Exciting; stressful; daunting… planning a home renovation, North London, is all this and more!
The team at Combit Constructions, specialized builders in North London, understands what it takes to achieve beautiful, functional, and timeless home renovations, and we want your project to be 100% successful.
And that’s why we’ve decided to share a few of the common renovation mistakes that we want you to avoid:
1. Rushing the Planning Stage
We get it: you’re sick of your old bathroom or kitchen (or whatever the project is) and you’re itching to get in there and rip it all out! But believe us when we say, a bit of extra time planning your project will go a long way towards a smooth and successful result.
It’s essential to have a clear goal from the get-go: understanding exactly what you want to achieve from your property renovation, North London, is super important. Research. Plan. Ask for advice. Visit showrooms. Get ideas from family and friends.
2. Setting an Unrealistic Budget
Renovating is a totally different ballgame to building from scratch, and if there’s one piece of advice we can give you, it’s ‘expect the unexpected’! When you’re dealing with an existing structure, there’s generally some hidden surprises, so be sure to factor this into your budget. We recommend a buffer of between 10 – 20% for unexpected costs.
3. Estimation vs Quotation
There’s a big difference between a quotation and an estimation: a quotation is a detailed document which itemises labour, materials and any other costs associated with each stage of the project, whereas an estimation is just a ballpark figure.
A professional renovation team will provide you with a detailed quotation which allows you to see exactly what you are spending in each phase of your renovation. This allows you to plan your cashflow effectively and ensure that your project is completed within budget.
4. Opting for the Cheapest Builder
In the building world, by and large, you get what you pay for. So, opting for the cheapest quote mightn’t be in your best interest.
There’s more to your project than just price, so here are few other points to consider:
- How detailed is the quotation? Has the builder allowed for all aspects of the project?
- Are you ‘comfortable’ around the builder? – they will be working inside your home so it must be someone you trust
- What methods of communication do they use? How effective is their communication?
- Will the builder be doing the work themselves or using sub-contractors for certain parts of the project?
- How much work does the builder have on the go? If they’re a small team that is overstretched, they mightn’t be able to complete your project in a timely manner
5. Maintaining the Style
If yours is a period home, it’s important that your renovation compliments the original style of your home. Flat roof designs are popular right now. Renovating a period home is no job for a novice, so ensure that your builder has had experience in renovating properties like yours.
6. Don’t Buy your Appliances and Materials too Early
Buying your appliances and materials ahead of time (or when they come on sale) might be a great way to save an extra £ or two, but you run the risk of ending up with the wrong quantities and/or appliances that just don’t fit into the space.
It’s important to remember that your builder may have access to better buying power than you do, so talk to them about the cost of appliances and materials.
7. Remember to Focus on Areas that Add Value
The goal of any renovation project should be to increase the value (and functionality) of your home, so make sure you spend your money where it counts. Talk to your builder about which areas are worth spending the extra pounds on, and where you can cut back.
8. Don’t Sacrifice Form for Function
It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of what your finished project will look like and overlook the functionality of the space. Think about how you will use your space. Consider the layout of cabinetry, walls and working spaces – now is the time to adjust the floorplan to maximize flow and efficiency.
9. Remember to Think Long-term
This might be easier said than done, but remember, your renovation is an investment, so you want it to last. Spending a little extra on items such as benchtops, hardware and flooring might mean that your renovation stands up to several more years of wear and tear.
10. Improve the Efficiency
Energy efficient homes are on buyer’s bucket lists, so money spent improving your home’s efficiency will be well invested. Excellent insulation, double-glazed windows and doors, solar panels and efficient window treatments are all ways to improve the overall energy efficiency of your project.
The team at Combit Constructions, North London builders, are here to make your renovation journey an enjoyable and successful one. With 20+ years of experience and all the skills in-house to turn your dreams into realities, Igor and the team can help you every step of the way to a beautiful and functional renovation.
