For those who enjoy a challenge and a beautiful house, it is easy to renovate a home. If you are planning to live in the house once it is finished, house renovations can be very profitable.
A home renovation, like all home improvement projects requires planning and hard work. However, it can be a great way to bring new life to an old house. It will add value to the property as well as your personal touch. It is worth visiting a home renovation store Gold Coast as they’ll have lots of items in stock that can provide inspiration.
How to find a property for renovation
Many properties that are ready for renovation are described in the details of the estate agent as “in need of modernization”. It could be anything from a new kitchen to cosmetic repairs or even removing the tree growing in the living room. Before you start looking for a house to buy, determine your budget and the level of work that you are willing to do.
It is possible that you have seen potential in a house nearby that isn’t on the market. It’s rare, but not impossible, for people to consider selling if they receive a well-written letter from someone interested.
How to evaluate the potential of a remodeling project
How can you avoid being thrown into a financial pit for home renovations? To ensure that the property is in good condition before you buy it, have a survey done. A member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors will conduct this survey (opens in a new tab) and will provide feedback about the condition of the property. From there, you can calculate the costs.
Before you make an offer, or even before you book a viewing, there are some things you should be aware of.
The location is almost everything
It is a great tip for anyone searching for a bargain on a renovation project. No matter how beautiful the property is, it will only be as good the surrounding area. Make sure to check the schools, amenities, and green space. Google Street View will allow you to get a sense of the area and highlight any problems.
Check out the street ceiling value
Check out Zoopla (opens new tab) or Rightmove to see the prices of similar properties. This will give an indication of the maximum price of the house you are considering so that you can calculate your return on investment after home renovations.
Be on the lookout for any damage that could be very costly.
A roof repair can cost you a lot. Make sure to check for damaged or missing tiles and signs of bowing timbers. If water has leaked through, missing tiles can also indicate trouble inside. Windows can also add significantly to your renovation budget. Double glazing can be upgraded to reduce heat loss and run costs. If you are able, keep your period windows intact.
How do your neighbours’ houses look?
Are your plans in line with the rest? Are they making improvements that will work for your home? Are the houses well-maintained, showing that everyone takes pride and care of their property?
Are there any opportunities to expand?
You might be able to modify the house to make it more suitable for your needs. It is possible to convert space like the garage or loft. If the pitch is available, a simple loft conversion can be done. You may also be able to extend the rear of your garden, leaving plenty of space for you to enjoy the outside. For an idea of what might be possible, take a look at neighboring properties.
Is it going to need major renovation?
You can do so many things to improve your home that it may not be the right property for you. Look for something closer to your needs in terms of layout and size.
Is it equipped with modern heating and electricity?
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a problem, but if the house needs complete rewiring or central heating, you will need to pay another PS3,000-PS5,000 per job for a typical three-bedroom home. An old-fashioned fuse box, with ceramic fuses or cast iron switches; surface mounted cabling; black cables or fabric cables; Bakelite switches; and old-fashioned sockets are all signs of out-of-date electrics.
Step-by-step guide to renovating a house
How do you renovate your house? You need to make sure that your house renovations go according to plan once you have purchased the right house. To make the best decisions, use our checklist.
1. Protect your investment by researching the features of time periods
Many period homes have lost their charm over the years. Beams have been covered up and beautiful original windows have been replaced with uPVC. Original fireplaces have been swapped for electric ones. It’s sad to see homes with no character left. But before you start restoring period features to your home, do some research.
Know the history of your house, its age, and who lived there. The average worker’s terraces wouldn’t have the same amenities as a Georgian townhouse. Don’t try to add elaborate plaster mouldings or intricately carved fireplaces. It is best to fix any existing defects, dry the house and make it safe and dry.
2. Calculate the cost of your home renovation
You should do extensive research on house renovation costs before you purchase the property. However, once you own the property, take a look around to assess the extent of the work and create a financial plan.
Many mortgage lenders can help you finance your renovations and provide the money in stages. This route is for you if you want to find out the stages and determine when each stage of your renovation will be completed.
You should also be realistic about the work that you can afford and when you will do it. You should make sure the property is in a safe, dry, and heatable condition before you move in. This is especially important if you plan to spend money on living elsewhere while you work. You should not move in until major renovations are completed. However, you can still live in cosmetic alterations provided you have enough rooms to cook, wash, and sleep.
It is possible to renovate your property without destroying it if it is in good condition.
Sarah Beeny, a TV presenter and property developer, says it is crucial to determine how much money you can spend. She says, “Rule number one: Make a budget and stick with it.” Calculate the costs of each room. Include everything, including structural work like underpinning and finishing touches. Add it all together to determine if you can afford it.
Contractors must give you a detailed quote if they are helping you with your project. This will allow you to budget. To cover unexpected costs that may arise in renovating older homes, it is recommended to set aside a contingency amount of between 10-20%. Once the structural work has been completed, you will need to set aside a budget for decorating and furnishing your home.
3. Before you begin, check for restrictions on renovations
If your home is on the list, it should be made clear to you at the time of sale. However, if you are not sure, you can check with the authorities as it is a crime to do unauthorised work to a home that is on the list. Many buildings built after 1840 are likely to be listed. In the UK, there are over half a million. Check if your house is listed at British Listed Buildings. If it is, you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent to make any changes. A listed property can make it difficult to alter the exterior design of a house. You cannot paint a listed house with plastic paint or gypsum plasters. Always check before you begin work.
Another protection status can be applied to a home that is located in a conservation zone. Conservation Area restrictions generally only affect the exterior of a property. However, your permitted development rights (works you can normally do without planning permission) may be affected. This could mean that you will need planning consent for work that is already approved elsewhere.
4. Request planning permission
Once you have the plans, identify the parts of your renovation that require statutory consent.
Hugo Tugman, architect, advises: “Make sure you are familiar with the various consents you will need to address.” Is the building permitted to be used as a dwelling? Or will you need permission for a material alteration of use? Are you able to use the building as a dwelling? Even if it isn’t listed, you will need to adhere to building regulations. You might also need to enter into a party wall agreement. This maze can be walked through by an architect.
You can start work immediately by checking with your local authority. Consider the time it will take to decide whether you need statutory consents for any or all of the works. Planning decisions should take between eight and six weeks, while a complete building regulations application can take five to six weeks.
5. Conduct a bat survey
Bats are attracted to dark, peaceful nooks and crevices in old homes. This is especially true if the homes have been unoccupied for a while. It is illegal to hurt bats or disturb their roosting. Conduct a bat survey to determine if special precautions are needed.
Bat surveys can be costly, but fines for disturbing bats or not taking precautions are more severe. So do your research early. A survey that is done too late could delay the work.
6. Design your home renovation
It is worth taking the time to design the property and making sure it meets your expectations. Consider how the changes will fit with the original structure – are you looking for extensions that blend in with the existing property or are you seeking to make them stand out? Are you looking to bring back the house’s original look or transform its exterior design? Consider what you want to accomplish, and then talk to an architect to discuss all options.
Also, be mindful of the placement of rooms. Sarah Beeny says, “Focus upon introducing natural lighting, which has the potential to transform and lift any space.” If possible, arrange rooms so that you spend most of your time in areas where there is natural light. You should also consider the view. A good view can make a big difference.
7. Create a schedule of your works
Before you begin any home renovations, it is important to clearly define the process. Before you start any renovations, be clear about the steps required. Prioritise work that stops further decay or stabilizes the property. It is possible that one room’s work will have an impact on another, especially if wiring or plumbing are involved. Therefore, you should have a clear view of the entire house and a list of tasks.
Consult professionals before you do any major structural work or extend a house. There may be consequences you don’t know about.
A loft conversion may seem like an isolated job, but it is required by building regulations. These issues can have a significant impact on your budget and aesthetics.
8. Locate the best contractors to do your renovation
If you don’t plan to manage the renovation, ask your family and friends for recommendations.
Expert renovator Michael Holmes says that you must feel confident and comfortable with the skills of all those working on your site. It’s worth taking an expert such as an architect or builder to your viewing in order to get an idea about the costs. This can be used to inform your offer.
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