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Renovations, dependent on what you are renovating and how large of a project it is, can take varying lengths of time. Having an understanding of how long and what is required in your renovation is very important for the process to be smooth and successful. Alongside that, undergoing the proper steps of preparation in any renovation will save you time and money if you do the hard work first.
Here are 3 typical renovations with an approximate time frame and explanation.
KITCHEN
A kitchen can take approximately 2-4 months based on the replacement of appliances and cabinets, the installation of counters, backsplash and Kitchen Island (if applicable), the replacement of floors and the addition of lighting.
Important to note that a kitchen in everyday life is a central part of the household so to be without a kitchen can make home life quite difficult. This may require you to be creative or to look at other living arrangements for the duration of the process.
BATHROOM
A bathroom will generally take 2-3 months and can involve tiling, plumbing, lighting, cabinets, toilet, shower and bath installation. A shorter time frame than the kitchen due to decreased amount of electrical and ventilation work required.
A bathroom, assuming there is only one, is another reasonably central part of everyday life and may again require you to get creative or also to look for other living arrangements – unless you are really close with your neighbours?!
ROOM RENOVATION or ADDITION
A room renovation or addition can take 1-2 months to be completed. There are structural and foundation preparations that must take place before commencing demolition and rebuild which can add to the time frame. A room addition or renovation will follow the drawings, as would any other renovation or addition. A builder, gyprocker and electrician will be required, along with a painter for your final product.
The project can affect home life but not likely to the degree of a bathroom or kitchen as there are a number of ways to work around having no bedroom or office.
These 3 typical renovations should give you a clearer understanding of how long a renovation can take and in particular these 3 popular projects. Again it must be stressed that effective planning and preparations prior to commencing your project will always positively affect your renovation budget and schedule.
Please contact us at trentwoodbuildingservices.com.au for further information or for quoting on your next renovation.
Renovating is a process that typically takes longer than you would like and is subject to a number of variables along the way. Insight into the steps required in the renovation process will help you gain an understanding so you’re not flying blind into your next renovation!
From our experience of over 25 years in the building industry, here are some insights that we believe will help you.
Spend the time in research, discussion, dreaming, comparison and brainstorming what you want for your renovation! Don’t miss, rush or ignore this process; it becomes extremely important for creating a platform to build your project on. A half plan will never go to plan and is filled with changes and interruptions that draw out the project and drain your resources. Be sure to have all your requirements in place before you commence – kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
Once you have as clear as possible picture of what you want, it’s now time to get the drawings done. Bring in an architect and a builder to get a blueprint drawn up of what your renovation is going to look like. Again, this is an extremely helpful and vital process in preparing for your renovation and will save you time and money in the end!
At this stage it is important to find a good builder that you trust and feel confident that they know what you’re after. It is a good idea to seek out advice and testimonials about the builder or a few that you are considering. Your partnership with the builder is paramount to the success of your project, so take the time to ensure you find somebody who puts your needs and wants first. Part of this process is getting your quote; so your next step is to get the builder you feel good about to come and give you a quote. The cheapest quote is not the best quote, you are looking for a reliable builder with a good track record, and not the cheapest quote. Often the cheapest quote is accompanied with the cheapest quality of work.
Having chosen your builder you will now need to get your structurals done. These are the engineering details for you project. This is a simple process and it is best to go through your chosen builders engineer due to the already established relationship they will have in place.
This is simply where all the necessary approvals are submitted for your project.
You will need to lock in your start date with the builder; the sooner you can get this locked into the calendar, the sooner you can get underway with your renovation. It’s also important to set clear expectations of how long the project will take and come to an agreed time frame with your builder so that you can manage any problems or interruptions. Make sure you have some clear boundaries and deadlines to keep your project on schedule and on budget. Be sure to work out whether you’ll need to move out or have a clear plan on how you will do day to day life in and amongst the renovation process.
Creating a list of names will help you know who’s who and what they are doing on your building site. This will help keep you in the loop and create a connected, “on the same page” environment for your renovation.
Ensure you have FUNDS TO FINISH THE PROJECT! Having done the first three steps, it is important that you are financially solid and able to see the project through to its completion. If you do not have funds to finish the project you will have to start and stop which will draw out the process and frustrate those involved which will not be to your advantage.
Having done all the above preparation, your process will be ready to get underway! Don’t delay once you’ve finished the preparation. It’s important to have a final meeting with your builder before construction commences to sign off on all the details and processes you’ve discussed. You should establish any final expectations and communications for the duration of your renovation. It’s now time to let the builder and his team do their thing. Prior to the completion of your project, you should book in a meeting with your builder for after the project is finished for full closure on your renovation and to gather any final information, pictures and details that you may like.
These steps are some solid guidelines on what the renovation process looks like! As you can see from the above content, the bulk of the work on your end is in the preparation. The more effectively you prepare, the better renovation process you will experience!
If you are looking for a builder for your next renovation you can contact us here through our online form and we’ll get back to you ASAP!