Getting ready to renovate your property! It’s an exciting time, but you’re likely juggling many balls right now. From hiring contractors to sourcing vintage fittings, it seems as if your to-do list is never-ending. Not to mention the challenge of keeping the whole project within budget and running on time. Through this blog Gharpedia shares an A to Z renovation guide, which makes your home renovation easy.
Need a little help? Use our handy A-Z guide for the things you need to remember to do as the work progresses to keep everything running smoothly!
A to Z Home Renovation Guide
Use our A to Z home renovation guide before planning your house renovation:
A is for Auction Sites
Checking out online and in-person auctions can be a great way to pick up some fabulous – often vintage – pieces for your renovation at a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere.
B is for Billing
Get really clear on how each supplier or tradesperson requires paying, including how and when they invoice, to better help with your budgeting.
C is for Contractor
There will be some parts of the home renovation – if not many – that you’ll need the professionals to complete. Undertake careful research before making a hire, and be sure to read plenty of reviews from past clients.
D is for Detailed Plan
This is an important step in our A to Z home renovation guide. It’s vital to create a plan ahead of the renovation that covers everything! Include the materials you need to source, the tradespeople you need to hire, and your timeline and budget.
E is for Exterior
This should be one of your first ports of call: before transforming the inside of the property, you need to check that the outside is in good repair and doesn’t require any work. Seek professional advice on this.
F is for Fireplace Renovation
If you are adding or replacing a fireplace, consider a bio-ethanol fireplace, which gives off as much heat as an electric heater but for much less.
Check out detailed guide for fireplace design:
G is for Get Specific
When it comes to the design, you’ll need to get really specific to ensure the result is precisely what you want – and it’s vital to convey your vision to your contractors, too: get clear on elements such as colors, materials, and fixtures, with an eye to the future, too. Tastes can change!
H is for Home Warranty
Taking out a home warranty gives you the peace of mind that you won’t be hit with an unexpected bill if any of your home’s major systems or appliances (such as the plumbing or heating systems) break down. Have a look at these Select home warranty reviews to give you an idea of the coverage you can expect with a standard policy.
I is for Inspect the Electrical Service Panel
This is easy to overlook, but it’s essential to check that the electrical service panel in the property can cope with your needs. Get a professional to check this for you. At the same time, consider where all the power sockets are and assess if you need additional ones.
J is for Joint Check
As part of the renovation, ensure the attic is thoroughly inspected to make sure it’s structurally sound and that no joints or floorboards need replacing.
K is for Kitchen Breakfast Bar
If you’re thinking about installing a breakfast bar as part of your renovations, then think carefully about where appliances and other kitchen furniture will fit around it. There may also be plumbing and wiring implications to take into account.
L is for Lighting
It’s not just lighting fixtures you need to think about. Depending on your lighting plan, you may also need to install new switches and boards to ensure everything works as you want it to.
M is for Molding
And other decorative aspects! Check out auction sites or specialist suppliers dealing in reclaimed pieces if you want to buy vintage. For a more cost-effective option, go for a replica!
N is for Newel Posts
Don’t forget to think about the stairs! There may be existing newel posts and banisters that need replacing as part of the overall redesign.
O is for Outdoors
As well as the garden, don’t forget other outdoor elements, such as outhouses and sheds that may comprise part of the property. It’s also essential that there are no overhanging tree branches too close to the house that could cause damage in the event of a storm.
P is for Preparing Your Home
This includes protecting your floors and furniture that needs to stay in situ. If possible, seal off any areas that won’t be part of the renovation from the rest of the house.
Q is for Quotes
Get as many as possible regarding contractor fees to materials to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
R is for Replacing Handles
If you’re on a budget, a cost-effective way to add aesthetic appeal to your kitchen renovation is to switch out the handles or doors on cupboard units and drawers rather than replace the whole thing.
S is for Storage Space
Before the renovation begins, plan what storage space you need. Consider whether you’d like some inbuilt storage added to your overall renovation design.
T is for Tiles
Assess any existing tiles carefully if you’re on a budget and keen to reduce costs. Could a simple cleaning and re-grouting job make them look good again, or do they need total replacement?
U is for Upgrading the Plumbing
This may not be necessary, but it should be a consideration as part of a renovation of an older property. Consider replacing any older galvanized pipes with newer copper piping. Outdated plumbing fixtures could also be replaced with modern, efficient alternatives.
V is for Ventilation
Especially important in the bathroom. Ensure this room has adequate ventilation, and add ceiling fans if necessary to increase airflow.
W is for Windows
Windows are important part in our A to Z home renovation guide. Check the property’s windows carefully, looking for cracks, mold, water seepage, and rust, to ascertain whether they need to be replaced.
X is for Expect the Unexpected
More than likely, not everything will go to plan. Identify areas that could run behind schedule or the trickiest elements of the renovation. Have contingency plans, such as an alternative supplier or a slightly different design, ready for these eventualities. Adding some contingency funds to the budget pot is even better if you can.
Y is for You
A renovation project can be extremely stressful, not to mention time-consuming. It’s important not to become overwhelmed by the process; try to make regular time to relax and unwind away from the chaos.
Z is for Zone
When thinking about heating the property, it’s helpful to think about zones: this means you can locate heaters where they’ll be most effective and heat your newly renovated home more efficiently.
Summing up, you may be wondering “how to renovate a house”, then follow this A to Z guide, before you plan your house renovation. With prior planning, the tedious task of house renovation can be made fun and easy.
Before you leave, check out our other articles:
Renovating Home? Here’s 5 Ways to Speed it Up!
20 Things You Should Know Before Planning an Old House Renovation
