Changing things up around the house? Learn the ropes with the help of our comprehensive guide that addresses everything from locating and evaluating a property to structural and design concerns.
Renovating a property is exciting, and in some circumstances, rewarding, undertaking. It’s your chance to put your own imprint on your property, boost its worth or unearth original elements that have been tucked away for decades. In cases where either moving or upgrading would be impractical, this could be the way to finally settle into your ideal home. But most individuals would tell you that, as exhilarating as it is, it can also be quite unpredictable. Remodeling a home successfully requires forethought, planning, and an acceptance of unforeseen challenges. Possible roadblocks that must be overcome along the way to the completion of your dream house.
If you anticipate problems and have a detailed plan of action, you should be able to keep the project on track and under budget.
Job Scheduling
Contractors have a bad reputation for failing to meet deadlines. With dust covers covering everything and strangers tramping through your home, a building project of any sort can feel like a lifetime. Get a good estimate of how long your project will take before you start working on it.
Before beginning work on your home, any reliable building contractor will create a detailed plan outlining when each task will be completed. Everything from the initial planning stages through the final completion will be detailed here, along with a breakdown of responsibilities and estimated costs. The ability to effectively communicate is crucial. In a normal course of events, your contractor will be able to offer insight on:
- Analysis of the Present State
- The Avoidance of Decay
- Demolition Work
- Drip-Free: Preventing Moisture Buildup
- Plumbing
- Obtainability of the Site
- Extensive Building Projects
- Drywalling
- Flooring
- Decorating
- WINDING DOWN
- Potential Holdups
Keep in mind, from the get-go, that setbacks are rather typical. There may likely be some days with no progress made on a larger project, such as an extension or a kitchen remodel, while the contractor waits for an inspection or for items to arrive. If a contractor is worth their salt, they will factor in extra days for waiting or delays. Out-of-stock items, slow-moving suppliers, subcontractors (such as an electrician working on another job), inclement weather, which can influence outdoor projects, and unforeseen problems (such as mould or decaying wood) are all potential sources of delay.
Constraints on Development
You will almost likely need planning clearance if the house is located in a conservation area or is on the National Register of Historic Places. In some cases, such as when the extension is less than half the original width of the house, no planning permission is required. However, if the extension will significantly alter the appearance or function of the building, such as when the height is increased by more than two stories or the width by more than half, then you will need to apply for and receive approval for a change in use. A home extension of any kind must be constructed in accordance with local ordinances. It’s possible that you’ll need to apply for both this and planning authorization. A permit application must be filed with the local building control office. In most circumstances, planning applications are resolved within eight weeks, but for extremely large or complex proposals in England, it might take up to 13 weeks.
Do you know how long it usually takes?
The length of time it takes to complete a kitchen, bathroom, or basement remodel is highly variable and depends on factors such as the size of the space and the homeowner’s expectations.
Building an Enlargement
Range of Time: 6-16 Weeks
A room extension is typically the most time-consuming project. It’s the same as when you construct a new house, except more compact. Bad weather, slow product delivery, or a lack of suitable temperatures to pour concrete or frame in can all lead to setbacks. While this may seem like a negative, remember that you may still use the kitchen and bathroom during the renovation.
Redesign the entire kitchen.
Timeframe: between three and twelve weeks
The task of renovating an entire kitchen is a massive one. It may require everything from replacing cabinetry and building a kitchen island to replacing appliances, adding lighting, and changing the flooring. Changing the layout, such as the placement of the stove, refrigerator, and sink, necessitates plumbing, gas, and electrical work, and extends the completion time. It can take two to four weeks just to have custom cabinets installed, and if you want high-end countertops, you’ll need to have the base cabinets in place first so they can be measured.
Revamp the kitchen
Time frame: two to four weeks
Some examples of kitchen updates are new flooring, new appliances, and new doors and drawer fronts for existing cabinets. When compared to major renovations, the time and effort required to give a kitchen a basic makeover is little. Everything in your kitchen, including the plumbing and electricity, can remain unchanged, and your current refrigerator can be used up until the new one comes.
Bathroom
Indicative Timeframe: More than Three Weeks
Plumbing work, flooring, tiling, and the installation of new appliances are all likely components of transforming your antiquated bathroom into a modern spa. Custom tiling, which requires measuring, cutting, fitting, and grouting of each tile, can take several weeks. It’s also going to take some time to install the tub and the walls so that the glass can be measured and purchased for the shower door.
To convert a loft:
Eight to ten-week time frame
A loft conversion entails transforming underutilized or unconditioned attic space into something more practical, such as an office or extra bedroom. Installing insulation, drywall, and flooring, and maybe extending plumbing and electrical wiring into the attic, may be required. The building crew will have to go through your home to reach the upper floors, but at least the public spaces will be unaffected.
Flooring made of wood
Date range: 2 weeks to 14 days
Getting the flooring done is a major hassle, what with having to move furniture and clean the dusty surfaces. It is not possible to walk on the floors for at least two days after applying an oil-based sealant, and you will need to find a new place to stay if you don’t want to be exposed to harmful odours. The good news is that it’s possible that the project could be limited to only one or two rooms, depending on its size and scope.
Roofing
Duration: 2-5 days
There is a wide variety of roofing materials to choose from, each with its own update or installation timeline. Replacement of most roofs can be done in a few days, but thatch takes much longer and requires experts. Unfortunately, weather conditions sometimes delay roof work. Working in inclement weather increases the risk of injury and could reduce output quality. When the weather is right, you can get the finest possible result.
