The Right Materials

Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

A Guide on Planning Home Renovations

by Frank Lynch

There are various reasons people conduct home renovations. Sometimes it is part of routine maintenance to ensure the home is beautiful. Other people renovate their homes to change how the house looks. For example, they may add a floor or build extensions. If you would like to renovate your home, below are some considerations you should make.

What renovations will you do?

Create a list of all the renovations that you want to do. You can put them in the following categories:

  • Interior. Interior renovations include repainting your interior, tiling, carpeting and bringing down or erecting walls to change the general arrangement of the house.
  • Fixtures. Sometimes a renovation involves changing the various fixtures in your home. For instance, you may want to change sinks, toilet bowls, shower basins or wardrobes.
  • Electrical. These renovations involve maintenance or upgrading of your home's electrical system. For instance, you may want to change the lighting.
  • Roofing. It involves roof repair and maintenance. You may also want to replace your entire roof.
  • Exterior. These are renovations such as building extensions, plastering walls and erecting pillars to enhance how the house looks on the outside. 
  • Garden. You may want to create a small garden, pavements, build gazebos or swimming pools.

Create a program. 

After categorising the renovations, create a priority list. This is essential if you have a limited budget. You need to decide how you want the renovations done. If you will be living inside the house as the renovations take place, restructure how you do things to avoid interrupting the contractor. For instance, you can relocate the kitchen or living room to allow the builders to work.

Get a building contractor

Get a reliable building contractor to do the renovations. It is best if you hand the work to one contractor to ease management and avoid conflict among the builders. Your choice of contractor should have positive reviews from past clients. Inform the contractor of your expectations. Ask how long the renovations should take and what the contractor expects from you. 

Costs.

If you have little knowledge on building and construction, you may choose to have the contractor supply all the materials and fixtures required. However, some people get all the necessary materials to save costs. The contractor should not commence works before you agree on the price. Besides, you should have an agreement on when the payments should be made.

You can prepare a contract document to ensure both parties commit themselves to the initial agreement. 

When planning home renovations, decide which renovations to do, create a program, get a building contractor and prepare your finances.


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About Me

Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

If you are planning to start a new construction project, you may be wondering about the best type of materials to use. About 6 months ago, I decided to carry out an extensive renovation of my home. This would involve demolishing one wall, extending the kitchen and the construction of a new patio area. I really wasn't sure which materials would be best. I consulted with a contractor and he explained the pros and cons of each material. In the end, I opted for wood and steel. I am really pleased with the end results. I hope this blog helps you to plan your construction project.