So you’ve decided to renovate your house? We commend you on your bravery! Exciting (and stressful) times most certainly lie ahead, but we hope the finished article makes the current anxiety and apprehension worthwhile, in the end.
What many D.I.Y home renovators tend to overlook however, in the planning stage, is how to prepare your house for the period of transition. Sure, you’ve settled on the fabric for the curtains, precise colour of the sofa, and material for the kitchen worktop, but you probably haven’t exercised a great deal of foresight for what you’ll need to get your home war ready. So, we’re here to help. Here are 6 IDEAL tips on getting your home renovation ready.
Check For Restrictions & Apply For Permission
Sadly you can’t simply decide you want to add something new to your house or destroy part you’ve deemed surplus to requirements. First, you’re going to need to check if the property is listed or protected by law; a surprising amount of older buildings are, so it’s imperative to investigate.
If you’re doing work on the outside of the property, planning permission may be required. It’s also wise to check if you’re in a conservation area, as exterior work would conflict with this. This is especially pertinent if you’re planning on selling your house, as any illegal works will eat into the value considerably.
Cross Reference Your Contractors
Getting your home renovation ready isn’t only about preparing the physical space; it’s only essential to make sure the personnel involved are reliable and reputable.
The right contractor should also be able to provide a complete portfolio of work that they have previously completed. When you are choosing contractors, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. A contractor that provides a transparent service or solution is more likely to be trustworthy and someone that you can rely on to get the job done correctly and on time.
There are various government-sanctioned and accredited organisations whose databases you can search to find reputable contractors. In the UK, the government-sanctioned organisation the British Institution of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom installation (BIKBBI) has a code of conduct, guidelines and standards that members must comply with.
Searching their database to find a member is a good way to ensure you’re hiring someone reputable and qualified. Alternatively, you can find an approved retailer on the KBSA Home Specialists Association’s website.
Waste Disposal
If you’re completely gutting the home (and even if you’re carrying out a few smaller scale changes) you’ll need a waste disposal plan in place, as there’s going to be loads of junk which can’t simply be thrown in the waste paper basket.
For any waste that can’t just be thrown in standard bins, it would be worth looking around for quotes for skip hire. As the guys at Pro Skips, who offer Croydon skip hire, caution wisely, ”It’s an expensive process to properly dispose of waste due to the associated costs including landfill tax, recycling, fuel and insurance.” Hiring a skip delegates these responsibilities, and as such, is well worth the investment.
If you’ve got more waste than a skip can handle, then one route to consider is to rent a roll off near you, as it’s an efficient way to handle large amounts of debris. You’ll want to plan ahead, ensuring you know the kind of waste being generated to choose the right-sized dumpster for your needs.
However, if you’re not keen on hiring a skip or roll off, then consider selling items or giving them to charity. During this clearance process, check for domestic issues which furniture and clutter might have otherwise been covering, such as mould and damp.
Determine Precisely What Needs To Change (& What Doesn’t)
Indecision can lead to excessive costs later down the line, as time is money and so is replacement material and labour. So, one of the most important steps for a home renovation is jotting down what needs the most attention.
Prepare a list of things that need maintenance or refurbishment and then consult your nearby experts to ensure that you have a smooth renovation process. Take care to ask them for quotes so that you can compare the different companies and settle on the best price (and pool of knowledge). Equally important is deciding what doesn’t need attention, and getting it covered up and safe….
Construct A Makeshift Kitchen Area
If your kitchen is getting a makeover, don’t forget to decamp everyday essentials like your kettle and microwave into another room; readily accessible and easy to use. You never know when that cuppa might be the make or break between a productive or wasteful day! Also, ensure that the dust and the dirt of renovation don’t impact on your electronics in the kitchen and have them covered with plastic and blue painter’s tape.
Read: 5 IDEAL tips for a seamless start to your kitchen renovation
Cover Furniture & Floors In Plastic
Finally, it’s time to protect items you’re keeping in something protective; plastic sheet is most popular. You don’t want dust or paint irrevocably damaging your stuff, so be rigorous with this step. This plastic covering should extend to windows, too. You should use blue tape to secure the plastic to surfaces to prevent any infiltration. Consider cardboard instead of plastic if any is available.
Now that your home is renovation ready, it’s time to consider the projects that add most value to your home. We hope it goes as smoothly as possible and we can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the place!