Thinking of remodelling your home? Going for a completely new layout or look can often seem like a daunting task, but with some careful planning and consideration, the home of your dreams could be well within reach.
These days, more and more people are opting to improve rather than move, making the most of existing space by rethinking the way they use their homes. Doing so can provide a great opportunity to overhaul the design and look of your space, too – making your surroundings feel new and exciting and giving them a new lease of life.
Whilst it might sound exciting, and certainly can be, it’s important to be clued up before you start. Here are some tips that will help you to avoid some of the most basic remodelling mistakes.
Don’t exceed your budget:
Decide on your budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away when planning a remodel, and if you don’t consider every last detail carefully before you start, the costs could easily start to spiral as the project progresses. Know your limits and be sure to put aside some emergency funds to fall back upon, should you need to.
To budget effectively, it’s important to understand the process ahead, so take some time to discuss your plans with remodelling experts and have a clear vision of what you hope to achieve – as well as exactly how you’re going to do it.
Be Prepared:
Making it up as you go along can be dangerous and can often mean you’ll end up happy with the results. Do your research first, using Pinterest for inspiration, and look at magazines and show homes, too. Keep a note of any images or ideas you like and use them to create a mood board, which you can give to renovators to make sure you’re both on the same page.
The clearer the picture you have in your mind, the better the chance you have of achieving a pleasing result, so take the time to ponder the look, feel and colour scheme and pin down exactly what it is that you want before any work begins. This can be one of the most enjoying parts of remodelling, and is a chance to get really creative.
Choose the right experts:
No matter how many DIY videos you watch, there are certain projects – such as hanging drywall, installing a roof, or rewiring electric – that require expert knowledge and skill, and therefore should only be done by professionals. The results will have a lasting impact on the value of your home, so don’t skimp on hiring an expert just to save a few pounds.
Whatever the room you’re looking to model, be it a bedroom, kitchen or loft, choosing the right professionals will save your time and money. Figure out which services you require, then research the best providers in your area, finding out more about previous projects they have worked on before taking anyone on. After all, if you’re going to be paying, then you’ll want to make sure the work will be completed to a high standard. Take recommendations from friends and family, read reviews online and be thorough before parting with your cash.
Don’t focus on aesthetics only:
Homeowners usually have one thing in mind when remodelling, and that’s improving the resale value. Installing a new bathtub or upgrading the kitchen worktops will certainly have a positive impact in this respect – however, they are not the only considerations you should bear in mind. Burst pipes, electrical wires and structural damage can all have a detrimental effect on a property’s value, so take care of the basics before getting creative with your new look.
Ignoring the Bathrooms:
Bathrooms can be one of the biggest deal-breakers when selling your home, so don’t neglect it just because it’s a less exciting room to overhaul. Keep your suite up to date and in good condition, replace old-fashioned tiled floors with stone flooring or swap in trendy new fixtures and fittings for a simple yet effective update.
Not spending wisely:
It can be tempting to balance out the cost of your remodel by scrimping on certain fixtures where you’ve splurged elsewhere, but if you’re going to do so then be wise about it. Avoid, for example, splurging on an accent wall only to have to install laminate flooring instead of hardwood – a hardwood floor is far more likely to add value to your home, so pick and choose your extravagances carefully to ensure that you’re not throwing money down the drain.
Invest in quality materials where possible, but don’t go overboard and blow your budget. The goal is to add value to your home, so overspending will do you no favours in the long-run.
All in all, there’s a great deal to consider when remodelling your home, so take your time, do your homework and choose your designer carefully. It always pays to take recommendations and compare prices and services before taking the plunge, and having the right professional on board can help you to make your dream home a reality – all without having to move house.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy it. There are few things more satisfying than having a vision and seeing it come to life – not to mention the enjoyment that comes with great results.
