When it comes to period home renovation, it is critical that you take your time and plan out everything thoroughly. Therefore, it is important to be aware of possible home renovation mistakes that can occur so that you will be able to avoid them during the project.

If you want to learn the top 10 renovation errors you should avoid, then please feel free to continue reading below.

1). Not Keeping An Open Mind

When pursuing a home renovation project, it is important that you consider your house as a whole. This is especially important if you plan to add an extension. It may be easy to focus on the dream space, but it must be able to fit in well with the rest of your home once the project is completed. 

If you have bigger plans for your home extension in the future but need to phase the build, then consider this very early on and what impact that will have if you plan to renovate in the short term. It is important to keep an open mind, think ahead, and understand your house as a whole unit.

2). Following An Unrealistic Schedule

Sometimes, it is difficult to rush building work, especially when you consider that most things take longer than anticipated or expected. More importantly, there can be a lot of unpredictable or unforeseen changes that may occur. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these from the beginning of the renovation project and to somehow incorporate them into your schedule. This is so that you aren’t disappointed if things don’t work out accordingly. 

3). Rushing The Planning Application

To avoid this mistake, consulting with a professional is recommended so that you can accomplish planning permission without any stress. Professionals know what they are doing and will do what they can to ensure that your application does not fail. 

To help with this process, it is suggested to wait until you have a design that pleases both you and your architect so that you can achieve planning permission smoothly. It is also worth noting that not all work requires planning permission, so this is something you should ask your architect.

4). Upsetting Your Neighbours

Before carrying out renovation plans, it is respectful and polite to talk with your neighbours and be transparent about your plans. This is because building work can be quite disruptive to neighbours. By establishing transparency with your neighbours from the beginning, you will be able to continue your project without surprising them and causing unnecessary conflict. 

5). Working With An Unreputable Builder

Working with an unreputable builder can be tempting especially if they offer cheap quotes for building work. While it is your decision on who you choose to carry out your home renovation, it is always recommended to seek the services of a professional and reputable contractor. 

Receiving a detailed quote and a thorough explanation of the contractor’s process is critical. If anything unexpected occurs, you need reassurance that it will be handled properly and according to your budget or contingency fund. Therefore, it is recommended to seek references from previous clients before proceeding with building work. 

6). Unspecified Budgets

Running out of money will be the worst mistake you can make when it comes to renovations (or anything, for that matter). To prevent this, acquire fixed quotes and estimates from your building contractors. Make sure to also have a contingency fund just in case unexpected expenses arise. 

7). Being Indecisive

Sometimes, changing a few elements here and there may not be a problem. However, it will become a problem if it requires additional costs and updated planning permission applications. Make sure to take time with your design and be more decisive with the elements you want to include to avoid these inconveniences.

8). Choosing The Wrong Materials

It is important that you choose materials that are compatible with the building that you own. Make sure your materials are suitable, aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient, and most importantly budget-friendly. Consulting with the renovation team can help you with this task.

9). Choosing The Wrong Windows

This may seem like a small mistake, but it can actually make or break your renovation project especially if it is an extension project. Research all your options and make sure the style of windows you choose fits your property well. 

10). Not Insuring The Project

When you begin your renovation project, your existing home insurance policy may not be valid. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider and ask them for advice before beginning the design process. This will give you more time to plan around the policy. 

Furthermore, if you engage a builder to carry out the project, it is mandatory for them to carry builders insurance so make sure you check that they have a current policy in place. Don’t just ask them, make sure they show you the policy and make sure you understand what is covered under the policy.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for some period home renovation help, then please speak to us at Period Extensions & Designs. Our award-winning designers have a plethora of experience when it comes to designing extensions and renovations from period-style homes, right through to contemporary structures.

We will listen to what you want and use our knowledge and experience to turn your vision into a truly exquisite design, which we will then bring to life.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Period home renovation companies are designed to help bring your vision to life. However, choosing the right period home renovation company for you means that you have to consider various factors. After all, it is critical that you are able to develop and build trust in the renovation company for what is such a significant undertaking and investment. 

With this in mind, you may be wondering what factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing the best period home renovation company. If this is an issue you are currently experiencing, then we’re here to help provide you with some guidance!

If you want to learn more about what you should consider in choosing the best period home renovation company, please feel free to explore this in more detail below.

Choosing The Right Company

When choosing the right renovation company, there are a few steps that you can take to help you make the right choice. Here are a few recommendations you can consider during this process:

1). Do Online Research

Online research is one of the best ways for you to learn more about renovation companies. This is a useful resource that allows you to learn more about the reviews and testimonials of other fellow consumers. Finding out what customers have to say about a company is instrumental in your decision-making process. 

Videos of reviewers can also be useful as you can identify the reviewer’s body language and tone of voice. This allows you to determine whether that reviewer’s testimonial is genuine or not.

2). Examine Their Previous Work

Viewing some of the company’s renovation work allows you to see the standard of their work. If you like the work they have already done, then you can give them a phone call and ask if they can deliver what you are looking for. 

It is also helpful to find work they have done that represents what you want to accomplish. Talking directly to previous clients can also help you see whether they were happy or not with the quality of the work. A reputable renovation company will be more than willing to connect you with these individuals.

3). Check Their Registration And Insurance

It is critical to ensure that the builder you choose is both fully licensed and insured. Once you come into contact with a home renovation contractor, make sure to ask for the details of their license and insurance. Remember: asking questions is important if you want to secure a higher degree of protection. 

Many states and territories have policies in which building projects above a certain value will need to be completed by a specially registered building practitioner. In the case of Victoria, for example, this is applicable for projects that cost more than $10,000. Make sure to check in with a local authority to learn more about what the rules are in your state or territory. 

4). Find Out If They Release Written Contracts

It is critical that you obtain a physical, written contract before beginning any type of building work between you and the building firm. The contract should state the agreed budget and details of all the work to be carried out. In essence, it provides a binding set of requirements and expectations between you and your contractor.

5). Check If Their Work Is Covered By Warranties

When you begin investing in home renovation, you want to ensure that the quality of their work will last for a long time. Therefore, it is important that you secure a binding guarantee that the building firm will fulfil for you. More often than not, reputable building firms will cover structural and non-structural work with a warranty to ensure that if there is something wrong with their work, they will pay for the damages.

6). Ensure That They Understand Your Vision

Your home extension is an extension of your personality as well. Therefore, it is important that your home extension is able to help bring your vision to life. It is critical that the right home renovation company understand what you want from the project, and can, most importantly, offer their expertise, knowledge, and experience to deliver this. 

One step towards this is to schedule a detailed consultation. Make sure to discuss your general ideas for the project, as well as practical and workable solutions. Ensure that you provide a very detailed plan so that they can see how you want the project to look when it is finished. 

It is also worth noting that the builder should keep you informed at every stage of the project until it is complete. Transparency is important if you want your vision to become a reality.

If you are looking for some period home renovation ideas, then please speak to us at Period Extensions & Designs. Our award-winning designers have a plethora of experience when it comes to designing extensions and renovations from period-style homes, right through to contemporary structures.

We will listen to what you want and use our knowledge and experience to turn your vision into a truly exquisite design, which we will then bring to life.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.