Many people are looking at self-building and home renovation as a way to invest money for the future. These types of investments offer better and safer returns than a bank or the stock market can, and you get to enjoy a new space before cashing in later in life. Before jumping straight in to a self-build or home renovation, read these five simple rules that will help you get prepared for the job.
Know Your Limit
If you are considering a self-build property or a large-scale home renovation you are probably planning on doing a lot of the work yourself. This can be a great way to save money, but you need to acknowledge that somewhere along the way you will reach the limit of your abilities. Be prepared to rely on experienced contractors, especially when it comes to aspects like electrical installations and wiring.
It is always safer to hire an electrician than to do the work yourself. MyBuilder can help you find the right man for the job. Simply search for electricians near me to find a list of qualified local tradesmen. MyBuilder provides customer reviews and feedback too, so you know your contractor has the experience necessary for the job.
Plan, Plan, And Plan Again
For a project at this scale, you can never do enough planning and preparation. Building a home is a complex puzzle, with lots of pieces to put together. Remodelling a home can be even more complicated. Having to remove existing fixtures and fittings adds a lot of time and extra layers of complexity to the job. You need to do almost as much planning for removal as you will have to for installations.
Time is something you cannot buy. Many self-builders and renovators recommend having extra room in your budget for unexpected costs. This contingency fund can help cover labour costs during delays, for example. When you are planning your build and thinking of timescale, you need to build up a bank of days and weeks to cover delays too. Do not pressure yourself with optimistic timescales.
Knowledge Is Power
Part of your planning process needs to include some research. There are lots of rules and regulations to follow when self-building or renovating a home. Electrical installation, sewage works, and even building materials can all be regulated in some way depending on the location of the property. You will have to adhere to all local planning regulations and have your work assessed and quality checked by professionals. Before you begin, get to know the law of the land you are building on.
This is less of a consideration for a house renovation, depending on how big the job is. Some house renovations may include extensions, conservatories, or the addition of outbuildings. All of these will be affected by local building and planning regulations. It is not all bad news, however. There are also tax incentives for some renovations and self-builds, and your local authority can be the source of a lot of advice and even support.
Everbody Needs Good Neighbours
Unless you are completing the work in the middle of nowhere, your project is going to have an impact on the people around it. Big trucks delivering construction materials can easily block a road or require a crane to lift supplies or preconstructed elements over someone’s land or driveway. Noise is a continuous disruption to family life if you are working in an urban or suburban area.
Do not be the type of developer who turns up, unannounced, and begins construction work next to other people’s family homes. When you are nearly ready to start construction, introduce yourself to the neighbours and allow them to voice concerns. Work with them, and be ready to make some small alterations to your plan to accommodate their needs.
Be Prepared For Problems
If you can get through a construction project without experiencing delays and unexpected problems, perhaps you should buy a lottery ticket. Every project runs into some kind of problem, small or large. Just as you need to put aside some time and money to account for them, you also need to put aside some patience. Accept the inevitable, and prepare yourself for the added stress and strain, it will be worth it in the end.
Many people begin self-builds and house renovations with the intention of doing ‘all or most of’ the work. When they reach the other side, most self-developers either wish they had hired more professional help or they did hire contractors to get over the finish line. This can add to your budget, but reduce the amount of time the project takes to complete. Find your balance with your stresses and strains in mind.
For instance, when undertaking an electrical project, if you notice something unusual, like the smell of burning wires, it’s easy to feel tempted to investigate and fix it yourself. In such cases, calling a professional electrician bromsgrove, or elsewhere, right away is the best decision. They have the expertise to quickly identify the issue, fix it safely, and prevent further damage or hazards. Find your balance with your stresses and strains in mind.
These five basic rules should help you put together your project with the best chance of success. Balance your time, money, and stress to get the work done. It can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and mentally, to complete a project of this scale and create a new living space for you and your family.
