Renovating a house can be a nerve wrecking task if not planned properly. Go step by step to give a new appeal to your house.

Renovating a house

If your house is in shambles, the walls crumbling down, roof heavily leaking and paints peeling away, get ready for some serious decision making. Old houses or homes with faulty construction need heavy repairs and remodeling. Renovation involves huge costs, labour, time and effort. Here are a few things you should keep in mind before embarking on project renovation.

Figure out why you want to renovate or remodel your house. The house may need urgent repairs. You may want to extend the house, add another floor. If you've not planned for a car garage in the initial design, you may have to convert a portion of the lawn into parking space. Is the kitchen old and dingy? You may want to install the latest cabinets, hobs and chimneys and make it a more spacious and delightful place. A little time and effort on home improvement can turn your home into a beautiful place to live in.

Is it better to renovate or simply buy a new home? There can be few reasons why selling the current house and buying a new one is a better option than renovating. If the house is too small, or if children need to commute for hours to reach their schools, relocating is the best option. If you like the neighbourhood, and can put up with tedious and dusty renovation projects, go ahead.

Another factor to bear in mind before making the buy or renovate decision is - over capitalization. Some people get down to spending lavishly on their renovation project with the faith that they can reap benefits on resale of the property. This may result in the cost of renovation far outweighing the market value it will add to your home. When the damage is very huge, the structure may not be sturdy enough after renovation. In such a case, it is unwise to explore remodeling.

Get a contractor or a professional to examine the entire structure. The final decision on renovation must be based on the current condition of the building. Making alterations or demolishing pillars on the ground floor could destabilize the upper half of the construction. Begin the project with proper design and planning.

Do you have enough funds to start off the project? Keep a 15 per cent cushion on what the contractor quotes, for additional unexpected costs that might crop up. Chalk down the different areas that need repairs and draw a budget. Stick to the budget as one usually ends up spending more than the initial estimate.

If the project involves lot of work and demolition, it is better to consider renting another place and moving your family there. This is because the dust, paints and cement can pose health hazards. And living in a house undergoing heavy construction can be risky too.

Take adequate precaution so that the building does not weaken after renovation. Secure the foundation. Seek professional opinion at every stage of the renovation project. Replace seriously damaged doors, windows and walls that can threaten future remodeling. Electrical and plumbing repairs, replacing appliances and upkeep of air conditions and chimneys can be undertaken as part of this project. From flooring to repainting, to fixing leaks and remodeling the kitchen - plan your project renovation.

Source: Times of India