subject: A guide to renovating your property [print this page] A guide to renovating your property A guide to renovating your property
Renovating your property can seem like a daunting project since there are several aspects to consider, such as deciding what kind of remodeling you want, determining a budget, working on costing, obtaining the necessary permits and hiring the right contractor for the job. Renovating, however, has its advantages like raising the value of the property. Quite a few homeowners leverage their home equity to fund their home renovation costs, especially when they have plans to put their homes up for sale.
The most popular home renovation projects are kitchen remodeling and the addition of a room to an existing home to increase living space. Renovation can also mean bathroom remodeling, changing the interiors, adding a pool or deck, extending a garage and so on. These renovations are reputed to bring the best return on investment for the homeowner in terms of enhancing the market value of the property.
Getting started with property renovation
To achieve the best results, renovation starts with meticulous planning and taking in consideration the reasons for renovation. For instance, the aim could be to create more room for the family or to improve the property to put it up for sale.
Budgeting for the project is the next step. Take into account various factors such as financing the project, material and labour costs, building permits, contractors' fees, the time frames involved and likely price fluctuations. It might be a good idea to shop around home improvement stores to get an idea of what you can expect in terms of choice in materials and other accessories based on what you plan to do.
Planning for building permits follows budgeting, in case you plan to carry out structural changes in your home. The type of permit might vary depending on the job. Besides a building permit, if you plan to have major plumbing and electrical work, you may need to get permits for those. Obtaining these permits is best left to your contractor as this is not only part of project; it also saves you time, while ensuring that you are legally protected.
Hiring the right contractor for your renovation project
Perhaps the most critical aspect of home renovation is finding the right contractor. You can do this by talking to other homeowners who have recently completed remodeling their homes or by obtaining references from friends and family.
After you have compiled a shortlist of contractors, interview them and ask them details of their most recent projects. Most contractors can show pictures of their work. An efficient contractor would also be able to produce a list of satisfied customers whom you can call or visit to get a first-hand impression of the work.
Ideally, choose a contractor who has a reputation for delivering on time, using quality materials, has sufficient insurance coverage and offers a solid warranty. You also need to make sure that the contractor provides you with an estimate that includes all the details that you understand and approve, prior to signing the contract. A contract, that covers among others the following points, should be drawn up and signed:
Specific details of what work the contractor will do.
List of materials detailing quality, model, sizes, etc.
Tentative dates for starting and completing the project.
A penalty clause should either party want to cancel the contract.
Terms of payment and schedule for payment.
Warranty for materials and workmanship.
While renovating your home, focusing on the budget, the various permits and selecting the right contractor is key to ensuring that the project is satisfactorily completed. Laubscher & Young is a turnkey construction company with over 20 years combined experience serving clients in and around the Western Cape. We have successfully completed residential, civil, industrial and commercial construction projects. Contact us to find out how we can assist with your next construction project.
