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So, you’re thinking about renovating?
Whether you’ve been inspired by DIY home renovations on TikTok or you’ve just secured your dream property and you’re ready to make a start, we can help. We’ve outlined a few of our top tips to help you get stuck in.
1. Decide on your design
Firstly, clear the room to get an idea of the space available.
You’ll need to be realistic, so don’t be overly ambitious. Renovation offers huge benefits, but you should consider the setbacks, too. Making major structural changes could potentially unearth quite serious issues, so it’s worth consulting a project manager first.
If you have a period home, you’ll also need to think carefully about which features to keep, which ones to restore, and which ones to replace. It’s always worth checking if you need planning permission to complete the project, too.
2. Buy everything you need
Buy the essential equipment. Every project calls for the essentials like stepladders, electrical tape, paintbrushes, sanders, and sealant, but some will need specialist equipment too.
From a basic screwdriver set to a quality cordless impact wrench and other high-spec equipment, you should never compromise on your tools. It’s also important to know the difference between different tools to ensure that you get the right tool for your job.
3. Prepare to be unsettled
You’ll need to prepare for short-term chaos, both mentally and physically.
If you own any designer clothing or precious fabric items, make the effort to move them out of the way or even store them elsewhere while you carry out the messiest jobs. Cover porous surfaces and carpets to avoid accidental stains, too.
Lastly, never underestimate the amount of time it might take you to get the work done. Resign yourself to the time it takes and focus on the end goal, not any stress or frustration you might be feeling.
4. Prioritize health and safety
Looking after your health is vital, especially when you’re undertaking hazardous renovation work. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when using heavy equipment, and wear hard shoes, too.
Turn off power tools once you’ve finished using them, and make sure there are no hard nails left lying around on the floor. If you have young children or pets, it might be better for them to stay with friends or relatives until the major steps in the project have been completed.
5. Stick to a budget
As much as you can, stick to your initial budget. It’s easy for unexpected costs to crop up along the way, so you’ll need a contingency plan and some emergency spare cash to cover your back.
Lastly, don’t panic if your renovation isn’t going smoothly. You can always postpone your plans or call in an extra pair of hands – it doesn’t matter how long it takes to achieve the final result.
