What to avoid when renovating your home!
The general renovation of a home is for many people a difficult and anxious procedure. The money and time needed is great.
Apart from the practical problems, it is considered an important undertaking as it is an investment for the future. There is no need to panic though. The key is to have the best preparation, and we are here to help. During the renovation, it is sure that many unexpected incidents will occur. Accept this, adapt, and continue your work. In the least, try to limit your losses as far as you can.
There are some points where special care must be taken. We have put together a list of all those little things it would be wise to avoid in order to have the result you have dreamed of.
The 5 mistakes you should avoid when renovating
Uncertified builders
The first and most important step in any general home renovation is to choose the person responsible in taking on the project. This will be crucial for the completion of the work, this is why you must also set the standards that he/she must have. Of course they would have to have the necessary licence. From that point on it is vital to learn as much as you can about that person. Look at previous projects and collect as much information about them as possible. We have all heard of cases -of so called contractors -who received money in advance and then disappeared, or who caused greater damage to the property than what it was before.
Sales /offers
Don’t listen to ‘ one of a kind ‘ unbelievable offers. A general renovation is such an important procedure for one to make deductions in standards and thus take risks. Remember that prices on the market are all around the same. Discard, without a second thought, the estimate which will be 10% lower than the others. All contractors pay the same amount for materials and labour so the difference can only come about from the quality which will be offered. Also known that it is a common phenomenon for contractors with the lowest estimates to later add on so many extras making the price go up without you even noticing how. When looking then for your contractor, give priority to quality and leave the offers elsewhere.
Discrepancies /Misunderstandings
You’ve chosen your contractor, the next step is to draw out a detailed contract. Read it carefully, ask about anything that is unclear. Make sure there is no small print or area which might unexpectedly put up your agreed on cost. Surely in any renovation there may be changes /alterations along the way. It is essential to have a starting point where you will be able to refer to in any communication with your contractor about changes to the planned project. You must have constant and open contact. Whatever problem arises go straight to him. Don’t try and talk to the technicians yourself, this can lead to misunderstandings and result in inconsistency. Accept that you don’t know everything. Many technical terms may be unknown to you. So,if you want to change something, limit your communication with the contractor in charge who will know how to deal with the technicians.
Down payments
Based on the above plan, in the same way methods of payment have to be clear. Definitely avoid total down payments. Research shows that a contractor who has received all or the largest portion of his fees will delay more in completing the project he has undertaken. Moreover, clearly lay out from the beginning your standpoint on gradual payments. Agree from the start with your contractor on when you will be able to make payments so as he can organise and work out his plan of works. The best method is to pay 30% of the agreed cost up front and the remaining balance upon completion of the project. Furthermore, it would be wise to keep 10% and pay this off at the end of the first month. In this way you can be sure that everything will work clockwise and you will have the outcome you desire.
Uninsured technicians /labourers
Finally, as you have made all your important decisions, you’ve agreed on everything and the renovation is ready to start, you must take care of something more practical. Each contractor probably has their own team of technicians or reliable labourers known to them. It is best to allow the contractor to work with technicians and labourers which he trusts best and believes will be able to achieve the results you have asked for. Don’t neglect to make sure that these labourers are insured. Their work is such that could represent many dangers. The chance of a labourer being concerned in a work related accident always exists and you don’t want to be held responsible in this case. Apart from not being legal either, the worker can later sue you if something were to happen to them while working in your home. The matter is much more essential and human. Don’t put a small saving of money above the importance of human life.
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