With the new season of The Block starting again this week on Channel 9, our renovation dreams for our own homes start all over again…. But where do you start?
Here are our top 5 tips to planning and executing the best renovations possible all within your budget:
1. Planning
Planning the areas of your home you want to change is the first step to any successful renovation.
Walk around your house and write a list of things you want to change – Paint colour, tiles, create more space, add more natural light and making it look more modern. These are all key elements to consider when thinking about renovating.
Think about how you use your house. Do you constantly have a light on in your hallway and would benefit from a Skylight to create more natural light and minimize your electricity bill?
2. Budget
Budget, Budget, Budget! If only we had a money tree in the back yard or a TV Channel to pay for our renovations. Write a budget, look at your savings and thinking about how much you want and can afford to spend on renovations. Take into consideration your property value and potential profit from your home renovation project if your intention is to sell.
If you are looking at refinancing or borrowing money for your renovations, make sure you book all your appointments with the bank or lender to ensure your finances are all approved before you start working on projects.
3. Time
If only we could all take time out of our ‘normal’ lives to renovate for the next 10 weeks like the Blockheads. You need to think about the time you have to spend on your renovations and what sort of time frame you want to have your renovations completed by.
There is nothing worse then knocking out a wall or ripping up the tiles in the bathroom and then it staying that way for the next six months because you didn’t have the time to complete it.
Think about your weekend commitments and workload. If you have the option, maybe look at taking a week or so off work to really get a head start on a renovation project.
4. DIY vs Tradesman
Every season of The Block we all feel like we learn new tips and tricks on how to renovate – seriously, after watching them plaster wall after wall, how hard can it be? It’s like watching a ‘how to’ clip on YouTube, I’ve got this, I’m a pro!
Think again, not many people can get through a whole renovation without hiring at least one tradesman. Renovating can be dangerous and without a professional, something that may seem quick and easy can soon turn into a disaster.
Always think about what you are doing and if you are worried make sure you call a professional; at the end of the day you are investing a lot of money into your home and want it done properly!
5. Execution
Once you have done all the planning and all the budgeting, you are finally ready to get stuck into the reno’s; but be logical and use common sense. Nobody wants to lay the brand new carpet and then start painting! Think about what needs to be done and in what order you need to do it.
If you plan everything properly, your renovations will run smoothly with hopefully very few issues.
Renovating can be stressful so keep in mind when you feel sore and tired that it will all be worth it when you sit back in the end and admire your handy work.