Major Decisions That Need To Be Made Before the Renovations Start

Those that have never been involved in a renovation before are sometimes under the misconception that this is an easy undertaking, and that everything will go according to plan. More often than not this is not the case and things can go wrong. It can be messy and time consuming, so if you are not prepared for some ups and downs then it is better not to even consider a renovation.
The starting process:
You need to begin by asking yourself the most important question, which is, what is the purpose of the renovation? You need to have a good reason for taking this on, as the goal you set for this will act as your guideline for making the many decisions that will be needed throughout the entire project.
Some of the common reasons that an individual may want to renovate are….

• To increase the equity value of the property
• To be able to increase the rent income
• For personal pleasure
• To be compatible with the neighbouring properties
• To flip the property as an investment

Then you need to set your expectations as to what you want the finished project to look like. Some people are better than others when it comes to being able to visualize the end results. Make sure you keep notes of what expectations you began with.
If you are good at sketching this may be all you need to keep you on track to reach your end goal. If this is not something you are good at, you can easily get 3D plans compiled for you by hiring online providers in this area, or hiring a local architect to draft the plans for you.
You also need to be detailed orientated and know what your expectations are in this regard. Are you going to want perfection in the various segments of the renovation, or are you going to be flexible. For example, does everything have to be absolutely perfect? You need to set an acceptance level in regards to quality and precision. Your tradesmen need to know your mindset on this.
Determine what you want from the end result.
You have to have some concept as to how the finished project will appeal to you. Are you looking for a result that will make you feel as though it is warm and cozy, or revitalizing and energetic?
The renovation process can be long and at time frustrating. Once it is over and done with do you just want to be able to stand back and say “job well done”, or just “I’m glad it’s over and done with.” You deserve a pat on the back for sticking through the entire process, and so do your tradespeople. You may want to celebrate by taking some time out for a night on the town.
What are you willing to sacrifice?
You are going to have demands placed on you even though you may be using tradesmen throughout your entire project. You are definitely going to have to be willing to commit some time to your project.

• You need to set time aside to find the right tradies, and then negotiate the contracts
• You will want to make a shortlist of all the different tradespeople needed for your project
• Time allowances have to be made for setting up appointments and on-site visits for quotes
• You will need time to review proposals and quotes and ask questions, then do comparisons
• Then there is the formal signing of all the various contracts.

In general it takes about 11 hours of time to get everything in place for one tradesman. Now you need to allow this timeframe for each tradesman that is going to be required and this is just to get started. Throughout the project you will need to set time aside for checking on the progress of the work.
On an average you will need to allot about 25 hours of your time each week for the project.
Common Issues to be addressed throughout the project:

• There will always be problems that arise both big and small and you may be required to solve them
• Materials will have to be sourced out and purchased
• Suppliers will have to be coordinated with the tradesmen in order for the job to keep moving.
• Ongoing spot checks to confirm the quality of the work will have to be performed.
• Work scheduling has to be done
• The accounts have to be paid

If you have time constraints you may have to outsource some of your other work responsibilities in order to meet the demands that will be placed on you by this renovation.
Pre-Work Preparation

• Be organized so that you know what you want done and when. Set the priorities.
• Create a checklist for what must be in place before the work begins
• Do you have all the necessary permits?
• Have you hired all the right tradesmen?
• Do you have a start and completion date?
• Are your finances in place?
• Have you set the work hours?
• Have you arranged for accessibility to the site as needed by the various workers?
• Are any preparations needed before the workers can start?
• Do you have a backup plan?

These tips will help to get your renovation off to a good start.