So you’ve decided that it’s time for a renovation? Whether you are renovating to sell, or simply for your own comfort, having a plan is crucial. We know it can feel overwhelming and chaotic when there are just a stack of tasks to complete, so we’ve laid them all out in a checklist to make your life easier.
#1 Set a budget
Before you get started with anything else, we would advise that you set up a budget. Create a list of projects you want to take on, and then research what costs you will have to prepare for. It’s helpful to go back to the beginning and determine what the motivator of the renovation was in order to prioritise your projects.
#2 Get your admin out of the way
If you are taking on any major modifications, you might need to get permission from your local authority before you get things moving. Depending on your projects, your insurance policy might also become outdated after renovations, so it’s important to follow up with your insurance company regarding this. You will also want to ensure you have site insurance (either provided by yourself or your contractor) to guarantee you are covered if anything might go wrong.
Be considerate of your neighbours. Building sites can be noisy and disruptive, so keeping clear communication and transparency with your neighbours about your intended renovation is important to maintain healthy relationships.
#3 Find a qualified and trustworthy contractor
I’m sure you’ve all heard contractor horror stories a thousand times. If this isn’t reason enough to go for a well-reviewed contractor, I don’t know what is. You are handing over major responsibility to your contractor when you put him/her in charge of your home renovations, so we would advise that you bring on someone already established and recommended.
#4 Put together a schedule
Always have a plan! Once you’ve had a read through the rest of this blog, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what your timeline and priorities should be as you take on your renovation project. We would advise you to put a schedule in place with your contractor or building team before you’ve started anything.
Ensure that your supply of materials and externally-sourced installation are co-ordinated with your site progress plan. You’ll find that windows and doors are often custom-made with fairly extensive lead times. Make sure that you are aware of this order lead time as delays in supply will often hold up other aspects such as: safe locking of the site; flooring and tiling; plaster work and final painting. Material that is not on site can also result in payment delays, or “draws” as referred to on site. This is one of the main causes of payment delays and builder-owner conflict.
#5 Ensure that the site is safe
We recommend that you absolutely do not rush this step! Safety is always the first priority. Remove all hazardous waste, double-check that necessary gas and electricity are capped off and and remove any rubbish. Now you can start the real clearing and preparing process.
#6 Look after your builders
While they are working on your property, they are your responsibility. Do they have a place to safely park? Do they have somewhere to sit and take a break? Have you hired a portaloo if not provided by the contractor? These are all very important things to get in place.
#7 Get your building weather-resistant
Is your building site weather-tight? You can’t begin renovation jobs that could be damaged by rain for instance, if you have not yet ensured that the structure is covered and weather-tight. This is why planning is important. You don’t want to be handed additional repair bills for damage to the property if the weather takes a turn.
#8 Damp-proof and insulate
Once you’ve made sure the building site is protected, it’s time to start the real work. This is when builders can start working on the structure of your building. Depending on whether you are modifying the structure or adding additional structure, this is when the walls, floors and roofs will be constructed. Part of this process will entail damp-proofing and installing new insulation.
If your are renovating the internal layout of the building, you would then start with the stud walls and any other interior structural features (like a staircase), followed by lining the ceiling and walls and laying the floors.
#9 Fit fixtures
Now is when you will start to see everything come together. It’s time to make your home livable by fitting in doors as well as electrical and plumbing fixtures. At this point you should have a working bathroom and kitchen.
#10 Work on finishing touches
Now you are able to decorate to your heart’s content! It’s time to personalise your property with decor that makes your house feel like home.
Ready to start getting supplies together for your renovation project? We’ve got you covered with the best-of-the-best building supplies. Browse through our products and offerings to get going!