Whether you have recently moved into an old and derelict property or are looking to spruce up your current home, a renovation project can be a daunting experience that will be filled with various challenges.
Such a huge project may lead to unforeseen concerns and expenses over the months and may mean having to find temporary accommodation while the building works are taking place. However, with patience and dedication, the end result is sure to outweigh any issues you’re faced with.
If you’re keen to start a renovation project in the near future, here are some top tips to keep in mind:
Seek planning permission
If part of your renovation involves extending or converting rooms within the property, you may need to seek planning permission from the local authorities to get the go-ahead for the project.
With this in mind, it wouldn’t be wise to purchase a property without seeking professional advice or knowing that it has planning permission in place.
With the correct permissions, you could consider various re-development options, including:
- Loft conversions
- Extensions
- Basement conversions
- Additional parking
- Conservatories / orangeries
Get a building survey
If you’re looking to purchase a property to renovate, it would be highly advised to have a building survey undertaken by a chartered building surveyor. This will ensure that any issues, including subsidence, damp and mold, roof damage, and plumbing, are highlighted. If the property requires boiler replacement or a new plumbing system, you’ll need to hire a professional plumber such as Beehive Plumbing to tackle these issues.
While you may be able to offer a lower asking price in the event of structural problems, a detailed report will give you a full analysis of the work that needs to be done so you can decide whether you wish to take on such an extensive project.
Take out insurance
Once the renovation works on the property have been agreed upon, you’ll need to take out the relevant insurance for the building works to commence.
If you’re taking out a mortgage to buy the property, be aware that the bank may not be willing to lend the required amount without proof of insurance. Building work could also risk damaging neighboring properties; therefore, you may need to take out renovations insurance. The coverage will be dependent on the extent of work being carried out.
Improve energy efficiency
With many homeowners now looking to reduce their carbon footprint, it may be worth improving the energy efficiency of the property. This will not only make the home more sellable if you’re keen to put it on the market but will also help you save on bills if you wish to remain living in the property. You can also opt for upgrading your old boiler, but best to research beforehand the British gas new boiler cost. Some of the best ways to improve a property’s energy efficiency include:
- Solar panels
- Draught-proofing
- Wall and floor insulation
- Replacing single glazing with double glazing
While the upfront costs of improving the energy efficiency of the home may be steep, they will certainly pay off in the long term.
