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renovation mistakes

home renovation

Top 4 Tips for Property Renovation

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Whether you’re renovating a rundown property for yourself to live, or to sell on once your project is complete, it’s essential that you do it right. If you cut corners and don’t make the home a decent place to live, you will not make as much money as you like or live comfortably if you do move into it. A renovation project of this size is a lot to take on, so you must be willing to see it through to the end and be able to afford to make the necessary changes. Here are a few tips to help you plan for this kind of project if this is something you have been considering.

Renovation Budget

You might not have spent a lot of your budget on the property itself when you purchased it, but the surveyor should have been able to give you a good estimate of what all of the work will cost before you finalised a sale. You should also prepare for hidden costs, as often these kinds of projects have unforeseen circumstances that add more to the final bill. Once you know how much you can realistically afford to spend, you can start to think about the most cost-effective materials to use that will still be good quality for the build.

Structural Work

The most important thing to get right when you’re renovating a property is the structural work. If a house has been left empty for an extended period, there is a good chance that it has sustained damage to the roof, windows, brickwork, and possibly the foundations. Again, your surveyor should have included all of this in their report, and you can use that as a reference to what needs to be done to make the property safe to live in. Make sure you’re investing in these areas, as quality structural work is vital.

Interior

Once you know the property is structurally sound, has new windows fitted, etc., you can begin to look at the interior. For things like your bathroom or kitchen, you will need to find a company that specialises in these designs and installation, like granitetransformations.co.uk. You might also want to think about hiring an interior designer if you can, as they will be able to bring your vision for the property to life.

Reliable Team

Even if you’re a builder or a DIY enthusiast, there is no way you can renovate an entire house by yourself! You will need to find a reliable team of contractors, plumbers, electricians, and so on to help you piece together your dream home. If you are planning to make some structural changes to the property, you might need the help of an architect to draw up these plans for you. Take your time to find the right people for the job, get a variety of quotes to compare, and use reviews and recommendations to help you make your decision.

Renovating a property is a big undertaking, but taking the time to plan it properly and with a strong team to work on it, all of the effort will pay off. 

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REAL ESTATE

Things to consider when adding an extension to your property

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Sometimes we outgrow our homes. A great way to get the home you need without moving is to add an extension. If you are considering this, there are a few things you need to give thought to before going ahead.  

How much extra space do you need?

There is no point in building an extension then finding out you miscalculated and could have benefited from even more space. That’s why it is so important that you carefully consider how much space you need before you start. It is also important to give thought as to how the space will be used and by whom. Make sure your proposals tick every feasible box.

 Who will carry out the work?

Whether it’s a loft conversion, a kitchen extension or a garden room, you need to get the right people for the job. Hiring trade specialists will ensure things go to plan. Many companies can coordinate more than one trade making the process even smoother. Captain Electric, for example, can not only carry out your electrical needs but can undertake all your plumbing needs too. The fewer trades you have to deal with, the easier it will be in the long run.

How much can you spend?

Budget is one of the main factors when considering the size and specification of your proposed extension. Whilst you may want a huge double storey addition, your budget may only allow for a small single storey. You need to be realistic. Get some draft plans drawn up together with some rough quotes. This will allow you to focus on what is feasible rather than what you are dreaming of. They may not be the same! 

Be prepared

Whether it’s a percentage of your proposed costs or a set figure, having a contingency is always recommended. Timescales can extend, materials can change and labor costs can increase. A contingency ensures that if anything doesn’t go to plan, you have the financial means to deal with it. You don’t want a scenario where you have an unfinished build because you have run out of money.

Getting approval

Once your draft plans are drawn up, you will need to contact the relevant authorities for permission to proceed. They will look over plans and details and ensure that these conform with current building regulations. Don’t allow any works to be started without these. The last thing you want is to have to pay your builder to remove what they have already done.

The finishing touches

Once your extension is complete, you will want to add some color and finishing touches to your project. Consider in advance the color schemes which would go well in your newly created space. Flooring, wallpaper, window coverings and paint all need to be chosen so make sure you allocate a good amount of time to make these decisions. Once it’s complete and your final items added, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your extra space.

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HOME STAGING

Worst upgrades for the resale of your home

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When it comes to selling your home there are some updates that are ‘money makers’ and there are others that are just a waste of money. You really want to spend your money on upgrades that not only look good but ones that will pay off!

Here are the 10 worst upgrades for selling your home.

 

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1.  Wall-to-wall carpet. 

If you are replacing your carpet flooring before you sell, hardwood is a must.  That is what buyers are looking for.  Carpet just doesn’t work for anyone with pets or allergies plus it’s tough to give it a quick clean.  If you have hardwood now, take a close look at it – does it need any repairs? refinishing?

 

 

2.  Whirlpool baths, indoor hot tubs and saunas. 

Once upon a time they were considered desirable but now many buyers find them passe and are afraid of what extra costs will be involved.

 

3.  Colourful bath fixtures. 

If you are updating the toilets, sinks and tubs in your bathrooms to get ready for sale (even if it is years away), keep the fixtures white – not almond, grey, pink etc…White is neutral and clean so it will appeal to everyone.

 

4.  Ornate chandeliers, wall paper, textured walls and bold paint colours. 

No.  Do not do this.  Keep it simple.  Stick with neutral paint colours.  Wall paper is just seen as a big removal project, textured walls were once a big trend but he trend is over and as for big splashy chandeliers – that’s a personal touch that should go with you when you move, so just put in a simple chandelier for the potential new owners.

 

5.  Expensive sound systems and home theaters. 

If you are doing updates for your home as you start to prepare it for sale, do not spend you money on this, it might attract some buyers but most audio/film buffs would rather just install this themselves. If you have a large basement that would really suit a home theater this is something your real estate agent could mention at open houses and showings.

6.  Vinyl Floors

Although it has come a long way in terms of style and it is practical for pets, kids, allergies and easy cleaning – it isn’t a feature that buyers like.  For only a bit more money, opt for ceramic, or hardwood. The new laminate floor that look like hardwood are a good option but at a certain price point, buyers expect to see hardwood so discuss that with your real estate agent.

 

7.  Removing bedrooms, turning a three bedroom into a two bedroom home. 

Even if one or two bedrooms are on the small side – do not eliminate one.  Fewer bedrooms means you will likely get less money on the resale market.  Plus anyone looking for a three bedroom will not see a two bedroom home.  Two bedroom condo apartments are popular but not two bedroom homes. Same goes for 4 bedroom homes – many families are looking for 4 bedrooms so don’t get rid of a bedroom.

8.  Swimming pools. 

There is a lot of discussion among Realtors about pools.  Buyers often love them or hate them – so if you have a big yard that would fit a pool, let your realtor ‘pitch’ that idea a open houses and showings. It’s not an upgrade worth putting in. If you have a pool – make sure it is clean, maintained and functioning.  Buyers will want to know about additional costs so be sure to have that data available.

 

 

9.  Appliance upgrades. 

Stainless steel is certainly the ‘colour’ of choice for buyers but don’t get crazy with professional grade appliances it’s really not necessary.  Plus built-in espresso machines are seen as a concern if they breakdown and wine fridges are a personal item (not everyone drinks wine).

10.  Odd rooms. 

If you are in an older home you probably have some attic space or neat little nook under the stares – do not spend the time, money or effort trying to convert these funky little spots into a room or bathroom.  Show your realtor these spaces and he/she will simply call them ‘storage’ which IS something buyers are all looking for.

 

This mistakes can be costly so be sure to talk with your realtor before making any huge mistakes….

 

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