Landscaping work to form the drive, paths, beds and lawns can be undertaken at almost any point in the project, providing it can be protected from damage by the building work. Trusted recommendations are the best way to go about tracking down reliable tradespeople and you should always aim to use builders who have carried out work of a similar type and scale to those you are planning. Once you have a design you are happy with and which has been approved, you should create a schedule of works to ensure that you are carrying out improvements in a logical way to minimise disruption and duplication. A warranty is basically a policy which will cover your house against flaws in its design, materials or build quality — it will also cover any problems that occur as a result of these defects.

• If you’re faced with the choice of whether to start on the interior or the exterior of your home, go with the exterior.
• If it is, you’ll want to check the local guidelines for renovating the property (they will vary from state-to-state and even city-to-city), before you start making changes.
• Ensure you consider how you are going to get materials and machinery on to your renovation site.
• Beams are covered up, beautiful original windows replaced, and original fireplaces swapped for electric alternatives.

This can include moving walls, constructing new walls, adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs, adding new doors , adding framing for new construction windows, or significantly enlarging the window openings. Empty the space of everything you want to keep or be able to access for the duration of the project. Put things into other rooms or rent a storage unit if you have to.

Check for renovation restrictions before you start

‘Cables will be left sticking out in the right places for lights and power points, while pipes will be set in the right positions for basins, baths and toilets, which will all be fitted later,’ explains Hugo Tugman. Underfloor heating is also an important first fix item and care must be taken to avoid damaging the pipes before the floors are laid over them. It’s crucial to define your home renovation process before you start the work. Be clear on the steps you will need to take to renovate the property before you make a start, and prioritise works that stop further decay, or stabilise the structure. Property developer and TV presenter Sarah Beeny says it’s crucial to decide exactly how much you have to spend. Work out costs for each room, factoring in everything from structural work, such as underpinning, to finishing touches, then add it all up to see if you can afford it.

For those, you can bring in a contractor on a limited, as-needed basis. That way, you can pay for a contractor only when you need it, which can help you save money in the long-run. Find ways you can further utilize and reorganize your spaces so they have more utility and function. Instead of renovating your entire kitchen space and knocking down or adding walls, try replacing shelves that take up space with pullout drawers that contain racks for canned goods, for example. Updating a bathroom in your home is an easy way to boost its appeal if you’re looking to sell. Incorporate sleek surfaces that look great and are easy to clean.