You also need to consider that certain structural problems, such as subsidence, could affect your insurance options, as well as its eventual resale value.When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The benefits of renovating range from discovering original features hidden away and the opportunity to put your own stamp on something to getting a house that is bigger or in a better areas than you would otherwise be able to afford. The success of renovating a house ultimately comes down to good preparation and being aware of what lies ahead. Going into a house renovation with the expectation that there will be some surprises in store is a wise idea. Renovating a house can also involve a number of hidden costs. Knowing where these are likely to crop up and having a step-by-step plan of action for when they do should mean the project remains on schedule and budget. Schedule of Works When Renovating a House A good schedule of works will ensure your renovation project stats on time and on budget. Image credit: Jeremy Phillips) A schedule of works is vital when renovating a house. A good schedule will clearly outline every single job that needs to be carried out, from start to finish of a project, in the right order. Of course, this will vary depending on the nature of the project. Current condition assessment Stop further decay GrantsTax concessions Statutory consents Structural stability Demolition work Dealing with damp Drains Site access Major building work Weathertight Exterior External works First fix Plastering Drying out Fixed flooring Second fix Decorating Final clean Move in Snagging Finding a Renovation Project Renovation projects are often in high demand. However, it is important not to let competition for a project rush you into buying something that is not right for you. Knowing when to walk away from a project is crucial if you are to avoid buying a money pit. Not all houses in need of modernisation, offer value for money and some will be overpriced. Renovating a house is a popular way of trying to get more house for your money but ironically, the mad scrabble from those after a project can mean you could end up paying more for a property than it is actually worth. The good news is though, that even before you have purchased a renovation project, it is possible to get a good idea of the condition of a house. MORE: How to assess a property for renovation ) This Cornish cottage has been renovated throughout, and the front door moved, windows replaced and render painted. Image credit: Cornish Gems) When first viewing a property to renovation, consider the following: What potential does it offer in terms of what could be done with its design. Is there enough outdoor space to extend Have neighbours been successful in gaining planning permission to carrying out similar works to those you are considering What is the location like How much structural work is likely to be involved What are the ceiling prices for similar houses in the area If you are interested in the house, contact a chartered surveyor. They will be able to carry out a building report which should highlight any areas of concern and give you an idea of any essential repairs that will be needed and what they might cost. A chartered surveyor will recommend further investigations if they suspect or detect: infestation subsidence or heave damp drainage problems A building report should reveal the construction methods that have been used in the house (sometimes these vary if the house has been extended over the years.) This information can then be used during the house renovation in order that any new materials and techniques used are appropriate. Carrying out a survey and calling in the services of a structural engineer should give you a clear idea of the kind of work you are likely to face when renovating a house (Image credit: Malcolm Menzies) Get a Survey When Renovating a House It is important to get a measured survey. This will give you a precise scale drawing of the layout of the existing building. If you plan on making a planning application as part of your renovation, this is likely to be required. You can find a surveyor via the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Whilst these may well mean you need to increase your budget, finding them early on will allow you to plan better for this.
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