Remodelling Your Melbourne Home? 5 Things You Need To Know

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With the holidays looming in the near distance, you’re probably planning for events at home. Having family and friends over to share the season’s festivities is something you’re waiting to enjoy.

But – and there’s always that “but” – when you look at your home objectively, you’re tempted to call off the whole show. The kitchen and bathrooms look dingy, the living room looks outdated and if you plan to have people staying over, the guest rooms look shabby !

The answer is a thorough remodelling of your home that will give it a sparkling, fresh and classy appearance. While we’re on the subject, it’s good to know the difference between renovation (cosmetic changes) and remodeling (which may involve structural changes.) If you plan to replace your old roofing, or add an office extension, the project time and costs will go up.

A big factor in the project is that it can boost your property value. If you plan to sell or rent going forward, giving your home a thorough makeover will help to appreciate the ROI.

Before you plunge headlong into the project, take a look at our top 5 things you need to know before you start.

Think About It: It’s tempting to get the ball rolling ASAP, but unless the project is grounded in meticulous research, analysis and planning, it can quickly spiral out of control. Take time to analyze exactly what you need, firm up on a budget, get a buy-in from your family, time it right so that it doesn’t get in the way of other important events.Don’t forget to have an extra margin in your budget for unexpected expenses, so it’s best to over-budget a little. It’s a good idea to have a wish-list of what you want your kitchen or bathroom to have, for instance, in terms of modern appliances, or space enhancing features.

Get The Right Help: Unless you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a trained professional yourself, remodelling projects can be a challenge. Scout around for the right people in the field who have successfully handled projects like yours. Firm up on a budget, time-lines, your personal preferences and needs and a written contract. Professionals will help you to get permissions, comply with current regulations and ensure that you stay within the local laws. Laws differ in Melbourne based on the suburb, the age and history of the property and the extent of the project. Professionals also have the resources to get the appropriate equipment and follow safety guidelines. Get a few quotes, compare prices, quality of work, professionalism, communication, track-records and credentials before you sign on the dotted line.

Personal Stamp: This is YOUR project, and though you may not be doing the work yourself, it’s important to stay firmly on target regarding what exactly you visualized. This could mean that you may have to source some of the materials yourself, especially if you want exclusive designs, materials or fixtures. Start your research early on, so that you can ensure timely delivery without delaying the project. Avoid last-minute bursts of inspiration – this can lead to higher costs and delays. The trick is to make sure that your plan is watertight before you start.

Stay Comfortable and Safe: Before you start the project decide whether it’s safe to stay on the premises while work goes on or not. Large scale remodelling projects cause safety issues, noise, dust and inconvenience. If you have seniors, pets and children at home, the best plan is to arrange alternate accommodation. Find an affordable rental close by on a short term lease and settle in so that your regular routine can continue. This plan works because it keeps your personal items, furniture and valuables safe as well. Build this cost into your budget to manage your finances correctly.

Keep It Future Ready: Consider your present age and health status, your current family structure and your existing requirements. This situation won’t last forever, so when you plan your remodelling, keep one eye on the future. Your kids will grow up and move out, you will have different needs as you age, you may want to reduce or increase certain areas of the home. These ideas have to be factored in. Today, smart homes, solar and wind energy, advanced security systems, new energy saving materials and features, green technologies and more have become popular. Incorporate these according to your taste and needs, with the caveat that tech undergoes sea-changes with every passing year.

These tips can make your remodelling project more efficient and affordable.