Take a look at the following 10 insights from the experienced Tide Constructions Renovation Team to ensure your project is a positive experience that will add value to both your life, your pocket and your property.
1- When renos become a jigsaw puzzle
Many renovators split up their project and believe the best way to achieve it would be to do one room up first, then maybe move onto another when the time is right, and when they are ready again, another.
Can you imagine the length of time it would all take? What about the disruptions to family life and the inconvenience of the dust and noise? There would be the challenge of starting a new project from scratch every time your contractor had to come back to set up to take on a new room, along with the additional cost from doing it in a piecemeal fashion.
One big pitfall for those dabbling in reno here and there is that your home will lack consistency and even flow if you don’t have a clever plan with much of the same resources put aside to match throughout (i.e. tiles, flooring etc).
What should you do? Carry out the project in one go, where possible, with the one professional team appointed so they can provide a planned manner using the designs and strategy that you have agreed on.
2- Plan for the unplanned
As streamlined as the professionals can be in helping you avoid much of the daily pain and issue within a renovation, be prepared that something may go wrong or take longer than expected?
Why? Unlike new builds, your home could have a range of unforeseen issues that can’t be known until the job is underway and the issues are uncovered. There may be council delays, poor weather, a much-yearned-for material that has not arrived to the supplier and the list goes on.
The important thing is to have a 10-15% contingency so you’re prepared for that rainy day. If you don’t need the additional funds, then it’s a great position to be in – but its best to be prepared.
3- Stick to your plans
It can be daunting for any building professional to gain the necessary approvals and work with the council building regulations throughout the process. So think about the issues that occur when you do a U-turn and decide your kitchen will be closed in after all, or perhaps that deck could be raised higher.
It’s no use progressing into your renovation and realising you could get some more room by raising the house when it wasn’t on the initial plans (and approvals) from the start.
Not only is it an issue for all involved, but it’s notorious for blowing your budget and creating a domino effect in another part of the build directly affected by the change.
Expect holdups, frustration, new plans needing to be drawn up, new permissions sent to council for the big idea changes and a slower build.
That doesn’t mean you can’t change anything along the way, but be wise. Plan as much as you can to the letter and if you do have additional ideas, be guided by the design and construction experts throughout the build.
4- Three spaces that increase your home’s value
If you’re thinking ahead and want to really boost the price of your home in the eyes of potential future buyers, there are some key areas to ensure your address.
The top 3 areas that Brisbane buyers fall in love with are:
- Kitchen – the most crucial area to impress with, as long as you deliver something fully- functional with modern countertop and appliance choices and the latest tapware, storage and even door dressings. It’s the heart of the home that you will steal the heart of would-be buyers when done well.
- Bathrooms – People want finished bathrooms in all their glory, remembering that they are one of the highest traffic places in your home. Don’t forget the love affair Queenslanders have with baths and trendy tapware and other bathroom modcons.
- Decks/patios – This is Queensland where inside/outside living is a must for anyone who wants to soak up the lifestyle. Decks and patios also extend your home and become the entertainment hub that so many people crave.
5- Storage space is always a winner
It’s one of the easiest components to overlook in your renovation plans, but storage space is a must. In fact, if you do it well, it’s practically invisible.
If your renovation is all about lifestyle, then you don’t want to be clogging up your entertainment areas with sports equipment or finding you’ve got nowhere to place your extra bedding, linen and books.
It’s the inconspicuous cabinets and shelves that can be installed in areas often considered as dead spaces that can really turn your newly upgraded home into a clever, five-star design.
6- Don’t skimp on materials or technology
If you’re going to do a renovation that adds value, then it’s worth doing it right. The choices you make in your materials, from flooring to tiles, carpets to bathroom fixtures, window coverings to the kitchen benchtops, all have a bearing on your home’s overall value.
You will also have the opportunity to make your home higher tech than ever before, with structured wiring that enhances your phone, data, free to air TV, pay TV, NBN services and any other bells and whistles your desire.
Too often the renovator who cuts corners to cut cost also cuts out a chunk of value in their home because it soon becomes obvious that it’s not a luxury makeover. It becomes more a “knock up a reno” project to have it done but has compromised on the quality it deserved. That will affect your perceived value and ultimately, the market value of your home.
7- Get the best professionals onboard
If you go searching for a builder by price alone, then you will certainly secure a willing set of hands, but as to the outcome of your renovation… that’s a chance that you shouldn’t take.
A good professional saves you money in the long run. Why would El Cheap Brothers, from down the road have the same qualified team, essential insurances and onsite Work Health and Safety practices, the best suppliers, access to the best materials, a positive relationship with council or workmanship that is worth far more than what is being offered?
And please, don’t call your neighbour’s sparky son, niece’s chippy boyfriend or concretor cousin in, like so many do, who are not part of the main construction team. As skilled as they may be, they may not have the time or care to put into your job as the people who have built their reputation on luxury renovation builds.
8- Build for future needs
The future has a habit of getting here faster than you planned, particularly when planning a family or taking on a hobby that needs more space.
When you are planning the design, think about whether this is a home you will be staying in for a long time or one that you will be selling in the months or years to come.
Not everyone may have the same strong tastes as you, so if your reno is to put it up for sale, then consider what buyers would want over your own style.
However, if this is your home and you want the lifestyle you have always dreamed, then speak to your designer and builder about what the future holds for you, from more family space for new arrivals to reducing the need for stairs as you age.
9- Don’t be swayed by others’ opinions
Everyone will have an opinion on what you should be doing with your renovation. However, it’s your home, your plans, your life, your bank account paying for it and your dream, so be sure that you make the choices.
Certainly, seek support in your decision making from the professionals and whoever you trust, but at the end of the day, you are the one who is paying for it, and it’s your personality that needs to be reflected in your home.
Of course, if you are going to sell your home shortly, choose wisely so it’s comfortable, efficient, and attractive to future buyers.
10- Try to contain your emotions
It can be intrusive, loud, frustrating, annoying and even disappointing through the renovation journey, along with the giddy highs and beams of pride that will radiate from you.
It can be an emotional rollercoaster – so try not to get caught up in it all and lose sight of the task at hand. You will end up making irrational decisions when they may not have been the logical steps to take.
The best advice is to speak to your designers and construction team and be armed with as much information as you can so you have a better opportunity of having a stress-free build and an amazing outcome for your home.
