Things to remember before thinking of renovating

Your family is growing, and your home needs an upgrade. Thinking of renovating? Hold on, make sure you consider these things before you make the big leap and decide to tear down some walls and gut your bathroom.

1. Cost

Make sure that you have all the funds ready for your renovation. Do your research and check out furniture stores and home depots, this way you’ll have a general idea on how much you’ll need. Make room for mistakes, some problems might come up along the way. You never know what to expect, particularly when it’s an older home or apartment. Most importantly, don’t do it if you’re not ready financially, the worst thing to happen is being stuck with an unfinished bathroom or bedroom in your house.

Most contractors will charge a flat rate per square meter for your renovation, starting from Php 5,000- Php 15,000. Note that when hiring a designer, they too will usually charge based on either a) per square meter, b) per room, or c) a percentage of the total cost of the project.

2. Find the right team

Consult the experts! You’re not the first person in the world to do a home renovation, so ask friends that have been through a renovation before for some good referrals. Having a good relationship with your contractor and designer is crucial. It’s important that you trust your contractors – they should be able to understand your vision for the space and most importantly your budget.

3. The Space

The fun part! Now that you have an idea of the cost, you can start putting together ideas on what you would like the space to look like. Look at your favorite design magazines or have a mood board online. Look at what details you’d like to add and make sure that you have this noted down for when you make the final plans.. Are you sharing the home with your husband? Kids? Consult them as well. Make sure that your family’s personality is reflected in your house.

4. Consider the timing and be present

Before starting any work make sure you plan when the construction will happen and how long will it take. Consider important months like holidays or breaks. Ask questions like, “Will the kitchen be ready for Christmas?” or “Is family is visiting for the summer break?” If you have kids, it’s better to schedule renovations during regular school days, this way they’re not home all day for when the dust and dirt are swirling about. It is very important though that you are present especially during the crucial days. Consider your work schedule and make sure no trips are in conflict. If you don’t have someone you trust to be there while you’re away, reschedule. There might be some miscommunication or issues might arise during execution. Remember, it’s cheaper to get it right the first time.

5. Stick to your list

A renovation can be overwhelming. Seeing it slowly come together may get so exciting that you that you may forget some important details that can push back your timeline. Be careful of changes, you are in danger of adjusting the look you’ve decided on because of a certain furniture or fixture you want to make space for. Remember to stick to the classics — you won’t regret them years later. Have a list of things you need to accomplish from your end – like ordering a fixture and delivery dates.

6. Have fun

Renovations are big projects, but seeing the end result will make it all worth the challenge. Enjoy the bumps and the triumphs, after all this is your home and you’ll thank yourself years later.