Renovating can be full of surprises and unexpected turns! It can be extremely rewarding and beneficial for your property and home life, which makes it really helpful to know some key tips going in (especially if you’re new to renovating or undertaking your first renovation project). Trentwood has been involved in renovation projects for the last 30 years and over this time has mustered up a number of helpful tips that will be valuable for your first or next renovation.
1.) What Do You Want?
Spend the time in research, discussion, dreaming, comparison and brain storming 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.
2.) Get The Drawings Done
Once you have as clear of a picture of what you want as possible, it is 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!
3.) Choose Your Builder
To put it concisely, you want to find a builder that you trust and that knows what you want. Seek advice and testimonials and find your builder before you go any further. 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. For more info: How To Prepare For Your Next Renovation, Extension or Addition
4.) Get Your Structurals Done
In other words, organise for the engineering details to be done; your builder will do this through his engineer. It more often than not will be beneficial to go through the existing relationship that your builder has. This is again another important process of preparation that will save lots of headaches later on.
5.) Lock In A Start Date
Plan a date that works for you and the builder and lock it in! The sooner you can get your project in the calendar, the more you’ll be fully prepared and ready for the commencement of your renovation.
6.) Communicate At All Times With The Builder
You can’t TALK TOO MUCH to your builder! Assumption is the mother of all stuff ups and communication is the antidote! Make sure you set up good, open lines of communication with your builder early on. This will significantly help in managing any problems or interruptions that may occur.
7.) Make Sure Your Financials Are There
Make sure you have funds to finish the project while you’re preparing for it. Don’t commence without having a solid financial breakdown and allowances for the completion of your project. Having to pause because of a shortage of money interrupts the flow and progress of your project and will inevitably affect the final outcome.
8.) Have A List Of All Parties Involved & Be Sure Everyone Knows Who’s Who On Site
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.
9.) Discuss The Project Time Frame
Clear expectations of how long the project will take and what each step of development requires is very important. Come to an agreed time frame and schedule for your renovation 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.
10.) Be Flexible
Every renovation project will be filled with unexpected hold ups and interruptions. There may be changes that need to be made and things that simply could not be foreseen in your preparation, so it’s important to remain flexible and open during the process. Having a good relationship, open communication and schedule with your builder as well as sufficient finances (that allow a contingency) will assist you in remaining flexible.
These handy tips will provide some guidance and a template for you to work off on your next renovation, ensuring it is successful in process and outcome. Trentwood would be more than happy and capable to assist you with your project!