Home improvement considerations

It is understandable that home confinement has left many homeowners' minds flooding with home improvement and renovation ideas. But however much your home may benefit from a good touch of elbow grease, thinking things through carefully is vital.

Many may have identified ways in which they can make their homes more comfortable and enjoyable. Others simply want to update the style of their homes. And whether it entails sprucing up bathroom fixtures or installing a kitchen island, these renovations can drastically alter the appearance of your home and can change a worn-down abode to a piece of prime real estate.

Most professional renovations, especially structural ones, can also lead to enhancing the value of a property that is entering the market. For others, renovations are done precisely to avoid moving to a new home. When one can alter your home and make it feel brand new, the urge to move will be minimised, allowing you to avoid the stress and costs related to moving house.

Whatever the reason for the renovation, it should be approached thoughtfully and carefully. Focusing on smaller parts of the big picture will help you approach the renovation systematically, ensuring minimal pressure and maximum success. This will allow to contract the necessary parties only once they are needed. Doing this will also allow you to manage your budget accordingly as the renovation progresses.

Budgeting is a vital part of any successful renovation. Renovations often rely on continuous funding, where a shortage of funds mid-way could alter the success of the final outcome. To budget effectively requires copious amounts of research, which includes finding the most appropriate and cost-effective material, and the best professionals to help you, but it also includes more technical aspects.

You should always enquire about the regulations that may inhibit your renovation or require it to be altered. Doing the necessary research regarding allowable renovations and obtaining the necessary permissions when they are needed is necessary to ensure success for your renovations.

Beyond regulatory permissions, it is also advisable to obtain the advice and guidance of an environmental specialist, especially when you reside in a nature reserve or estate. Ignoring environmental issues can also lead to adverse effects brought about by your renovations, such as the disturbance of underlying water sources.

Whenever the structural security of a building comes into play, the advice of an architect is of utmost importance, especially where previous renovations have been done. Previous work may not have been completed to the same standards as the primary work and may require careful work and may even prohibit additional work surrounding any previous faulty work. Getting the necessary electrical and plumbing expertise will also ensure that you do not end up with a ticking time bomb hidden inside your renovation.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that renovations take time and will disrupt your living experience. Patience is more than a virtue when it comes to renovations - it's a non-negotiable requirement.

Even the smallest renovations are wonderful ways to give your living experience a boost. But no matter the size of the task, approaching it with the right mindset, patience and assistance is vital.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).