Renovating your first home for the very first time can be an exciting experience, but it does bring certain important considerations that you need to keep in mind. Since this is probably your first home renovation, too, you’ll quickly learn that things can get out of hand a bit, so it’s important that you undertake this project properly prepared. Not only will you complete your renovation more successfully, but you’ll also know which obstacles and possible problems to expect and how to overcome them.
Come up with a plan
Approaching the renovation of your first home with a well-thought-out plan will help you get through this entire process more easily. It’s essential that you define the purpose of your renovation because it will affect its scope and the needed budget. You can conduct an audit of your property’s current condition and decide which areas might need some improvement, repair or a stylish uplift. It’s also advisable that you set up certain deadlines that will keep you on track. Otherwise, you might get carried away and your renovation may last for weeks and even months.
Do it on a budget
Since this is the renovation of your first home, you shouldn’t spend your entire savings fund on it, especially if you’re not planning to live there forever. Even if you do plan to live there for the years to come, you should start with affordable upgrades. Not only will they save you a lot of money, but they can also improve your home significantly. In addition, sometimes minor updates are more profitable, too. For instance, when it comes to kitchen renovations, simple changes, such as updating your hardware or painting your cabinets, bring a higher return on investment than major remodels.
Invest in profitable improvements
If you’re planning to make some major investments, you should make ones that will bring great value to your home and boost its appeal. These include the replacement of your front door, for instance, especially if you install steel or wooden ones. Adding a wooden deck or renovating your attic or basement are also profitable projects that will increase the value of your home. You can also improve your home’s insulation, which will make your space more comfortable and cut your electricity bill by reducing your energy consumption. Building an in-ground pool, on the other hand, isn’t such a great idea, especially if you’re not planning to live in that house in the future.
Make necessary checks and repairs
A few aspects of your home require your special attention – plumbing, electricity and the HVAC system. These items should be on your renovation list because they are essential for your everyday life and they need to function properly. Any plumbing, electrical and HVAC issues should be repaired properly and timely to prevent any major problems. In addition, it’s advisable that you have contact information of a highly trained Sydney electrician who can help you with problems such as tripped circuit breakers, overloaded power points and others. The same goes for an experienced plumber who will fix any problems with your plumbing system.
Know when to call the pros
You don’t have to hire a contractor for some simple upgrades, such as painting your interior or replacing the knobs and pulls around your home. Owing to the Internet, you can learn some basic skills in a heartbeat. However, don’t overestimate your skills and undertake some major remodels on your own. You should know when to call the pros and let them show off. This typically goes for remodels that require structural work and experience.
Pick a universal style
When it comes to the aesthetic part of your home renovation, you should go with a subtle, universal style. If you’re planning to sell your home at some point, a classic style will appeal to a great number of potential buyers. On the other hand, if you’re not planning to move, a universal style with a timeless value will be a long-term investment. Passing fads will seem appealing for a limited period of time and you’ll need to renovate again because you’ve picked a look that has gone out of style. Thus, you can go with a simple, elegant design of neutral tones, tasteful details and a touch of your personality.
These important considerations will help you get through your first home renovation efficiently and successfully.
