Everything You Need to Know About House Renovations

House renovations are a once-in-a-lifetime project for most of us. That is why people put a lot of thought, effort and money into it to transform their houses into a place of their dreams. However, for most people, a house renovation project can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking. Without proper guidance, their project may face unfortunate failures.

But we are here to guide you through your project. Our blog covers a detailed overview of a house renovation project, including the estimated cost, precautionary measures and a step-by-step guide to take you through your renovation project.

Types of Renovation

Following are some major types of house renovation:

• Garden landscaping
• Basement conversion
• Loft conversion
• Bathroom remodelling
• Conservatory build
• Single-storey extension
• Garage conversion
• A whole property renovation
• Multi-storey extension
• Kitchen remodelling

Step-by-Step Renovation Guide

Establish Your Goals

Before diving into the renovation process, define your requirement and goals for the project. Consider your future needs as well and design the layout of your renovation accordingly. Prioritise your needs and wants to create a comprehensive plan.

Set Your Budget

Evaluate your financial situation and set a realistic budget for the renovation. Consider all the costs, including materials, labour, permits, and any unforeseen expenses. It’s crucial to have a contingency fund, particularly for unforeseen issues.

Create a Renovation Plan

With your goals and budget in mind, create a detailed renovation plan. Divide the project into smaller tasks and determine a timeline for each one. Decide whether you’ll be undertaking the renovation all at once or if it will be done in phases. Make a clear plan to stay organised and on track throughout the renovation process.

Obtain Necessary Permits

Depending on the scope of the work, you may need building permits, electrical permits, or plumbing permits. If you do not obtain these permits, you may face legal and financial complications, so ensure you comply with all regulations.

Hire Professional Contractors

Depending on the scale of the project and its complexity, you may need to enlist the expertise of professionals such as architects, contractors, plumbers, electricians, or interior designers. Research and obtain multiple quotes and references from these professionals before making a decision. Hiring experienced and reputable experts will significantly contribute to the success of your renovation.

Start the Renovation

Now is the time to execute your renovation plan. Following are some tips that you can use for help:

• Clear out the space: Remove furniture, appliances, and personal belongings.
• Demolition and structural changes: If you are considering layout changes.
• Electrical and plumbing work: Resolve electrical and plumbing issues and update systems.
• Insulation and drywall: To improve aesthetics and energy efficiency of the house.
• Painting and finishing: Paint walls and ceilings, install baseboards and crown moulding.
• Flooring: Lay new flooring materials like tiles, hardwood, laminate, or carpet.
• Final touches: Ensure precision and finish; address imperfections, install hardware, and finalise all elements.

Cleaning and Inspection

With the renovation work completed, thoroughly clean the entire space. Remove any dust, debris, or construction materials to reveal the true beauty of your newly renovated home. Conduct a thorough inspection to check for any issues or discrepancies that may need to be addressed before finalising the project.

Move-In and Enjoy

Once you’re satisfied with the results and everything meets your expectations, it’s time to move your furniture and belongings back into your newly renovated home. Take the time to appreciate your hard work and enjoy your living spaces’ enhanced comfort and beauty.

How Much Time Do House Renovations Take?

The answer to this question depends upon multiple factors, such as the type of renovation that you want and its scale. Smaller renovations may take a couple of weeks, whereas bigger renovation projects can take up to 4 months. The following details will provide a more thorough time estimate:

• A kitchen renovation can take 4-10 weeks.
• A bathroom renovation will take almost 3-6 weeks.
• If you are planning a loft conversion, you may consider 7-12 weeks.
• Single or double-storey extensions can take 8-16 weeks.

How Much Do House Renovations Cost?

The cost of a renovation project cannot be estimated without taking multiple factors into account, such as:

• The type and details of the project.
• The contractor you select
• Permissions and approvals you need
• Estimated time of completion
• Unforeseen events

However, the following details will provide you with a rough estimate of how much you can expect to spend on your renovation project:

• House extensions can cost around £25,000 – £50,000.
• Loft conversions can cost around £40,000.
• Bathroom renovations can cost around £6000 – £10,000.
• Kitchen renovations can cost around £7,000 – £15,000.
• A new Heating system will cost around £4,000.

Do not Forget the Planning Permission

Although there are rules and regulations that allow us to extend our houses or change their shape up to a limited extent, there are certain conditions with it. Hence it is better to verify the status of your building on its permitted development rights.

Moreover, if you are considering a thorough renovation project, you should contact your local building control department to check what kind of permits you require, such as health and safety permits and planning permission.

Make sure to get any required permissions before commencing your house renovation project to avoid any legal issues, as they can result in heavy penalties.

Tips to Buy the Right Property

Define your needs and priorities: Determine what you want in a property, considering location, size, and features.

Set a budget: Establish a realistic budget, including additional costs like taxes and maintenance.

Research the location: Investigate the neighbourhood, crime rates, and development plans.

Work with a reputable real estate agent: Get professional guidance to find the right property.

Get a professional inspection: Identify any potential issues before buying.

Consider the property’s condition: Evaluate if it aligns with your preferences and renovation capabilities.

Check the property’s history: Research past sales, renovations, and legal disputes.

Consider future resale value: Choose a property with the potential for appreciation.

Negotiate wisely: Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price based on relevant information.

Review legal documents: Seek legal advice before signing any contracts.

Things to Consider Before Renovation

Give time to Major Decisions

A house renovation is a one-time project for most people. Makes sure you take your time while planning and designing the project. Take every factor into account to ensure that you do not regret it in the future.

Do Not Rely on One Contractor

Make sure you approach multiple contractors and take quotations before selecting a contractor. Do not go for the lowest bidding contractor just to save money. Check the reviews of the contractors to assess their credibility before making any decision.

Define Your Work Order

Consult your contractor and make a work plan to ensure the smooth execution of the project. Also, define your timeline and cascade all the tasks in an organised manner to ensure maximum utilisation of the time.

Be Ready for Unexpected Events

House renovations are major projects involving multiple contractors and dozens of different kinds of work going on simultaneously. It is not very unlikely that something will go wrong. For example, delay in material procurement due to unavailability, any unfortunate damage or any other incident that may hamper the progress. So, always be ready to face unforeseen problems and resolve them in a calm and composed manner.