It’s a no-brainer that one of the main ways of adding value to your property is to renovate. Homeowners can add thousands onto the value of their home by rolling up their sleeves and getting down and dirty. However, if you choose to get the professionals in, this might mean you are paying more than you need to. In this article we will discuss what would-be renovators could take on, and which jobs need to be left to the pros.
Story Stages
1. Get a survey
The days of property developing as a means to boost your assets might be numbered, as finding a suitable property which won’t require too much outlay to reap the rewards is becoming rarer. That being said, there are still bargains to be had, but investing in a survey is money well worth spending. If you buy a place that will require a new roof, for example, that’s a significant chunk of money to find. An amateur is unlikely to have the skills to be able to do it themselves, so a survey can save you a lot of money and heartache in the future.
2. Plan
Once you are the proud owner of a property, the first thing any novice home renovator needs to do is plan. Certain jobs need to be sequenced so that you don’t end up having to redo them. For example, painting the walls of your living room BEFORE you sand the floors is a no-no. You will just end up having to repaint again. If you buy an old place, you may have to get the whole place rewired or replumbed. Understandably this is not a job a non-pro can take on, so you should look for a highly rated electrician to do it for you. This kind of fundamental job needs to be addressed before you start redecorating. When you move onto the interior, having a mood board of a look you want to create can help, meaning costly mistakes are avoided. Having a clear plan will save you time and money in the long run.
3. Work out the costs
When you have a list of jobs that need to be done to turn your house into a gem, you need to cost them. Many people simply run out of money before the project is complete, which is not a disaster if we are talking about waiting to redo the bathroom but can be an issue if outstanding work renders the place uninhabitable. Most people underestimate how much it will cost to complete their renovation, so it’s good to get a clear picture of how much you need to save and how long it is going to take.
4. Allocate jobs
Your house renovation will go a lot smoother if you choose the right people for the job. You need to work out what you can do yourselves, and which jobs require a professional. You may need architects, construction experts, plumbers, and electricians if you have extensive work to do. If you are good with your hands, you might be able to learn some simpler techniques such as tiling and painting from YouTube videos, but be realistic – is it worth getting the job done right by paying a professional or could you do it to an acceptable standard?
If you are smart, you will get to know a few trusted tradesmen and you will use them again and again for initial renovation and later maintenance on your property. Always make sure you check the credentials of workmen whose services you engage. Your home is not just a place you can enjoy your life, it’s also one of the most precious assets you will have, so it’s worth investing the time and money to do it properly.
