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Planning a Reno? Read This First
4 key things to do before embarking on a renovation project
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If you’re planning on improving your family home by extending or renovating, then you’re likely to be in the midst of tear sheets, samples and floor plans. However, before you become overwhelmed with the seemingly endless decisions that have to be made, take some time to consider the basic preparations required before embarking on your home project, big or small.
Property renovations are a key focus in this year’s line-up at the Home Shows Australia – a series of events throughout the year in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne – which aims to showcase the latest innovative exhibitors and look at how their products are making a positive impact on our homes, from boosting efficiency, to maxing out on style and helping the environment.
Read on and arm yourself with this invaluable information that will ensure your project is a success from the start.
Property renovations are a key focus in this year’s line-up at the Home Shows Australia – a series of events throughout the year in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne – which aims to showcase the latest innovative exhibitors and look at how their products are making a positive impact on our homes, from boosting efficiency, to maxing out on style and helping the environment.
Read on and arm yourself with this invaluable information that will ensure your project is a success from the start.
Gather Inspiration
For any passionate homeowner and keen renovator, gathering inspiration from interior magazines and online design sites, such as Houzz, is probably a regularly pastime, but now it’s time to hone your ideas.
Keep an eye out for similar projects and renovations, and make a note of clever solutions for awkward spaces, storage ideas and budget-saving tips. Reading about other renovations can help you to visualise what you can achieve in your own home, as well as providing some idea of how far your budget will stretch.
Equip yourself with photos, measurements and plans of the site. Head to your nearest Home Show where experts are at hand to answer all of your renovation and building queries; and to offer inspiration and bright ideas, all under one roof. Before you go, ensure you’re laden with photos, measurements and plans of your project, so you can share ideas with the experts you meet.
For any passionate homeowner and keen renovator, gathering inspiration from interior magazines and online design sites, such as Houzz, is probably a regularly pastime, but now it’s time to hone your ideas.
Keep an eye out for similar projects and renovations, and make a note of clever solutions for awkward spaces, storage ideas and budget-saving tips. Reading about other renovations can help you to visualise what you can achieve in your own home, as well as providing some idea of how far your budget will stretch.
Equip yourself with photos, measurements and plans of the site. Head to your nearest Home Show where experts are at hand to answer all of your renovation and building queries; and to offer inspiration and bright ideas, all under one roof. Before you go, ensure you’re laden with photos, measurements and plans of your project, so you can share ideas with the experts you meet.
Do Your Research
Before having any renovation layouts drawn up or committing to any plans, you should approach your local authority and discuss regulations.
If your home is in a conservation area or it’s listed, there will be limitations on what you can and can’t do to your property, while some renovations may fall within permitted development and won’t need to abide to such stringent planning rules.
Undoubtedly, the answers to these important questions will affect the timing and cost of your project. And, even if you don’t need planning permission, you’ll most likely have to comply with building regulations and obtain a party wall agreement.
Learn from a professional. The planning process can be a minefield, so seeking the help of a professional to guide you through will take away any stress. Take advantage of the one-to-one consultations and seminars at Home Shows Australia as leading industry experts share practical advice and extremely valuable tips. Be sure to take plenty of notes!
Before having any renovation layouts drawn up or committing to any plans, you should approach your local authority and discuss regulations.
If your home is in a conservation area or it’s listed, there will be limitations on what you can and can’t do to your property, while some renovations may fall within permitted development and won’t need to abide to such stringent planning rules.
Undoubtedly, the answers to these important questions will affect the timing and cost of your project. And, even if you don’t need planning permission, you’ll most likely have to comply with building regulations and obtain a party wall agreement.
Learn from a professional. The planning process can be a minefield, so seeking the help of a professional to guide you through will take away any stress. Take advantage of the one-to-one consultations and seminars at Home Shows Australia as leading industry experts share practical advice and extremely valuable tips. Be sure to take plenty of notes!
Call in the Experts
Hiring the right professionals to help you with your project can be daunting, particularly if it’s your first renovation. Before employing anyone, seek recommendations from family, friends or neighbours who may have undertaken similar work, as this a sure-fire way of finding trusty pros.
If you can, take a look at the expert’s previous projects, check out their client reviews, and then ask for an estimate.
Strike up a good working relationship. Bring your plans along to the Home Show as you may find that you strike up a working relationship with an architect or builder. If you get a good feeling from the consultation, follow up the meeting with a home visit. It could lead to a successful project.
Hiring the right professionals to help you with your project can be daunting, particularly if it’s your first renovation. Before employing anyone, seek recommendations from family, friends or neighbours who may have undertaken similar work, as this a sure-fire way of finding trusty pros.
If you can, take a look at the expert’s previous projects, check out their client reviews, and then ask for an estimate.
Strike up a good working relationship. Bring your plans along to the Home Show as you may find that you strike up a working relationship with an architect or builder. If you get a good feeling from the consultation, follow up the meeting with a home visit. It could lead to a successful project.
Have a Clear Brief
It’s worth spending some time considering how you live, your wish list for the new space and how it will improve your family’s life. That way, the finished design will be guaranteed to meet all your needs. If starting a project from scratch, consider future-proofing the design, too, with the latest technologies and sustainable aspects, so that the space can grow and adapt with your family.
Having a clear idea from the very start of what you want to achieve on your budget will ensure everyone involved in the project, including architects and builders, are on the same page. Don’t be tempted to cut corners either, to save time or money, stay focused on the final goal – your dream home.
Looking for more expert advice on renovation projects? Visit your nearest Home Show for live presentations from industry experts, where you can probe them with your questions. Plus, book a one-on-one consultation with a professional where you can share your ideas and get your key questions answered. Click here to find your nearest show and see a calendar of dates.
Your turn: What renovations are you planning? Tell us in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
It’s worth spending some time considering how you live, your wish list for the new space and how it will improve your family’s life. That way, the finished design will be guaranteed to meet all your needs. If starting a project from scratch, consider future-proofing the design, too, with the latest technologies and sustainable aspects, so that the space can grow and adapt with your family.
Having a clear idea from the very start of what you want to achieve on your budget will ensure everyone involved in the project, including architects and builders, are on the same page. Don’t be tempted to cut corners either, to save time or money, stay focused on the final goal – your dream home.
Looking for more expert advice on renovation projects? Visit your nearest Home Show for live presentations from industry experts, where you can probe them with your questions. Plus, book a one-on-one consultation with a professional where you can share your ideas and get your key questions answered. Click here to find your nearest show and see a calendar of dates.
Your turn: What renovations are you planning? Tell us in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
You’ll love Australia's largest Home Shows! They're gigantic, packed with the best products and new releases from... Read More
You’ll love Australia's largest Home Shows! They're gigantic, packed with the best products and new releases from... Read More
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