Take the stress out of renovating with these top tips
The holidays are here and it may be the perfect time to do a few renovations or an upgrade here and there. If you are getting a bonus or have savings tucked away, then investing in your home, could be the best money spent and it could add further value to your property.
Renovating can be great fun. Most people love shopping for new tiles, taps and other things for their houses and of course, the opportunity for a complete kitchen or bathroom make-over is an exciting prospect.
But, renovations also count amongst the most stressful activities around the home. So be sure to plan and budget carefully to take the stress out of your renovation and turn your plans into reality.
A new coat of paint or new floors could be a great way to update your home and add value to it at the same time. Summer is also the perfect time to work on improving your outdoor entertainment area by for example adding a built-in braai, Jacuzzi or outdoor shower. Good entertainment facilities are an excellent value-add and something that most buyers look for in a home.
Inside the house, you might want to build a braai room or a bar or, you might want to build that sewing or craft corner that your partner has always wanted. And how about a play room to get the children out from under your feet.
On a more practical note, the festive season could be just the time to get more water wise. A few minor adjustments could reduce your water consumption be redirecting grey water to the garden or other outdoor uses such as your weekly car wash. You could also turn your garden into a water wise paradise by replacing some plants.
This might also be a good time to undertake all those basic repairs and maintenance that you do not get around to doing during the rest of the year. Imagine how delighted your family will be if you fix the broken pantry light or squeaking door. How about finally tucking away those unsightly wires in the lounge.
If you are not a skilled do-it-yourself-enthusiast, then your best bet is to call in your local area handyman who can assist with everything from hanging pictures to building a braai.
Whatever you choose to do, planning and preparation is vital, especially over the festive season. Using a specialist is always advisable for any major upgrade or renovation. Building plans may also be required and if you are in sectional title property, then additional approval from the body corporate will be necessary.
Renovations can be very stressful, more so over the festive season. Over and above the expected, be sure to plan and budget for the unexpected. Be sure to plan for the mess too. There may be demolition work and rubble that needs to be removed and you do not want the mess when you expect visitors or want to enjoy a festive day with the family.
Build in stoppage time as well. Bear in mind that there are intermittent public holidays over the festive season. This is also the time of year when labourers go on holiday. Builders, plumbers and electricians all tend to be closed from around mid-December to mid-January, so be sure to plan your renovations carefully. You may also not be able to get delivery of building materials over this time.
Always be realistic. There is nothing worse than half done renovations standing over the holidays. So perhaps stick to the small upgrades and keep the major renovations for another time.