Renovating a House With no Experience

Renovating your home can be very exciting for some people. For others, it can be a very daunting process which has to be done. If you are the second type, then you will probably opt for professional services. But if you are the type of person who has no prior experience, and wants to get creative while saving money, then this article is for you.

There are unlimited things that one should take care of in a DIY revocation. But some are very crucial. In this blog, we will discuss some of these important ones. Following these will ensure that you will have a fun time riveting while achieving the desired results.

So, without any further ado, let’s start our guide for renovating a house with no experience.

Plan everything for a smooth process

Planning everything in advance will save you from unexpected delays in your project. Make sure that you write specific goals for each part of the renovation process.

For example, if you are renovating a room, write down what things do you want at the end of the project. What should be the floor like, what texture should be the curtains, and which paint will you get?

Going into detail and noting everything down will give you an accurate list of to-do list. Having such a pre-planned list will help you complete tasks and prioritize them without missing any.

Check with local authorities for any permits

No check that to-do list for things that you think will require some permits. These could be bringing down a wall or removing an essential fixture from your home. These laws and regulations could vary drastically from state to state.

Make sure to contact your local authorities and ask them about any regulations regarding renovations in the area. Most of your renovations will not require a permit or grant from the authorities. But it’s always safer to ask them and avoid any chances of getting heavy fines. That would be the opposite of what you want with your DIY, which is to save money.

Allocate amounts for each task

First of all, set a budget for which you want to complete the project. Now take another 10-15% of that total budget and keep it as a backup, in case you need it. Believe us, most people do need it.

Your To-do list will be helpful here too. Make a copy of the same list and start allocating amounts to each of the tasks that you want to get done. You can search online to get rough estimates for each of the tasks.

This step ensures that you have the funds needed for the project and it will not be halted due to lack of funds.  

Don’t plan to do everything on your own

Do not plan on doing everything by yourself. You should be able to perform general tasks on your own like cleaning, screwing, painting, and more. But technical things like electrical wiring and plumbing should only be done by professionals. 

These tasks can be dangerous and need to be performed by experts. Do allocate funds for hiring a professional, if your DIY project involves plumbing, electric connections, or other such tasks. 

What professionals to look for?

Now, you will be saving a lot by doing most of the work on your own. That is why it’s important to prioritize quality over affordability. Going for the cheapest price is not always the best option.

Try to hire professionals with a proven track record of experience even if they are charging a bit more. Getting cheaper services will result in lower quality which can lead to damages in the future. You will be safe from such issues by hiring credible professionals. 

Get your hands on a standard renovation toolkit

Buy a standard renovation toolkit before you start the process. Even if you have some basic tools at home, buying a new one is always worth it. You will get all the missing tools in a complete package.

This will equip you to perform most of the tasks with ease and speed. Also, this tool kit will be an investment that you can use in your future DIY renovations and repairs.

Don’t compromise on permanent features

Proper functionality is far more important than looks. No one would love to sit in a beautiful room while they suffocate due to the confined space and lack of ventilation. We are not saying that you should not focus on the look but these should not be your priority.

Permanent features like ventilation, flooring, plumbing, electricity, and insulation are crucial. These features are installed only once and cannot be changed or improved later easily. These are also very important for proper functioning and a comfortable environment. 

Do not shy away from investing in these features as they are essential and one-time investments. You will still be able to get very good minimalistic designs by small spending. If you want to have fancy gadgets and extravagant decorations, then you can always add them once the basic renovation is completed. 

Get friends and family involved 

A DIY should be fun and full of creativity. Apart from using your imagination, try to involve your family and friends. Ask them for their opinion and you will be amazed at how many ideas you will get.

If you have siblings then it’s a plus. Ask them to help you by continuously cleaning up all the mess.  

Don’t set strict deadlines

Take the project at your own pace. You are not in a race nor do you have to report to someone. Make sure to take your time in planning, preparations, and perfect execution. This does not mean that you prolong it for too long. Just make sure you don’t just get over it. Make it an enjoyable experience. 

Conclusion

These are some very basic things that every inexperienced person should take care of. Even if it’s your first time, following the above will ensure that you don’t get frustrated during the process. Make sure that you don’t endanger yourself or your loved ones with anything that is beyond your capabilities. If you think you are not capable of doing something, then it’s always better to hire an expert for it.