architect is the best person who can help you manage costs and achieve your home renovation in reasonably affordable steps.

4. Refrain from overcapitalising

There is one known golden rule when renovating: do not overcapitalise on the property. You need to do your own research first, and you also have to look into the demographics of your area including the sale prices of nearby similar homes.

Here are some useful tips for making money from your renovation project:

● Have a good quality concept for design

● Create accurate and detailed working drawings

● Make room sizes as efficient as possible

● Get hold of a minimum of 3 quotes for all work

● Refrain from using expensive fixtures and fittings

5. Get council approval before you start

Depending on the renovation type you are planning to do, you may need to get planning approval from certain departments like the local planning authority. Schedule an appointment with your local council ahead of time, and inform them about your renovation plans to grasp an idea of their suitability for the property, and to also increase your chances of getting an approval.

6. Utilise licensed and reputable builders

After finalising the plans, consult your friends and ask them for names of contractors they have worked with. Now that you have a list at hand, start interviewing each contractor. Make sure you have written down important items you have to ask them. If the specifications are ready, have your chosen provider present you with a quote. If not, you can ask them to give you a proposal and a budget for the project. Check their references just to be safe.

7. Put everything in writing

So you have chosen your builder, and you have made a deal on the time-frame, budget and general plans. So what’s next? Put them all in writing. Experts say that doing a renovation without including material and labour costs is like doing financial suicide. You contract need to contain the design plans from the main works down to the minute details and finishing touches.

8. Observe as the work progresses

It takes a fine eye to know that everything is accurately done. It may be of great help if you hire an inspector who can officially confirm and certify that the work is done with the proper standards.

9. Follow your original plans

If the time-frame and budget has been set, and the work has been started, try to keep changes to a minimum. Constant changes will definitely affect both the schedule and budget of the project.

10. Be flexible

As the renovation progresses, changes may happen and some things can go wrong. It’s best to keep an open mind and be flexible at all times.