Take the headache out of DIY jobs around the house with these home improvement tips.
Renovating looks so easy on lifestyle shows with experts giving home improvement tips but it’s not as straightforward as it may look. Enhancing the look and feel of your home can range from cosmetic changes such as painting and installing new flooring to major structural work like knocking down walls. Here are five tips to keep your renovation on track and within budget, keeping your sanity in the process.
Work out a logical order
If you are doing some renovations around the house, one of the best home improvement tips is to work out the logical order of how the work needs to be done that makes best sense to you, generally by room. For example if you are replacing your flooring and interior painting, you may want to paint your walls and ceilings so the paint doesn’t drip onto your new floor. It may depend on your personal or contractors’ preference.
Draw up a realistic budget
As renovators say, you draw up a budget and then double it straight away. If you haven’t worked out a workable budget or what you want your maximum costs to be, then you’re behind the eight-ball from the start. Once you have put together a budget, you need to constantly monitor it to make sure costs are not escalating. There will always be hidden expenses, make sure to cost in a contingency for home renos.
Plan twice, renovate once
Think about how much time and money you want to spend on doing up your home. It may be false economy to use cheap fixtures and fittings that you have to replace in a few years rather than go for a high-quality finish and premium materials that will last you longer. In addition, be mindful of overcapitalising – speak to local real estate agents and ask whether your planned renovation may exceed the value it adds to your home.
Hire contractors you can trust
The best tradies are inundated with work and don’t need to advertise their services. An ideal way to find a reputable contractor is to ask for referrals through friends or family. If you have just purchased a home, you can ask your real estate for local recommendations. Look at examples of their work if possible. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t hire a contractor even if they have come in with the cheapest quote.
Staying within character
Your home is your castle and you can decorate and renovate it anyway you want. Keep in mind however when it comes to selling, if the houses around you are Federation-style houses, buyers may not appreciate the modern MacMansion you have built. In addition, when you renovate a property, it should be sympathetic to the original building or you may devalue your property. The money you spend should add to your investment.
Interior design may range from adding little styling touches here and there to major renovation works such remodelling bathrooms but be careful not to overcapitalise. You may love your renovations but when it comes to selling, they may even detract from the worth. However, with a little bit of pre-planning and taking home improvement tips from the experts, you can add value to your house and make into a home you love.