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hands framing an open kitchen layout

New to Renovation? Here are Tips to Get You Started

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If you have ever watched home renovations shows, you might feel inspired to give your own home a good refresh – and that means more than a fresh coat of paint. Whether you trek into your project as a DIY-er or if you are contracting the work out to professionals, here are some tips that can help make the experience a little easier.

Understand Your Local Requirements

Many cities require that you get approval and permits before you start your project, whether you are doing the renovation yourself or not. You will want to contact your local building and permits office, but generally, anything structurally changed requires special permits. Plumbing and electrical are also included in this, even if it’s only replacing what is already there.

 

Inspections are Vital

To have a final stamp of approval on your renovation, you must pass inspections. Inspections include electrical, structural support (don’t take out a load-bearing wall!), and plumbing and will require a professional to sign off that your new changes are up to building code. Without these, you may find it difficult to sell your house down the road – and it might open up potential lawsuits if you do sell and something goes wrong.

Expect the Unexpected

Expecting problems in your project is especially applicable with older houses, where time has worn down building materials, mold has taken root, and things like lead or asbestos were commonplace in paint and even flooring. But don’t stress! A good rule of thumb is to hold 10-15% of your reno budget aside for unplanned contingencies. And the best part: if you don’t use those funds, you just saved yourself some money!

Be Flexible and Willing to Compromise

Renovations can get expensive. What you think might be a lot of money may not tick all the boxes of what you want to have done in your project. Being flexible doesn’t mean that you can’t have certain things, it just means that you may have to approach that want list with a creative and open mind. For example: do you want a double vanity but the cost for that extra sink and plumbing is over budget? You may want to reflect on why having two sinks is important to you. If it’s a matter of increased counter space, and not necessarily about two places to wash your hands, consider a dry vanity in place of that second sink. You get the space you need at a price you can afford.

Consider Hiring an Interior Designer – Not Decorator

One of the reasons that home renovation shows are so successful is because each big reveal is dressed up by a professional designer. It’s important to note that designers are different from decorators, as designers have been trained to take into consideration human behavior to create both beautiful and functional spaces. Decorators use decorative elements to create a certain style or look.

 

Clear Things Out

Most renovations will require removing all items from the room(s) where work is being done.  That is the perfect time to go through your belongings and declutter. We’ve covered tricks and tips to decluttering in previous blog posts, but to sum up: create “keep”, “donate”, and “trash/recycle” piles. Consider renting a storage unit for the time that your renovations are taking place. With Towne Storage, we offer month-by-month rates so you are never locked into staying a longer time than you need.