Renovating your home can be an exciting, thrilling, and gratifying experience, if done correctly.
On the flipside, renovations are usually very time-consuming, costly, and stressful, and many things can go wrong.
So before you decide to give your house a new look, think twice.
Ask yourself whether this is what you really want.
Here are 5 things you should consider before going through with a renovation.
Do you require a permit to renovate? Ambitious renovation projects such as structural alterations, and electrical or plumbing changes, require you to obtain permits from the local authority.
It is important to be well acquainted with the renovation laws in your city, as failure to obtain a permit can lead to delays, fines, and over-stretching your budget.
Before you embark on this project, make sure you've received the necessary permission.
Has your contractor been vetted? Remember that asking your contractor to provide references is essential.
You should make sure that anyone who's working on your home is thoroughly vetted.
Run background checks, and ask them about their previous work.
You could even ask them to show you their portfolio.
Thorough research on your contractor will save you a lot of headache down the road.
Will you be required to relocate elsewhere during the renovation? You should decide whether you're going to live in the house during the renovations, or whether you're going to pack up and relocate temporarily.
While both have their fair share of cons, you need to figure out which option best suits you and your family.
Do you have a buffer? More often than not, such projects cost more and take a much longer time than originally anticipated.
Make sure you have a buffer of both, time, and money.
Maintaining a buffer is the best way to set realistic expectations.
Are you 100% sure you want this? Make sure you really want this.
It's going to take a lot of your time, effort, and money.
This is not something you should do on a whim.
Weigh the pros and cons, and research thoroughly.
Ask yourself whether you really need the renovations to be done.
Make sure you're a 100% sure before you go through with the project, otherwise it will turn out to be a complete nightmare for you and your family.
In conclusion, undertaking a renovation project is time-consuming, and will burn a large hole in your wallet.
You should be completely sure of your ideas and wants, and you should be able to convey your thoughts clearly to the contractor.