Renovating your home is necessary to keep it updated and in working condition. However, the process is tricky and if initiated without proper planning can create a lot of hassle. Whether you are updating the existing elements or adding new ones, planning is necessary. Keeping in view the length and time required for the renovation, it is better to segment your renovation plan into different parts.
Here we have drafted a home pre-renovation checklist that will help you in understanding the process of home renovation and how to complete it conveniently.
Things to Do Before Renovation
Here is the list of elements that you must consider before opting for home renovation.
Prepare Yourself mentally and Emotionally
To start the home renovation process, you have to prepare yourself emotionally and mentally. For many people, bringing any significant change to your home can be a hectic process, especially if you are renovating with a family. Some things may slip off the schedule regardless of the preparation and timeline. Therefore, it is better to prepare yourself for the errors. The sooner you accept, the easier the process will be.
Discuss it with your Family
Moving forward, it is important to inform your kin about the renovation process prior to initiating the process and be on the same page. Discuss with them the purpose of renovating, what you are expecting from it and also consider their input and suggestions.
These decisions will help conveniently achieve the long-term renovation goal and reduce the hassle faced during the process. Along with this, you will also get a helping hand if you all work together on the process.
Sort Out your Finances and Draft a Budget
Another important step to include in the home pe-renovation checklist is to sort out all your finances and draft a proper budget. Initiating the process without a budget can cause difficulties in the long run.
Before you start drafting your budget, create a wishlist and include all the areas of the house that you want to renovate. Once the list is complete, compare it with your finances and verify whether the budget is enough for this renovation or not. If not, then prioritize the list and start renovating the areas of the house that urgently need renovation. Also, make sure to avoid common mistakes that can increase your home maintenance cost in the long run.
It is suggested to include a 20% contingency cost in your overall budget. This will help you avoid any financial shortage during the renovation process.
Set your Goals
Once you have drafted your budget and created a wishlist, it’s time to convert it into realistic goals. Assess the amount of time and money that will be required in renovating the areas mentioned in the wishlist and access its feasibility. If your renovation plan requires a lot of labour, or the area will be usable for a shorter time span, it is recommended to exclude it from the list.
Assess the Current Condition of Your Home
Pre-renovation assessment is necessary to estimate the real cost and time that will be required for the renovation. Starting the process without proper inspection can result in delays and additional costs.
Start your assessment with the visible condition of the room like paint, repair and damages on the wall. Scrutinise whether the room is worth renovating or will require reconstruction. If it needs reconstruction, you may opt for construction companies in Dubai or in the Emirate you are living in for some professional assistance.
Create a Timeline
The first step in creating a timeline is to divide your renovation process into milestones. For instance, if you want to remodel your kitchen as per the latest trend, the milestones of the project will be like:
- Remove all the existing items in the kitchen
- Install new cabinets and countertops
- Complete the plumbing work
- Repaint the walls
After splitting these tasks, estimate the time required to complete each task and complete your timeline. While drafting the timeline, make sure to include process delays, time spent on searching for appropriate material and other delays.
Acquire Necessary Permits
Make sure to inform the building authorities and acquire all the necessary permits for the renovation. This will exclude any potential chance of legal issues during the process. Also, remember to comply with government safety and construction regulations during the process.
Opt for some DIY Hacks
DIY hacks work effectively if you are renovating on a budget. These hacks prevent you from hiring a professional or seeking assistance for menial chores during renovation. This significantly affects the overall budget for the renovation. Apart from cost cutting, DIY hacks also aid you in sticking to your timeline, as you are the only one responsible for completing the process.
Home Pre-Renovation Tips and Hacks
Here are some pre-renovation tips and tricks that will help you in completing the process efficiently.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Modern electric appliances are energy-efficient and consume less electricity than older ones. Therefore, opt for energy-efficient appliances and construction equipment while renovating. This will not only reduce electricity consumption during the renovation but after also. LED lights are one of the best examples of energy-efficient appliances that can be used at home.
Don’t Hide the Valves
Interior designers often suggest you hide the plumbing valves and electricity units by using a fancy decorative element. This is not feasible in the long run and can cause trouble in the repair process, especially if you prefer to fix minute issues by yourself. Instead of installing decoration pieces over valves, camouflage it with the wall by using paint.
Sell Additional Stuff in your House
You might need a lot of space while renovating your home. Therefore, it is suggested to remove any additional items in your home. Start from a junk drawer or furniture piece in your house and narrow it down gradually.
Decorate it with Second-Hand Furniture
Furniture doesn’t just serve a function, it also elevates the overall ambience of your house. However, these statement furniture pieces can be expensive for many individuals. If you are also renovating on a budget and want some affordable furniture for your house, browse through these second-hand furniture shops in Dubai and other Emirates. Here you can find a wide range of used furniture on a budget.
Use Spray Paint for Fixtures
Replacing all the items during renovation is not a feasible approach. You can rather reuse some of the old items. For instance; if you are renovating your bathroom, paint your old faucets with the help of spray paint and reuse it. Similarly, you can spray paint other items in the house like switchboards, drawer knobs and rusty decoration pieces.
These were all the items that you must include in your home pre-renovation checklist. The renovation process is essential to make your residence feel like home. However, always calculate the opportunity cost and frequency of renovation. If you are living in an old construction that requires renovation frequently and its value is not increasing, it is worthless to invest in it. Rather, browse through the properties for sale in the UAE and move into a house that requires less renovation.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more tips on getting the home prepared for renovation.
