Renovating a fixer-upper is an exciting adventure that allows you to create your dream home from something that may initially seem far from it. This journey is especially unique when it involves moving from a bustling city like Atlanta to a new location. Whether you’re heading to a quieter suburb or a different state, the process requires thoughtful planning and a focus on key priorities. Here are the eight essential steps to consider when relocating from Atlanta to your new fixer-upper.

Choosing the Right Long-Distance Moving Company

The initial challenge in this adventure is the move itself, particularly when it’s a long-distance relocation from Atlanta. The city’s dynamic character and busy traffic can make moving out a bit difficult. It’s essential to choose a moving company that’s well-versed in handling the intricacies of Atlanta’s geography and traffic. Finding a reputable and reliable service is crucial, and for this, turning to long-distance moving companies will help you identify a provider with the necessary experience and expertise. A dependable moving company can make all the difference in easing the transition to your new home. There are numerous choices available both locally and online for long-distance moving services. Simply search for Atlanta long distance moving companies near me to find a variety of options. Carefully review each service to find the one that best fits your specific requirements.

Structural Integrity and Safety Inspections

After you have completed your move, the next important step is to assess and ensure the structural integrity and safety of your new fixer-upper. This becomes even more crucial if you are transitioning from a place with modern infrastructure to an older home or a more rural setting. It’s essential to hire a qualified inspector to thoroughly examine the foundation, roof, and other key structural elements of the house. Ensuring all these parts are in good condition is vital for the safety and stability of your new home, setting a solid groundwork for any further renovations you plan to undertake.

Plumbing and Electrical Systems Overhaul

After confirming the structural integrity of your new home, it’s time to turn your attention to the plumbing and electrical systems. These are critical for a safe, efficient household, and upgrading them is essential. Outdated systems not only pose safety risks but can also lead to increased utility costs. Hiring experienced professionals to thoroughly inspect and replace any outdated components is a wise decision. This step is a smart investment in both the immediate safety and long-term functionality of your home, laying a strong foundation for a comfortable, modern, and energy-efficient living space.

Roof and Foundation Repairs

The roof and foundation are the cornerstones of your home’s structural integrity, especially crucial if you’re moving from a humid climate to a region with different weather patterns. Start with a thorough inspection of the roof to check for leaks, missing shingles, or wear and tear. Foundation repairs can range from sealing cracks to addressing more significant structural issues. While these repairs can be costly, they are essential for the long-term stability and safety of your home.

Window and Door Replacements

Replacing old windows and doors is a great way to enhance both your home’s energy efficiency and its visual charm. Select modern, energy-efficient models that are designed to maintain stable indoor temperatures, which can significantly lower your heating and cooling expenses. Additionally, this upgrade isn’t just about energy savings and aesthetics; it also plays a crucial role in bolstering the security of your home. Newer windows and doors often come with advanced locking mechanisms and stronger materials, providing an extra layer of safety and giving you increased peace of mind. Moreover, these improvements can also contribute to reducing outside noise, further creating a serene and comfortable living environment. This makes the investment in new windows and doors a multifaceted decision.

Upgrading the Home’s Insulation and Ventilation

The insulation and ventilation systems in a house help maintain a comfortable and healthy environment. Upgrading insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures and reduces energy costs. Check the attic, walls, and basements for insulation quality, and consider eco-friendly options for better energy efficiency. Improving ventilation by installing attic vents or energy-recovery ventilators can also improve air quality and prevent moisture-related problems.

Custom Storage and Organization Solutions

Custom storage and organization solutions can greatly enhance the functionality and efficiency of your living space. After moving from a city where homes might have different storage options, optimizing space in your new fixer-upper is key. Consider built-in shelves, closet organizers, and garage storage systems to keep your home tidy and organized. Custom solutions allow you to maximize space according to your specific needs and preferences, making your home more practical and enjoyable.

Landscaping and Exterior Improvements

The final step in your fixer-upper transformation journey involves turning your attention to the exterior of your home. Landscaping and other outdoor improvements play a significant role in elevating your home’s curb appeal. Engaging in activities like planting a vibrant garden, building a cozy patio, or applying a fresh coat of paint to the exterior can drastically change the appearance of your house, transforming it into an inviting and welcoming home. This phase can be particularly enjoyable and rewarding, as it allows for creative expression and personalization. Outdoor projects like these not only enhance the aesthetic value of your property but also contribute to creating a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor space for you and your family. Additionally, well-thought-out landscaping can improve the overall value of your home, making it a wise investment.

Wrapping Up!

Renovating a fixer-upper, especially when it involves relocating from a city, is a journey filled with unique challenges and rewards. By tackling these eight key projects, you can transform an outdated property into a comfortable and personalized home. Remember to take each step one at a time and not rush the process. Home renovation is not just about the final outcome but also about the experiences and memories you create along the way. With careful planning and a bit of patience, your fixer-upper will soon become the home of your dreams.

Whether you’re just starting out or only planning a renovation, there are a few things you need to do before and after the renovation is complete. In this blog post, we will discuss four important steps that will help make the renovation process smoother for you! So, read on to learn more:

Before

In order to ensure your renovation process goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you need to do to prepare everything. 

1) Protect Your Furniture

One of the most important things you can do before starting your renovation is to protect your furniture. If you have any items that are valuable or sentimental to you, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect them from damage. 

You can do this by either moving them out of the way or covering them up with plastic sheeting. This will help to keep them clean and dust-free during the renovation process. Another option is to rent a storage unit to keep your belongings in during the renovation. This is a great option if you have a lot of furniture or if you’re planning on doing a major home renovation. 

2) Buy The Necessary Equipment

Another important thing to do before starting your home renovation is to buy the necessary equipment. This includes things like ladders, power tools, and other items that you will need for the renovation. 

If you don’t have the necessary equipment, it can make the process a lot more difficult and time-consuming. It’s important to make sure you have everything you need before starting the renovation so that you can avoid any delays. In addition, make sure you buy protective gear for yourself, such as gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.

After

Now that the renovation is complete, there are a few things you need to do in order to finish everything up. 

3) Clean Everything

Renovations can be messy, so it’s important to take the time to clean up before everything is completely finished. This includes sweeping and mopping floors, dusting surfaces, and cleaning windows. Or, you can simply find post renovation cleaning services that will take care of the cleaning for you. These services are especially helpful if you’re short on time or if the renovation was a large project. 

Once everything is clean, you can start to put your furniture and belongings back in place. 

4) Get Rid Of Waste

One last thing to do after your home renovation is to get rid of any waste that was generated during the process. This includes things like construction debris, empty paint cans, and other items that you no longer need. 

There are a few different ways you can get rid of this waste. You can either hire a junk removal service or take it to a local dump. If you have a lot of waste, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal service so that you don’t have to deal with it yourself. 

We hope this blog post has been helpful for you! These are just a few things to keep in mind before and after your home renovation. By following these tips, you can help to make the process smoother and less stressful.

Photos By: Stock Images

Over the years, there have emerged many companies that offer a variety of renovation packages for homes, both commercial and residential. Running such an establishment can be quite profitable, especially with the recent home renovation craze. However, it is important that you are able to formulate the best plan for your business in order to ensure its enduring long-term success. Here is how to grow your home renovation business.

A Website and Google My Business Page is a Must

A website is the first thing that you should consider when starting your renovation business. It is the place where you can showcase your work and connect with customers. Having a website can help you grow your business by reaching out to more customers in an organized manner.

The best way to start your renovation business is by creating a website via WordPress or Wix. Once you have created your website, it’s time to optimize your website for search engines like Google and Bing. This can be done by creating a Google My Business page, adding relevant keywords and optimizing the content on your site.

Why should you have a Google My Business Page?

Google My Business (formerly known as Google Places) is an online directory that helps people find local businesses like yours on Google Search, Maps, and Google+ Local.

Having an active listing helps people find your business online when they search for it on Google, such as “home renovators” or “kitchen remodelers.” Having an active listing on Google makes it easier for potential customers to find your business online so they can contact you directly through phone calls or emails which leads to more sales opportunities for your business.

Show off Before and After Photos on Social Media

Before and after images are an important part of any business, but they’re especially important for home renovation companies. These images showcase your work, which means they can help you attract new customers and grow your business.

It is best to establish a schedule before you start taking photos of your clients’ homes. You don’t want to catch your client at a time when they’re not ready. Try setting up a weekly appointment in advance with each client. That way, both parties will be prepared for the appointment and will be able to get the best results possible from the photos.

Before: Take photos of the space before any work has been done. This allows you to create a visual story that shows how your team transformed the space.

After: Take photos of the completed project, showcasing all your hard work. These images can be used in social media posts, blog posts, or even printed out and hung up in your office as a reminder of the great work you do.

You can post these images anywhere. Facebook and Instagram are great places for before/after images because they have large audiences who love seeing before/after photos. Posting on Pinterest is another great idea if you want to target a more female audience.

Your website is another great place to display your before/after photos because it’s something that potential customers will often visit anyway. For example, if someone is looking at remodeling their kitchen, they’ll probably visit their favorite search engine (Google) and type in “remodeling kitchens.”

Send Postcards to Prospective Clients

Sending postcards to prospects can be a great way to get your name out there and attract new clients. You can also use them as a way to remind clients that you’re still around and available for more work.

Postcards are small cards that are mailed through the postal service. They usually have one side for your message and another side for your contact information. The most common way that postcards get you, clients, is by giving them away at events, such as networking events or home shows.

To get started with this strategy, first, obtain a mailing list of homes within your service area that has low property values. You can usually purchase these lists from real estate agents or find them online through websites such as Zillow or Trulia that have information on every house in America and its estimated value.

Once you’ve obtained access to a list of prospects, print out several hundred postcards featuring pictures of houses that need work done on them and mail them out to all the addresses on the list.

When is the right time to send postcards?

If you’re going to be attending an event where you’ll have access to lots of potential customers, sending out postcards beforehand is a great idea. This will help ensure that people know who you are before they see you at the event itself.

Video Reviews from Happy Clients

When you’re trying to grow your home renovation business, video testimonials from happy clients can work wonders. If your clients are happy with the work you’ve done, they will be more likely to recommend your services to others.

Video reviews are also a great way to show prospective customers what they can expect when they work with you. They can see how other homeowners have been treated and what types of projects you have completed in the past.

Video Reviews from Happy Clients

Video reviews are a great way to get your customers talking about you, and they are a lot easier to get than you might think. Below are methods you can use to get that perfect video review.

Give them a good reason to want to help you

Give them an incentive for leaving a review — such as a discount on their next project with your business — and explain how useful it will be for other customers who need help with their renovation projects. Your clients want others to benefit from their experience with your company, so they will be happy to share this information with others.

Put the video camera in the client’s hands rather than yours

Have your clients record themselves; this way, they have an opportunity to give you feedback on their experience with your company. You can even ask them to tell you what they thought of your service and how they would rate it. They will be more honest if they are not being recorded by someone else.

Offer a reward for completing and returning the video

If you’re going to ask for a video review, you need to sweeten the deal. It’s only reasonable that people will want something in return for their time and effort. One idea is to offer a discount on services or products if they complete and return the video on time.

How to publish your videos?

• Get permission from the client to publish their review

• Upload the video and get the link

• Share on social media

• Embed the video on a webpage

• Add to Google My Business

Conclusion

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket-decide on a plan and always have more than one thing you are working on. Service what you enjoy, grow what you love, and when it doesn’t work out, try something else.

Photos By: Stock Images

And, if done well, a house renovation will reap rewards, especially if you want to live on the property once it is finished. A home makeover, like any other home improvement project, requires a lot of preparation and hard work, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to give an old house new life, stamp your personality on it, and increase its worth. However, it is critical to understand where to begin and how frequently you should execute this crucial duty. To that end, check out this useful guide to help you perform your house renovation successfully and efficiently!

Think about the Cost

You should extensively investigate house renovation expenses before taking on the property to ensure that the project is financially possible, but once you’ve taken ownership, have a decent look around and accurately analyze the scope of the work so that you can put up a clear financial timetable.

You must be realistic about the job you can complete and when you can do it. If the property isn’t safe to live in, your first goal should be to make it clean and dry, with hot water and heat, so you can move in — especially if you’re paying to live somewhere else while the work is being done. Wait until substantial renovations are completed before moving in.

Roof

It might be difficult to assess the condition of the roof on your own. After all, you may not know what to look for, or what are those little symptoms of damage that might end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. The fact is that unless there is a leak just above your head in the house, the situation will continue to worsen until even more harm is done. To that end, there are companies that will tell you all you need to know about your roof and what are the proper steps to renovate it. Remember that, in order to provide time for the design of a precise plan and the acquisition of all essential materials, you must convey your wants and ideas to the contractor well in advance.

Floor

Your house may make a wonderful first impression if you have a beautiful and lasting floor. Depending on the type of floor you choose, it might indicate the power, comfort, and coziness of your sweet home. Floors may reveal a lot about your home’s history, especially the decades of wear and tear. If you want to update the look of your home’s floor, go to a flooring specialist to find out what the newest flooring trends are. It doesn’t have to be difficult to choose new flooring.

Furthermore, if you live in a cold environment, you may want to select flooring that helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the year. Carpeting is an excellent insulator for flooring and may help you save money on your energy costs. The carpet strands are excellent insulators, and you may use a cover to make your floor feel soft as well as give another layer of insulation.

Windows

Figure out what your priorities are when it comes to window replacement. If you want an uninterrupted view, choose a fixed window that will provide you with hours of undisturbed relaxation inside your home or a casement window that opens completely to allow air to move freely. Consider how much time you’re willing to devote to keeping the windows clean. Vinyl is generally maintenance-free, however wooden frames may need to be painted on a regular basis.

Doors

A door refurbishment may be required owing to ordinary wear and tear from years of frequent usage, or if your door has been damaged as a result of the home shifting. Keep in mind that your doors provide protection for you and your family, therefore they must be functioning.

Another excellent incentive to repair your entry door is to improve your home’s curb appeal. If you’re attempting to sell your home, it’s critical that it looks as beautiful as possible. It reflects negatively on the rest of the house if your door appears outdated and damaged.

Decorating and Cleaning

Decorating is perhaps the most interesting part of the renovation process. This is where you can truly personalize your house and make it your own. The color schemes you pick are determined by whether this is a long-term project or one that you want to sell in a few years. Perhaps the greatest approach is to choose a high-quality, timeless design above passing interior fads.

Finally, it will be your responsibility to ensure that the site is clean at the end of the day. It’s unavoidable that there will be some mess and renovation waste for which no one accepts responsibility.

Just because fashion trends come and go doesn’t mean you have to maintain your home up to date all of the time. The typical time period will be established based on your property’s state. Renovations should be done every 15 to 20 years if your home is still in good shape. Take some time before starting a renovation project to assess your property and determine which areas are the most important to renovate as soon as feasible.

Photos By: Stock Images

What To Know Before You Renovate Your Home

If you have decided to treat your home to a much-needed renovation, you may be wondering if there is anything you should know beforehand. It may seem like a relatively simple and straightforward process but by doing your research ahead of time, you can increase the chances of your home renovation achieving the desired results and transforming the look and feel of your home overnight in the process. 

To familiarise yourself with what you should know before you renovate your home, continue reading.

Some Things Just Have to be Done by Professionals

Sure, you might have enough DIY knowledge to tackle some of the big tasks associated with a complete home renovation. You might be adept at painting walls or tearing up carpet, but where should you draw the line?

Most of the time, it’s pretty clear when you start to get too close to the sun in terms of DIY. If you have wooden flooring installed throughout the interior of your property, for instance, then restoring it to its original beauty necessitates the expertise and tools that only a professional floor sanding company can offer. It’s the only way to ensure you won’t wind up in more trouble than you did before – a big risk when it comes to original features, like wood floors. 

You Must Check for Damp, Mould, and Rot 

It may not necessarily top your list of priorities on a daily basis but the process of renovating your home can double as a rare opportunity for you to check for damp, mould, and rot. This is especially important if you have wooden flooring or are preparing for the professional installation of wooden flooring as it is widely known that fungus can destroy the structural integrity of timber. 

To do so, inspect any poorly ventilated spaces, search the attic, examine under the floorboards, and follow any unfamiliar or musty smells to get to the root of the problem. If you are struggling to locate the source, a professional cleaning company should be able to uncover and take care of damp, mould, or rot.  

You Must Inspect the Roof

Before you renovate your home, you must inspect the roof for any missing, broken, or misplaced tiles or underfelt or underlay protruding from the tiles. If you notice a couple of damaged tiles, for example, a professional roofer should be able to administer a quick fix for a relatively low price. If you stumble upon extensive damage that you would have otherwise remained blissfully unaware of, on the other hand, it may be time to halt any home renovation plans until a professional roofer is able to not only fix the problem but prevent it from returning down the line. 

If you are in the process of preparing for a home renovation, there are a number of things you must know beforehand. This includes protecting your floors to prevent or counteract any long-lasting damage, checking for damp, mould, and rot in a number of particularly susceptible areas throughout your home, and, last but certainly not least, inspecting the roof for minor or major damage that a professional roofer should be able to fix. 

Photo By: Trusty Joe

As much as an incredible journey it is, people can’t help but associate renovation projects with masses of work, messy situations and getting into debt. It doesn’t always have to be this way. In fact, it only tends to end up that way when the project isn’t carefully thought through or planned out effectively. Renovating or extending your home is about so much more than bricks and mortar. If carried out right, it’s about improving your quality of life and enjoying living in a home which is comfortable and represents you and your life. Some of you may even worry about the dilemma or do you renovate at all, or just move?

Yes, of course, major home improvement projects can become costly and stressful. You should only step into the planning stage of a renovation if you have carefully thought through how to afford it without getting into a financial mess, and thought around every possible problem that could go wrong. If you’re thinking of starting the home renovation journey, here are five tips for a stress-free project:

1. Plan Ahead from an Early Stage

Proper planning can help keep you on budget right from the beginning, and should also give you expected time scales to stick to. It’s important to remember that any plans you come up with right at the beginning will never be set in stone: you’ll end up making the decisions, but you’ll know what they’re going to be and what they’re going to cost, but do expect some change along the way.

Putting together detailed plans way ahead of time isn’t something that everyone is good at, but sadly it is absolutely essential for a successful project. If you’re part of a couple or a family, designate someone to project lead the planning. There is always someone out there who loves a good spreadsheet! If you’re building from scratch there may be the need for planning permission which can affect your time scales, so it’s important to know what the law does and doesn’t allow you to do.

Another factor to think about from the early stages is to understand that if something goes wrong – or even if it doesn’t – will the other rooms of the home be affected? If so, do you have somewhere else to live for a short while? It’s vital that you take this into consideration at the very outset so that you can understand the full scope of the project in terms of the upheaval it will cause, the budget it will require and the length of time it will take.

2. Always think about the Bigger Picture

Building a new home or renovating an existing one is never cheap to do, and certain factors to bear in mind include long-term-maintenance, energy-loss, and repair expense. These can add up quickly the longer your renovation project goes on, so make sure you are adding these onto your cost sheers. But throughout it all, always go back to that end picture you should visually have in your head. It should roughly visualise the finished version of the house, which represents a clear idea of the end result you want to achieve. Draw up your own designs so you can keep referring back to it along the way, or better still, bring in an architect if you want professional designs drawing up.

Before any on-site work begins, every single corner of your building should be properly considered. This is from the materials to be used on the structure, the brickwork, the windows and roof, and of course, all interior fittings. It may seem like an awful lot of work right at the beginning, but keep that vision of the finished result close.

3. Remember to Budget Accurately

You will no doubt come up with a rough figure at the beginning of the planning stage before any work has started, which is merely an estimate. However, if you have compiled this yourself due to thorough research, stick to it and keep adding/subtracting every time something comes up. It’s key that you don’t let builders or external companies give you a cost estimate that you take as set in stone. Even the initial designs which you submit to the local planning authority are unlikely to contain the detail necessary for third parties to provide accurate estimates of building work, fixtures or fittings as they are concerned primarily with the external height and visual impact.

The last thing you want is to end up with a huge bill with added extras that weren’t factored in. Therefore, it pays to wait until you have the designs from your architect back, and quotes from every supplier as detailed as they can be, to add to your own figures.

4. Get your Priorities Straight from the Offset

Some people have flexible budgets which can go up and down depending on things that happen. Others have defined budgets which are set strictly, with not much room for manoeuvre. Whichever you are, make sure you have a set list of priorities that need to be addressed and completed efficiently. For example, it might be that your building team come across problems along the way, and you have to steer away from some ideas you once had. Always refer back to a set list of around five priorities that must be worked around, and let all your building teams and architects know this at the beginning. That way, you can prepare early on for any changes. You will no doubt encounter unexpected snags, delays, and the inevitable inconveniences that come from living in a construction zone. You’ll handle the lows better if you know everyone was aware of the priorities you have at the very beginning.

5. Have a Back-up Space

When renovations cover spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens, you can find yourself without access to water or electricity for a while. With other rooms, you could be out of a place to sleep or relax. Minimise the inconvenience these can bring by setting up a temporary space away from the construction area. Include a refrigerator and microwave oven, so you can continue to make light meals at home. Remember to always seek professional help if you are looking at embarking on a renovation project. Plus, if you know any locals or friends who are fairly handy and like to help out, ask them if they would like to be involved. The more trusted help, the better!

Photo: Erotas Custom Building

Summer is a great tie to simply relax, enjoy the sunshine and the fruits of your hard labor. However, it is also a very popular time to undertake some renovation ideas round your home. The weather is virtually guaranteed; allowing you to start a project and finish it over the course of several days. In fact, the right renovation project can actually be a great way for the family to bond. It can also be a good way to increase the value of your home; if you’re planning to sell. Here are some great summer renovation ideas:

Clad It

This may seem like a huge undertaking but exterior wall cladding can be easily fitted by yourself or the professionals.

It will completely transform the look of your house and provide an extra level of insulation; helping to reduce your energy bills and keep you cooler in the summer. It can even keep you warmer in the winter!

Photo: Ancient Surfaces

Add Or Fix A Deck

It is surprisingly easy to install a deck outside your home. Simply choose the right spot which can be easily accessed from your house and create a frame to support the deck boards. You’ll need some wood for the frame, deck boards and a level; along with a little free time. You’ll be able to enjoy the summer weather and increase your living space.

Landscape

Landscaping your garden is always a good idea. This is a great opportunity to get rid of parts which you find to be a pain; such as flower beds which need a lot of tending. You can also take the opportunity to improve the flow of your yard; allowing easy movement between the different features in your garden.

Photo: Ancient Surfaces

Change Your Front Door

A simple renovation that can completely change the look of your home is to replace the front door. Choose a contemporary style to really lift the look and feel of your home. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to fit.

Transform Your Kitchen

You may not be keen on spending all the sunny days inside your house sorting out your kitchen, but you will appreciate it in the fall. However, if your kitchen layout is already acceptable you can easily renovate this room by changing the cupboard doors, countertops and repainting the walls.

Photo: Design Storms LLC

Transform Your Bedroom

A beautiful home doesn’t only consist of a clean bathroom and a modern kitchen; the bedroom also maters. A well-maintained bedroom intensifies the home appeal and creates a livelier and more comfortable space. However, simple renovations and a few adjustments here and there won’t cut it! You’ll need superior quality beddings and drapers for a more appealing look. Go for the best cotton or silk duvets, bedsheets, and pillows. For the mattress, acquire one from the leading brands online. For instance, Leesa and Saatva are two leading brands that are worth mentioning. Their beds come at varying sizes, materials, and prices to fit any bedroom design.. No, matter your sleep needs; you can always get something to fit your budget. Are we done? Not yet! The lighting fixtures also require some touchups. Even if you don’t want to renovate their entire bedroom, upgrading the lights will create that dramatic look. Choose decorative chandleries and lampshades for a brighter and artistic space.

Extend

A more obvious and larger scale renovation is to add a new piece to your home. Summer is a great tie to do this as the weather is unlikely to cause you issues. You can choose to do the work yourself or supervise a firm completing it for you. But, be sure that you have got the right permits and comply with regulations when you do the extension; you don’t want to have to take it down again.

Consider Shutters

Shutters can look fantastic on your home. They will block out the light but they can also help to keep your house cooler in the summer and retain the heat in the winter. There are many different styles available; you’ll need to choose your favorite and install; it is easier than you think!

Photos By: Annie Elliot

The price of property continues to rise while the economy remains uncertain. This can make it very difficult to get established on the property ladder. The answer in many cases is either to undertake a self-build or to purchase a property for renovation. Choosing the self-build option is desirable but often a very difficult process. It can be much easier to purchase a renovation and convert it into the property of your dreams. However; there are pitfalls! Here are 7 things you should know before you start a home renovation:

1. Pests

When a home has been left unused and unloved for even a short period of time nature moves in. While it may be difficult for plants to start growing inside, it is relatively easy for a huge number of pests to take up residence. If you don’t take a look at the issue before you start renovating you can find a major stumbling block during your renovation. In the worst case you may even complete the renovation before you discover the pests; then you’ll have to undo some of your hard work! Even if you don’t think there is a pest issue it is worth getting a professional in to advice on the weak spots in your home; prevention is better than cure!

2. Have It Surveyed

Most people have the building surveyed before they complete the purchase. In fact this is often a condition of the mortgage. However, you should also have the land surveyed. This will ensure your exact borders are marked and that you are aware of any utilities that go under your land. This may affect your renovation project!

3. Change Is Inevitable

The idea is to plan what you would like your new property to look like and then undertake the renovations. This is a good plan. However, you also need to be aware that changes do happen. As you renovate you’ll get more of a feel for how the house flows. This can affect your plans and should be embraced.

4. Set A Budget

It is essential that you work out what your budget is for the house before you start. Unfortunately things never go exactly to plan and there is always something that has been overlooked. Avoid potential issues by having a reserve budget but remember this is for emergencies! It is very difficult to renovate within your budget!

5. Managing It

When you have different contractors coming and going it can be very difficult to keep track of everything and everyone. You need to record everything in writing so that there are no disputes further down the line. You should also appoint one person to manage the renovation. If you are not working then it can be you. If not it is worth paying someone to do this; it will make the renovations go much smoother.

6. Regulations

It is very important that you check with your local planning office regarding your intended renovations. You need to know if any of these are affected by planning regulations. If they are then get your planning sorted before you start the renovation; this will prevent you from being held up during the process.

7. DIY

Finally you need to consider whether you are going to do most of the work yourself or not. This will depend on your skill set and the time you have available. It can certainly save you funds but will you be able to achieve the finish you desire? Once you’ve prepared as much as possible start renovating, remember that it will always take longer than you think and enjoy the journey!

Renovating your home can be an overwhelming, lengthy, and expensive process. It is of utmost importance for you to pull out all the stops to ensure that the entire process is streamlined and that every single part of the process is planned out in detail. Here are 6 tips that you can follow to make sure a smooth home renovation project.

Know the Outcomes

You should know exactly why you are renovating. You should know which walls you want to remove, fixtures you want to add, and what colors you want the walls to be painted. According to Stone & Tile Shop, you’ll find that some part requires more attention than others. When you decide on these things as you are confronted with them, you may end up with mismatched fixtures and overspending on unnecessary renovations.

Draw up a budget

You should know how much money you have available for the entire project. When you draw up a budget, make sure that you take unexpected expenses into account as well. Keep long-term costs in mind as well. Monthly maintenance and repair costs may change after the renovation.

Hire a Reputable Contractor

When you are thinking about hiring a contractor, call his references and schedule a visit to the site that the contractor worked on. Ask the reference if they were satisfied with the contractor’s performance in terms of staying under budget and delivering as promised.

Hire a Designer

Hiring an architectural designer can help you identify potential problems with your intended renovations. Sometimes a designer can see that you may encounter problems with natural light or airflow or suggest better design alternatives that can enhance your use of space. They can also ensure that the entire design is feasible and built in accordance with aesthetic principles as well as governmental regulations. The designer and contractor typically work as a team and the contractor will only give you a price on the plans after you have approved the designer’s drawings.

Prepare your Home

Before renovating your home, you should make sure that your possessions are safe and out of the way. Things like paintings, piano’s or glassware should preferably be put in storage. This ensures that it is out of the way of the people doing the work and that your possessions are safe and out of harm’s way. If you cannot move fixtures like faucets or a built-in bar, cover them in plastic or cardboard.

Have Contracts in Place

Make sure that every single detail that you discuss with service providers like the designer or contractor is included in the contracts you have with them. This includes the obvious things like your property’s address, your name, the floor sizes of renovated areas, and the dates. Essentials should also be stipulated in the contracts including the price, start and end dates, as well as some form of a job description. This can help you later when there is a dispute or when you forget certain details about your original agreement with your service provider.

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