1. Plan your renovation properly and stick to your plans, as changing your mind during a project can be costly and can really slow down your progress.
Be sure to apply for and obtain permission, if necessary, from the correct regulatory bodies for your project before you begin work. You don’t want to have to undo any hard work you undertake because of a technicality.
Don’t try to take on an entire property at once, ideally work on one room at a time. That said, don’t spend your budget on a single room. New homeowners especially find this very easy to do. You can initially finish a room and come back to add decorations or other finishing touches later.
2. Always double and even triple check all your measurements and remember that judging perception can be very difficult for an untrained eye.
Whether you’re taking measurements for new stairs, doors, kitchen cabinets, or just to be able to arrange your furniture in a different way, measuring accurately is always vital. If the measurements are slightly off, it may mean things don’t fit together correctly and the finish won’t look right. The key to an expensive, professional-looking finish, even when working on a tight budget, is to accurately measure and note every dimension. Spending that extra time at the beginning of the project can save you a lot of time and money later on.
Make sure larger installations really fit the space. Oversized units, fireplaces, stairs, and other fixtures can ruin the look of a room, and it can be hard to judge what they’ll look like before you install them.
3. Always have a contingency plus a budget for costs and materials.
You’ll want to have a ballpark figure of what you want to spend at the start of a project, but you should always be prepared to overspend. Things can change and things can go wrong for any project and if you run out of money before things are finished it can turn a small problem into a disaster.
You should also take into account breakage and excessive cuts of materials. It’s a good idea to order more than you need and return unused items. Things that can easily be mistakenly shortened or broken include trim strips, such as picture molding and rails, stair shafts, and lengths of handrails and floor panels.
4. Remember the invisible details. Skimping on features that aren’t really visible can be a big mistake in the long run.
Never ignore structural flaws like cracked walls as this could create more work down the line. Having things like proper drainage, heating, and ventilation are absolutely crucial in all properties.
Other details to consider are things like a high-quality floor underlayment or wallpaper coating that can have a real benefit. Opting for underfloor heating instead of a plush rug will keep your feet warm for longer. Tackle the mundane first and work on the finished décor later.
5. Consider all options when searching for materials in general. Cost, longevity, and appearance must be considered.
Hardwood floors are popular and can look stunning, but if you have children and pets, or even an area that has high traffic, laminate may be much more suitable. You’ll also be amazed at the quality, feel and durability of modern vinyl and laminate flooring options.
Granite countertops can look stunning, but you should look around and consider cheaper options as well.
Choosing the wrong paint or wood care product can cause problems and may require you to do regular touch-ups. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms will need moisture resistant paints. Doors and windows need to be finished properly at installation and also need to be maintained over time to ensure they last as long as possible.
Remember that sometimes it is worth choosing the most expensive and durable options, but not always, so do your research.
6. It’s not always worth going for the cheapest options. This applies to materials, furniture, tools and contractors.
You should shop around and consider all the options. Cheaper materials can actually cost more in the long run if they don’t last, and you should always look for genuine contractor references and examples of work, as well as prices.
If you are doing any work yourself, it will be worth investing in some high-quality tools to ensure high standards are met. These tools will usually come in handy at other times later.
7. Don’t be afraid to rearrange more permanent fixtures and appliances, like plumbing fixtures. Adapting your bathroom or kitchen design can have some real long-term benefits that will make up for the initial effort. You might be surprised at how easy it is to move a toilet or shower, and it can make a big difference in the feel of the room.
8. The latest trend may not always suit the style of your home and may not always be practical. You should always consider the equity and general structure of your property and respect it. Some design schemes just won’t fit every home.
You’ll also find that if you follow the latest trends too closely, you can shorten the life of a room, as trends change quickly and you may find yourself with something that suddenly looks outdated soon after it’s finished. Consider choosing a simple base design for a room that you can easily add accessories to when you want to incorporate the latest style options.