When it comes to renovations, homeowners do several things that they really shouldn't. Today, we're going to talk about some of the leading home renovation mistakes homeowners make and how to avoid them:
1. Not Getting a Survey Before Starting Work
One of the main mistakes homeowners make during a renovation project is choosing not to hire a surveyor before work begins. Surveyors can be extremely helpful during a renovation project. They can not only provide information that the owner, builders, architect, and council need to design and construct the property, but they also use a range of high-tech equipment to assess and measure a property accurately, providing critical details to the project manager. You can find out more about the benefits of measured building surveys at csw-surveys.co.uk.
2. Choosing the Wrong Finance Route
There's more than one way to finance a renovation; however, some routes are better than others. Some of the different options include:
- Mortgages
- Remortgaging
- Savings
- An unsecured personal loan
- Credit cards
Speaking to a specialist broker is essential to choose the right finance route for you and prevent yourself from getting into debt. Speaking to a broker will also ensure you avoid a bad payment plan and help you determine your budget.
3. Underestimating the Cost
Unfortunately, very few homeowners factor in all of the costs when creating a renovation budget. If you forget to budget for everything, you will struggle to finish your renovation.
Here's what you should do to prevent this from happening to you:
- Include your interiors in your budget: fixtures and fittings, furniture, etc.
- Set up an emergency fund – even if you think you've budgeted for everything, you should add an extra 20% to your budget to give yourself a bit extra to cover any unexpected costs.
- Choose high-quality materials – although high-quality materials are more expensive, they will last longer. This will save you money in the long run.
- Stick to your budget – if you haven't got thousands of pounds to spend on a new sofa, don't. Stick to your budget and get the sofa of your dreams when you can afford it.
4. Ignoring Rules and Regulations
When it comes to renovating a property, there's no point in overlooking the requirements of the law. Choosing to ignore the rules and requirements for renovation can be seen as a criminal offence and can lead to you having to pay a substantial sum of money, ending up in jail, or being asked to undo the work you have completed. So, it's essential to understand the rules and regulations in your area. You can do this by checking the following:
- Do you need building regulations approval?
- Do you need planning permission?
- Do you need to let your neighbours know about the work you are completing?
- Do you need to get permission from others before you start work?
There's nothing more exciting than renovating a property. However, while it's one of the most exciting and enjoyable things you can do, it can also be stressful, particularly if you make mistakes along the way. To avoid these costly mistakes, follow the advice above.