Planning Renovations at Your Liverpool Property?

Renovating is a huge task to undertake and there is a lot involved, so before you call up the builders, here are some things to think about first:

• First figure out exactly what you want. How much work needs doing and who is going to do it? Also consider how renovations may effect your day to day living arrangements – will you need to move out of your home while they are taking place?
• Do you need to get building approvals? Most smaller jobs can be done without the need of council approval, but if you are changing the structure of your home or adding an extension then you most likely will. Talk to your builder or the local council to make sure you can carry out the works you want to.
• How will you sequence the renovations? When there is a lot of work that needs doing, some projects are better to do before others. For instance you’ll probably want to paint before you do the floors, but you might want to do the floors before putting in a new kitchen.
• Okay so you know what you want – now how are you going to afford it? You need to set a realistic budget for your renovations and discuss this with your builder. Also make sure you budget for more than a builder quotes you, because often extra jobs come up that aren’t included in the initial quote.
• Now that you have a budget make sure you don’t cut back on good quality products. When you do a renovation you may as well do it right and there is no point buying products that will need replacing in a few years time.

• Think about ways you can save money. Most renovations are best left to the professionals but there are a lot of jobs around the house you might even be able to do yourself. You could try by doing your own painting, or installing your own kitchen cabinets. If you have a good builder they will be able to discuss ways that you can trim down your renovation costs.

Overall be prepared. Unexpected problems always arise during renovations so make sure you are ready and flexible with what could get thrown your way. Some things are beyond yours or the builder’s control and the best solution is to find a builder you can trust and communicate well with.

While problems during renovations are inevitable though, there will always be a solution and the end results are always well worth the effort.