Checklist for renovations after getting your new home
So... you've finally invested in a new home
And you're hoping it will go from this..
To something like this....
Well the key is to plan, plan and plan!
It might be new or a resale unit, but essentially, this list of items will help you make sure you're off to a good start:
- look at plans for layout
- check place for what Needs replacement vs what you Want to replace / renovate
- think of concept - styling eg Scandi / modern etc. There's no need to make it look like the cover of Home and Decor, but you should feel happy and proud to come home
- budget - a realistic one that covers the Needs list for sure and most if not all of the Wants if possible.
Bear in mind, when you sell it, chances are the work you have done will be outdate or worn out, so it's not really worth much when the comes to sell. And the more walls you hack in a flat, the less welcome it is
- assess what's urgent vs nice
Some items must be done before you move in, others should be done and basically, try to finish your renovations before you come in, as it will be dusty and inconvenient if you do it otherwise. But if the budget is tight, you may have to do it in stages.
eg cables / toilet / flooring is urgent
Aircon can wait but best to replace for an older unit at the same time
- color themes
- function flow - don't get too big a table
- make a check list of items to buy eg table / bed frame etc / lamps
then see what others will give (like me!)
- start shopping now during sales - many places will allow delayed delivery
Usually custom furniture is more costly and things like floor to ceiling cupboards will be charge per foot run. But sometimes it's better to spend on something that lasts rather than just running to Ikea, especially if you intend to stay there for years.
However if you are only staying for a while, or intend to rent it out later on, even the "AS-IS" section from Ikea might work. On the other hand, if you are renting it out, make sure the fittings suit the potential clientele you are looking for. Second hand Salvation Army stuff won't cut it for a high end apartment that you are expecting a high return on.
Get a little scrapbook on ideas, take lots of pictures and keep a photo album on your phone so you can show it to your interior decorator (ID) or renovator.
As to whether you are using an ID or a contractor, it depends on your scale of work, the budget you have and how hands on you are.
If you have loads of cash, a large work and don't feel like coming to monitor it daily, an ID or even an architect will work. But even then, do come and take a look once in a while so that you don't get any nasty surprises.
Some contractors will do a bit of small scale designing or have a bit of flair, especially if they have been in the trade long enough, but many will just follow your instructions, so it pays to be specific, and check their work.
All the best with your renovations!
And you're hoping it will go from this..
To something like this....
Well the key is to plan, plan and plan!
It might be new or a resale unit, but essentially, this list of items will help you make sure you're off to a good start:
- look at plans for layout
- check place for what Needs replacement vs what you Want to replace / renovate
- think of concept - styling eg Scandi / modern etc. There's no need to make it look like the cover of Home and Decor, but you should feel happy and proud to come home
- budget - a realistic one that covers the Needs list for sure and most if not all of the Wants if possible.
Bear in mind, when you sell it, chances are the work you have done will be outdate or worn out, so it's not really worth much when the comes to sell. And the more walls you hack in a flat, the less welcome it is
- assess what's urgent vs nice
Some items must be done before you move in, others should be done and basically, try to finish your renovations before you come in, as it will be dusty and inconvenient if you do it otherwise. But if the budget is tight, you may have to do it in stages.
eg cables / toilet / flooring is urgent
Aircon can wait but best to replace for an older unit at the same time
- color themes
- function flow - don't get too big a table
- make a check list of items to buy eg table / bed frame etc / lamps
then see what others will give (like me!)
- start shopping now during sales - many places will allow delayed delivery
Usually custom furniture is more costly and things like floor to ceiling cupboards will be charge per foot run. But sometimes it's better to spend on something that lasts rather than just running to Ikea, especially if you intend to stay there for years.
However if you are only staying for a while, or intend to rent it out later on, even the "AS-IS" section from Ikea might work. On the other hand, if you are renting it out, make sure the fittings suit the potential clientele you are looking for. Second hand Salvation Army stuff won't cut it for a high end apartment that you are expecting a high return on.
Get a little scrapbook on ideas, take lots of pictures and keep a photo album on your phone so you can show it to your interior decorator (ID) or renovator.
As to whether you are using an ID or a contractor, it depends on your scale of work, the budget you have and how hands on you are.
If you have loads of cash, a large work and don't feel like coming to monitor it daily, an ID or even an architect will work. But even then, do come and take a look once in a while so that you don't get any nasty surprises.
Some contractors will do a bit of small scale designing or have a bit of flair, especially if they have been in the trade long enough, but many will just follow your instructions, so it pays to be specific, and check their work.
All the best with your renovations!
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