How to cost up your renovations
WHETHER you are getting builders in or embarking on a DIY project, home renovations have a habit of running over budget. Keeping within your budget starts with being realistic from the outset, so don’t set yourself an impossible target.
One in four home makeover projects end up running over budget, so knowing the common stumbling blocks will help you cost yours up more accurately. One of the most common reasons for over spending is upgrading to higher spec fixtures and fittings than you originally allowed for, so once you have chosen a price range for your purchases, stick to it.
Another frequent cause is that the building work uncovers problems with the house that need urgent attention. This can’t be helped, but allow an extra margin of around 20 per cent of your budget for this, so that these hiccups don’t put an end to your project before it has even begun.
Get permission - your careful costings can go out of the window unless you have the correct planning permission for your project. Finding trustworthy tradesmen Rogue traders could double your costs by leaving you with a botched job that needs to be redone. Before commissioning a builder, carpenter, plumber or other tradesman, check whether they are registered with a trade body. Ask for references from previous customers and follow these up.
Get at least three quotations before agreeing to any job. Check they are insured to cover the type of work you are undertaking, otherwise any shoddy work could be extremely costly to you afterwards. Doing it yourself can save you money in labour costs, but tread carefully when it comes to major home improvement jobs. Don’t take on any job that you think might be pushing the limits of your abilities.
Budget for a professional plasterer, plumber and electrician as these are skilled jobs, but you can save money by tackling tasks like the paintwork yourself. Bear in mind the cost of putting things right if you mess up. It is also crucial to check your building’s insurance, as some policies will not cover you for damage caused in major DIY projects.