Do you have plans to renovate your house? Whether the renovation is large or small; the preparation is often the same. We have listed the most important home improvement steps for you in this step-by-step plan.
In this step-by-step plan:
- Step 1: inventory and plan
- Step 2: sustainable renovation
- Step 3: What is your budget?
- Step 4: finance a house renovation
- Step 5: looking for a contractor
- Step 6: record appointments
- Step 7: Do you need a permit?
- Step 8: the implementation of the renovation
- Step 9: the completion of the renovation
- Step 10: Practicalities
Step 1: Inventory and Plan
After a period of gaining inspiration, collecting ideas, and brainstorming, it is time to start planning your renovation. Whether the renovation is large or small; successfully renovating or renovating a house starts with a good plan. In any case, keep the following things in mind when preparing:
- What do you want to renovate, improve or renovate your house? Do you want more square meters or a different layout?
- Obtain information from various contractors or construction companies about their products and working methods.
- Get inspired by renovations in comparable houses.
- Consider whether and what consequences the renovation will have for the rest of the house.
- Estimate the money you will need for the renovation.
- Will it be a major renovation? Then consider hiring an (interior) architect.
Step 2: Sustainable Home Improvement
If you are going to do home improvement or renovate your home, you may want to consider incorporating energy-saving measures into your plan to better conserve the energy you generate. For example, think of:
- Installing solar panels
- A heat pump
- Insulating glass
- Insulating frames
- Cavity wall insulation
If you are going to renovate your house, it is sometimes possible to qualify for subsidies in your municipality or to co-finance the energy-saving measures in your mortgage. At Aleko home improvement products it is possible to borrow extra for a renovation with energy-saving facilities. By making your house more sustainable, you may not only save on your energy costs, but you also improve the living climate in your house (in terms of temperature and noise) and you contribute to a better environment. Moreover, you are investing in your home, which may increase its value.
Step 3: What is your budget?
Have you made a plan for your renovation? Then it is important to research what you can finance and how you want to do this. Is the renovation an investment in your home – which increases its value – or does it mainly increase your own living enjoyment? An appraiser can tell you whether the value of your house will increase after your renovation and by what amount. In an exploratory meeting, a contractor can estimate the costs of the renovation that you have in mind. It is wise to always take extra costs into account so that you are not faced with surprises if extra work is unexpectedly required during the renovation. You can draw up a financial plan for this.
Step 4: Finance a home improvement
There are various options for financing a home improvement. For example, you can pay for a renovation with savings, an extra mortgage, or a personal loan. An advisor can help you make a choice that suits your situation and renovation.
It is often cheaper to increase your mortgage for a renovation than to take out a personal loan for it. The mortgage interest is usually lower than the interest on a personal loan. Can you demonstrate that your house has increased in value and that you have an equity value? Then you can usually increase your mortgage.
Tip:
Are you going to increase your mortgage? Do not forget to check whether you can deduct the mortgage interest in your tax return. If necessary, please contact your advisor.
If you take out a mortgage for your renovation, your mortgage lender will deposit the money in a blocked account. This account is called the building fund account. You can pay the bills for the renovation with the money from this building fund account.
Step 5: Looking for a contractor
Once the plan for your renovation has been finalized and you’ve explored the options for financing, it’s time to look for a contractor who can carry out the renovation for you. Take your time to compare different contractors. Ask family, friends and acquaintances which contractor they have had good experiences with and request quotes to compare. This is the only way to get a good idea of the possible costs. Pay attention to the following points:
- the description of the work
- the materials to be used
- the price per part
- the price per estimate (if the exact price of part of the work cannot yet be determined)
- the start date of the work
- the time that the contractor needs to carry out the renovation
Is there a big price difference between the quotes you have requested? Then ask for an explanation. Don’t forget to ask about the agreements regarding warranty, payment conditions, and references. Preferably choose a contractor who is affiliated with a trade association, but make your final choice for a contractor based on your feeling, the price, and quality.
Step 6: Record appointments
Have you made your choice for a contractor? Then put down all agreements made together before the renovation or renovation starts. This prevents misunderstandings during or after the renovation. It is advisable to always conclude a written contract, which contains at least the following points:
- A description of the assignment
- (interim) Dates for delivery
- The price (including VAT)
- Labor and material costs
- Terms of payment
Do not forget to read the general terms and conditions of the contractor carefully. These are part of the agreement that you conclude. In addition, make agreements about the disposal of the waste and any additional work, so that you are not faced with surprises later.
Step 7: Do you need a permit?
In some cases, you need a permit for your house to be renovated or demolished. This has to do with the laws that ensure that the environment remains safe, clean, beautiful, and healthy. You can already check whether your plan fits within the home improvement plan of the municipality and whether you need a permit for your renovation at the municipality, and online with the Permit. And if so, which permit do you need?
Depending on your home improvement plans, it may be wise to discuss these with your neighbors as well. They have the right to object to a renovation. You can often prevent this by discussing your plans in advance.
