Common Mistakes in Property Renovation
Underestimating the budget
One of the most common mistakes in renovation of properties is underestimating the budget required for the project. A shortage in funds can lead to unfinished works or compromising on the quality of materials used. We recommend that you set a realistic budget before starting any project and to always factor in a contingency figure to account for unexpected expenses. We consider that obtaining a minimum of two separate estimates from professional trades to be essential in any property renovation or refurbishment projects.
Not planning ahead
Another common mistake is not planning ahead. This can lead to delays, increased costs and potentially compromising the final result. A well thought out plan can help ensure that the project runs smoothly and that all necessary steps are taken to achieve the desired income. We often find that working with tradesman who are known to one another helps in managing time scales and workloads. Many trades don’t choose to work together and prefer to have access to the project without any other trades present. Ensuring that realistic timescales are plotted in for each trade is an essential part of the planning process. Additionally, when supplying materials directly to your chosen trades, ensure that these are delivered on-site in advance of the tradesman’s start date to avoid further delays.
Ignoring structural issues
Sometimes property owners overlook structural issues in a property renovation which can have serious consequences and implication in the long run. It is essential to identify and address any underlying structural issues before starting renovations of a cosmetic nature. This can include roofs, walls, foundations or even the plumbing and electrical systems currently in place. It’s also important to consider the possible need for Building Warrants or planning requirements for certain home improvements. Failing to address these issues can lead to bigger and much more expensive issues down the line and can also devalue your property significantly.
Doing it yourself
Taking on a renovation or refurbishment project beyond your skill level can lead to costly mistakes. There may well be areas of the work remit which you are competent to complete yourself and could save you some money and speed up the pace of works. However, we recommend that you assess your skills honestly and only tackle DIY that you know you are capable of. Alternatively, you may be keen to be more involved and going on a training course or workshop to learn these new skills would be worth considering. It is always best to hire skilled tradesmen to carry out specialist works such as electrical, plumbing & structural. In certain cases, you may require areas of compliance and reports to be made by qualified tradesmen to ensure Building Warrants and/or Completion Certificates can be issued.
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