Renovation is a great way to refresh and modernize your space and add to the value of the
home, and deciding to renovate your home is a big decision. Be it a home you’ve just bought
or lived in for years, renovation is a highly personal process, and it is easy to get stressed
and overwhelmed. So how do you go about it and what are some important factors to
consider when deciding to renovate? Here are some renovation tips to help you through this
process:
1. Know your Goal:
Everyone has a reason for choosing to renovate their home. It could be that your
family is growing and you need more space, or that you need problem areas like cold
floors and cramped spaces rectified or that you just want to give your home a
makeover. Whatever your reason is, identifying it beforehand helps you make better
decisions during the process. If you are choosing to renovate a recently purchased
house, take some time to live in it and determine the items that need change, or
check with the previous residents.
2. Identify your Style:
There are a lot of interior design styles to choose from. Take the time to identify
what you like, as this will help save time during the process. Take a note of the
interior styles you like and what you like or dislike in them. You can also take the help
of a designer to do this. Once you know what style you prefer, you will find it easier
to make decisions regarding designs and furniture. If there are multiple people with
different style preferences, trying to figure out the common likes and dislikes you
have will help narrow it down. Also keep in mind, it is ok to like multiple design
styles. An experienced design professional can help you create a cohesive look to
your space taking into consideration your taste and preferences.
3. Create a Budget:
Establish a budget based on the scope of work. Check with your interior
designer/construction manager to understand general costs for items to help you
create a realistic budget. It is also important to not underestimate costs and
understand that various factors like the state of the current structure or change in
market rates for products can easily lead to an increase in the project costs. Add 10-
20% on top of what you expect the project to cost to avoid any surprises. If you are
on a tight budget, you can also choose to start with renovating the rooms that need
the most improvement.
4. Prioritize:
Once you know your requirements and budget, you can create a list with your top
priorities in terms of areas and items. If you choose to renovate room by room, your
priority list will help you identify what room needs to be worked on first. This helps
avoid unnecessary stress as well as help you stick to your timeline and budget
better. This is also useful when purchasing furniture and decor, as you can refer to
the list to know what is a priority and what you can splurge on. You can also wait
for sales to pick up lower priority items, helping you save money.
5. Invest in Quality:
While choosing materials and furniture, look for high quality products. This is
especially true for kitchen and bathroom renovations, and for furniture pieces that
you use regularly. While a quality product can increase costs in the short term, it
ends up being cost saving in the longer term. Look at your priority list to help you
determine where to spend more on, and where you can cut back.
6. Reuse:
Look into what existing pieces and items from your home can be reused. You can
choose to reupholster or give a new finish to furniture pieces based on the design
style. You can also choose a style with the help of the designer based on the items
you wish to keep. For example, if you have beautiful flooring that is in good condition
or an entire set of furniture, you can create a design theme based around it.
7. Give it Time:
The most important thing to understand before you start renovation is that it is a
process that takes time. There may be unexpected issues that arise that can extend
the timeline. For example, there could be a sudden change in weather or you may
realize that a structure cannot be retained as it is too damaged. With help from an
experienced interior designer or contractor, you will have less to worry about.
Designing and renovation takes time, but it will be worth it in the end.
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