RENOVATIONS 101

(part 1 of 2)

For any homeowner, renovations can be a very exciting endeavor. The thought of taking something and changing the look and the feel of it is stimulating and at the same time, full of anticipation for the big reveal. Renovations not only change the look of the space but also the feel and as such affects the mood and the ambiance of the room. The new look of the space also creates a different atmosphere that can alter one’s outlook and provide a refreshing and relaxing ambiance. But, like any other undertaking, renovations can be very daunting if not properly planned. The trick here is to make sure that you put your organizational skills to the test for a smooth and stress free activity.

WHY SHOULD YOU RENOVATE? NEED

Renovations can happen for a number of reasons but one of the most important reasons would be because you need to. There might be something in your home that desperately needs fixing or the room itself has had its share of wear and tear. Houses are built to withstand the tests of time but in its lifespan, a home may suffer from everyday use, foot traffic and may be subjected to the weather and the elements. If this happens, then there is no other choice but to really renovate.

WANT

This could simply be because you have the desire to change the look of the space. Because it has looked the same for the past twenty years or so, a mere desire for something new might be your objective. Though more often than not, the want is there for the sheer purpose of updating the look of the room or even the house. Sometimes, the addition of a new piece of furniture or accessory may be the catalyst or simply, if you’re following a trend or style, this could be just because it is now the “in” thing for interiors.

WHEN SHOULD YOU RENOVATE?

There is a specific timetable for certain things in the home that follows a schedule but this is not really a hard and fast rule. For instance, repainting should be done cyclically every five years but then again, some people repaint or change the color of their walls every year or sometimes, even on a whim. Remember that changing the color of the room through repainting is the easiest way to change the look and feel of the room. Then there’s also wallpaper. Some people argue that wallpaper, if properly installed and maintained, can even last longer than paint. The only problem with wallpaper in the Philippines is the humidity and this tends to contribute to wallpaper peeling faster than expected. In extremely humid conditions, wallpaper has to be replaced three years down the line. Another item that follows a cycle is upholstery. There are certain fabrics that can really withstand long periods without being replaced. Upholstery usually takes on the life span of the furniture it is attached to but in certain instances, especially when you have pets or children, then there might be a need to do reupholstering sooner. Refinishing the floors and even re-sanding may take more preparation time since they’re very labor-extensive and quite messy, so people usually put this off until it is absolutely necessary but this should be done every ten years.

Renovations, aside from following a suggested timetable, are best done in the summer months. For one, there is very little chance of rain ruining your work schedule and at the same time, everything dries faster in the summer. Also, since it is the summer and the kids have no classes, you might want to take a long vacation somewhere away from the house to escape the mess and chaos.