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Things to Do When Remodelling a Home

A home might require remodelling for several reasons: the design might be outdated or require structural changes. Either way, renovating each home space allows one to build a home they want and fine-tune each element to their liking. However, one might find it difficult to know where to start. With this in mind, learning more about home remodelling and the factors to consider when renovating a home can help homeowners make informed decisions.

Things to Do When Remodelling a Home

Cost
It is important to know that there isn’t a fixed price when it comes to renovating a home. Various factors, including the work carried out, the contractor’s skill and experience, and whether an architect was employed, influence the total cost of the renovation project. Other important factors include the project’s length and any unforeseen costs that may arise during the work. However, there are a few indicative figures for what homeowners can expect to pay for common renovation work. For instance, extensions can cost between £25,000 and £50,000, while bathroom and kitchen renovations can range between £6,000 and £15,000. New heating systems, on the other hand, can cost about £4,000, a loft conversion about £40,000, and £400 to £600 per window.

Types of home renovations
The home renovation can include a complete makeover or only a few spaces. The most common types of renovation seen today include a single- or multi-story extension, loft conversion, conservatory build, and kitchen remodelling. Other home upgrades include bathroom remodels, basement conversions, garage conversions, and garden landscaping. Of course, the possibilities for remodelling a home are endless, and homeowners can only do so much as their budget allows.

Things to do when remodelling a home
A home remodelling job is time-consuming and will also require one’s focus on multiple aspects. Planning a home renovation requires sound planning, including anticipating setbacks. There are a few things that homeowners need to factor in when renovating their houses.

1. Get permits
Before renovating a home, homeowners need to have the necessary permits. They should ensure that the house has outline planning permission or full permission. Upon receiving outline permission, the local planning department acknowledges the proposed work on a property and grants its approval in principle before submitting more detailed plans. They should also search for properties where the work falls under the scope of Permitted Development. This is if they plan to purchase one. The permit allows for a wide range of work, including loft conversions, single-story extensions, conservatories, porches, decking, basement development, and parking. There is no requirement for planning permission in this scenario, but there will be size and scale limitations for home elements such as extensions. Moreover, one will typically require approval from building regulations for any structural work or electrical installation.

2. Chalk out a work schedule
Renovating a home is a great opportunity to redesign the space at the homeowner’s convenience. However, they must ensure that they move through the project systematically. They can achieve this by creating a work schedule that lists all of the remodeling tasks. Moreover, this list can also serve as a loosely binding contract between the homeowner and the contractor to ensure everything happens promptly and within the budget. Some things that homeowners might want to include in this list are external work, such as brickwork, paint, roof tiles, chimney repairs, windows and doors, and internal work, including carpet replacements and kitchen or bathroom fittings.

3. Set a budget
Money is a crucial factor when planning a home renovation. How much the renovation costs depends on a variety of factors. Homeowners should ensure they account for all the fees associated with renovating a home, including materials, labour, and permits, while setting aside money for emergencies, such as unexpected property damage.

4. Compare companies
During the planning phase, homeowners should decide which tasks they want to perform and which they should delegate to experts. A simple search online for things like “construction companies near me” should render a suite of results with relevant contact information that one could use to find the right person or agency for the job. Various tips can help them narrow down a construction company for a country home renovation.

  • Ask for recommendations
    Friends, family members, and colleagues may have availed themselves of the services of a professional contractor in the past. This allows them to gain some insight into the quality of work and get contractors’ contact information. That said, homeowners should still compare multiple companies or contractors and select the one that fits their budget, requirements, and needs.
  • Compare quotes
    While a construction company may seem to offer the best price, homeowners will not know until they compare at least three quotes or more. They should get a written quote from each contractor and ask questions regarding their quotes before making a comparison.
  • Check for licensing and certification
    While a contractor may quote a lower price, homeowners should always look if the expert has the necessary documentation. For instance, they should have the necessary permits and insurance to cover any mishaps. Homeowners should also check their licensing and other certifications applicable to their local housing governing authority.
  • Determine wants
    Before looking for an expert one must determine their wants and needs. One must plan with some architectural drawings or approved plans. This will help get a more accurate estimate from the company when one eventually starts the search.

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