House Renovation: Guide on Cost and How to Start

house renovation
Image source: Forbes

The property market may be a dog-eat-dog environment, and finding a home that meets your requirements can be difficult. Rather than going through the inconvenience of moving, consider a house renovation project to enhance the appearance of your property. House renovation, as opposed to remodeling, usually retains existing buildings in place while updating the materials and surfaces. Here, we’ll show you all you need to know about the cost of house renovation, the 3 different types, and how to get a permit. We’ll also discuss the difference between a renovation and a remodel.

Does My House Need Renovation?

The thought of disrupting home life or obtaining a renovation loan merely to complete a significant remodel may deter some homeowners from taking the plunge. A renovation is not for everyone, and it is not always the most cost-effective solution; yet, you may realize that it is the greatest decision for your family. Renovating an existing house allows you to enjoy additional comfort and luxury while avoiding the inconvenience of moving, improving your home’s energy efficiency, and increasing its value. Here are some reasons why a house renovation is important:

#1. Improved Aesthetics and Increased Comfort

You spend a lot of time at home, especially if it doubles as your office. Why not spend in making your private space more comfortable, functional, and enjoyable? Living in a home that meets your tastes and demands might improve your overall health. Home improvement does not have to be solely for resale value. If a room or system has always upset you, upgrade it to relieve the stress.

#2. Increased Property Value

Any significant enhancement to a house raises its value. When you decide to sell, that money will be right back in your pocket. Many prospective house buyers are put off by an outmoded kitchen. A kitchen makeover increases ROI (return on investment) by 83 percent, while a bathroom renovation increases ROI by at least 65 percent.

#3. Increased Safety and Accessibility

Most people would probably prefer to choose a remodeling project over being obliged to execute one due to damage or decay. Renovation cannot be postponed in some instances. Faulty electrical wiring, roof leaks, malfunctioning appliances, and storm damage are just a few of the reasons that homeowners should begin a restoration project. When deciding on a makeover, safety is the primary issue.

#4. Enhanced Efficiency

The initial expenditures of purchasing a home are one thing to consider, but many home buyers also consider long-term energy costs. Monthly expenses for keeping a comfortable house build up over time. Even if you don’t intend to sell your home very soon, consider updating some mechanical systems to increase your home’s efficiency and cut your expenditures. Efficiency can be improved by new double-pane windows, additional insulation, or an updated HVAC system.

#5. Repairing Previous Damage

When a house sustains damage that does not affect efficiency or function, it is nevertheless vital to repair any damage to maintain property value. A home that is always kept in good condition will add additional value to a sale.

How Long Does A House Renovation Take?

A variety of factors can influence how long it takes to complete your house renovation job.

Here’s a breakdown of the general timelines for renovating a house:

  • Kitchen renovation: 4-10 
  • Bathroom renovation: 3-6 weeks 
  • Loft conversion: 7-12 weeks
  • 1-2-story expansion: 8-16 weeks 

What Are The 3 Types Of Renovation?

House renovation projects can be broadly grouped into 3 types based on how they add to the value of a home:

#1. Fundamental Renovation

Repairing existing defects and impairments in a property, as well as jobs that increase the condition of a home, are examples of basic remodeling. Fixing a leaking roof, restoring broken walls, and easily reworking outdated kitchens/bathrooms are examples of basic renovation jobs.

Such jobs do not increase the market worth of a house.

#2. Cosmetic Improvements

Cosmetic improvements involve adding elements to a home to make it more appealing to potential purchasers. Common cosmetic home improvement projects include adding yards/decks, installing wide windows, adding living areas, adding warm lighting, modernizing rooms (such as kitchens and bathrooms), and repainting the entire property.

In rare situations, the buyer may be willing to pay a premium for specialized facilities like wine cellars or a greenhouse.

For cosmetic upgrades, a reputable home remodeling contractor should be called because they considerably increase the value of the house.

#3. Personal Improvements

Personal renovations are ones ordered by homeowners for their personal convenience. Homeowners who want to stay in their homes for an extended period of time may choose to install various amenities to improve their standard of living, regardless of the impact on the house’s value.

Personal remodeling chores include both essential and cosmetic renovation work such as renovating bathrooms/kitchens, painting the property, and comprehensive home restoration.

Major home improvements, such as adding features, may benefit homeowners in the long run, especially if they want to sell the home in the near future.

How to Renovate a House

Any house renovation project involves careful preparation as well as a willingness to accept the unexpected.

Here are the measures to follow and considerations to make to get the best makeover

#1. Budgeting and financing

The first step in any renovation is to create a budget. The most crucial financial component influencing the success of your remodeling is the amount of money you pay for your house.

By purchasing as cheaply as possible, you will increase your chances of adding significant value after your project is completed.

Consider the time it will take to finish your remodel, in addition to the quantity of work you intend to do.

#2. Choosing the Best Property

Choosing the correct home to refurbish is essential, but it is not always straightforward.

You’ll need a property that will work for you once the restoration is over, but also one that will ideally make you a profit when the time comes to sell it.

It’s simple to detect a property that needs renovation by searching internet portals like Rightmove and Zoopla and speaking with your local estate agent.

However, this does not always imply good value, especially if the property is on a road with a price cap.

#3. Planning approval

It is critical to seek planning approval before purchasing a property to renovate.

Purchasing a home only to be denied planning permission is one of the most costly blunders you can make.

So, while shopping for a property, look for those with outline planning approval or complete permission already in place.

Outline permission indicates that the local planning agency is aware of the intended work of a property and has agreed to it in general prior to the submission of more comprehensive plans.

Alternatively, look for homes where Permitted Development work can be undertaken.

#4. Design, construction, and architecture

After you’ve chosen and purchased a suitable property, you’ll need to plan and design how you want it to look.

You should think about what you want to do yourself (if any) and what you’ll outsource to contractors and specialists throughout the planning phase.

And if you’re considering hiring an architectural firm to plan your remodel, now is the time to approach them.

Spending plenty of time examining all work choices is the best way to plan a home repair job.

Then, before deciding on the best match, consult with multiple builders.

You’ll be able to agree on a detailed schedule of works once you’ve hired your builder, so everyone engaged in the project is aware of what’s anticipated and the timescales.

#5. Work schedule

When renovating a home, you’ll need a detailed work schedule.

This is simply a list of every job that must be completed during your restoration project, given in chronological order.

A schedule of works acts as a loosely binding contract between you, the homeowner, and the person executing the work while dealing with a builder or contractor on a home renovation, assisting you in keeping everything on track and under budget.

#6. The work begins

This is where your work schedule becomes your go-to document for your home improvement.

Your builder or contractor will move on to what is known as first-fix jobs once your property has been stripped back and is ready to be renovated or extended.

#7. Secure your renovation

If you consider your home renovation to be a big medical procedure, it should come as no surprise that your house will require time to recover following extensive remodeling work.

And during that time, difficulties can arise, such as:

  • Walls that have recently been plastered cracking
  • Minor leaking
  • Problems with the heating system
  • Scuffs and scrapes for decoration

Your builder should honor any snagging issues and come back to fix them after the house has settled for a few weeks or months at no extra charge.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing snagging yourself, you could hire a snagging surveyor.

They’ll make a list of everything that needs to be fixed and work with you to guarantee that your builder completes the task.

What Is The Cost Of House Renovation?

The majority of house renovation prices are determined by the size of the room (or rooms) being remodeled, underlying repairs, scope, materials, and labor. The price range is from $18,161 to $76,367, with an average of $46,748. Estimating the cost of a house renovation can be difficult, but here are the most important things to consider when determining how much it will cost to renovate your home.

Factors to Consider When Estimating The Cost Of House Renovation

The pricing range is affected by the complexity of the space being refurbished. Home renovations that involve repairs and modifications to kitchens, bathrooms, or mechanical systems are more expensive. A kitchen remodel costs $25,000 on average, but a bathroom renovation costs $10,000. Basements typically cost roughly $20,000 to build. Other elements such as permits and labor, site preparation, and supplies all have an impact on the pricing.

How to Reduce The Cost of A House Renovation 

When deciding on a significant remodel, it can be difficult to determine what the job would entail. Following a budget only complicates matters. However, there are various places where you can cut costs on your home improvement.

#1. Obtain many quotations. 

Take the time to check rates to ensure you obtain what you need while staying within your budget.

#2. Concentrate on efficiency rather than size. 

An interior designer may assist you in maximizing available space to improve the function and feel of a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom without expanding the space.

#3. Create your own demo day. 

Save money by doing your own demolition—just be careful not to destroy a load-bearing wall or another important feature.

#4. Take long-term savings into account. 

In some circumstances, spending a bit more upfront will save you money on upkeep and repairs later on.

#5. Request a one-time consultation

Many architects can meet with you once and draw out a design plan that is good enough for a builder or drafting agency to develop designs.

Do I Need A Renovation Permit For My House?

Most times, you will require a house renovation permit if you want to refurbish your house.

It’s easy to see why remodeling permits are required for major alterations. First, there is the safety element’ issue.

A permit may appear to be a legal impediment, but it is really about ensuring oversight so that the appropriate authorities can review and sign off on a proposed renovation for both health and safety, as well as responsible building standards.

Without a permit system, your neighbor could build a six-story monster bungalow that towers over your land and threatens to collapse at any moment.

What House Renovation Projects Require a Permit?

If you intend to make significant alterations to your property that increase its square footage, you will almost certainly require a permit. Some projects that almost always necessitate permission include:

#1. Room additions:

Any renovation that modifies the roofline of your home or increases square footage will require a permit. You may be allowed to enlarge a closet into a bedroom without permission, but expansions nearly always require permitting.

Permits are required for any project that alters your home’s current support structure, such as adding load-bearing walls, decks, cedar gables, balconies, or porches.

#2. Plumbing and Electrical

A permit is required if new or existing plumbing or electrical systems are installed or removed. Even if you’re just moving an outlet, you must obtain a permit.

In most localities, you must obtain a permit to replace your water heater or ventilation system.

#3. Fences

While not all fences require permission, most towns impose height restrictions on non-permitted fences. That implies you could put up a two-foot fence without a permit, but not a three-foot fence.

#4. Swimming pool

It should come as no surprise that if you want to install an in-ground or above-ground pool, you will need to spend a significant amount of time dealing with your local permit agency.

What Is The Difference Between A Renovation and A Remodel?

Is there a difference between a remodel and a renovation? Yes. A renovation and a remodel are technically distinct terms. A remodel alters the form of something (such as adding a new shower to an existing bathroom), whereas a renovation focuses on restoring something old to good condition (fixing up a creaky floor, for example).

What Costs The Most When Renovating A House?

Home renovations that involve repairs and modifications to kitchens, bathrooms, or mechanical systems are more costly. A kitchen remodel costs $25,000 on average, but a bathroom renovation costs $10,000. Basements typically cost roughly $20,000 to build.

Is Renovating a House Worth It?

Renovation is one of the finest methods to deliberately increase the value of your property, which equals more money in your pocket when you sell.

In Conclusion,

If you’re running a house renovation project, it is important that you carefully plan your project. Determine the places you want to relocate to, and budget accordingly. 

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References

1 comment
  1. Ich wusste nicht, dass die Installation einer neuen Elektroanlage eine Genehmigung erfordert. Selbst wenn die alte nunmehr unbrauchbar ist? Dann lohnt es sich wahrscheinlich eher, eine Überprüfung von bestehenden Elektroanlagen durchführen zu lassen, bevor man erneuern möchte. Mein Bruder interessiert sich für alles, was im weitesten Sinne mit Renovierung und Hausbau zu tun hat. Ich bin gespannt, ob er das bereits wusste.

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