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THE ULTIMATE HOME RENOVATION GUIDE

May 22, 2023

Renovating a home is something not to be taken lightly, as many factors need to be considered. The overall design, installation of fixtures, windows and doors, and more while trying to keep costs reasonable is a lot to try and manage – which is why we want to offer our help.

We have created this home renovation guide covering a range of topics related to the process – including ways to keep costs down, keeping on schedule, important preparations, and even some design ideas. To learn more about home, bedroom, and bathroom renovations, read on!

HOW TO TELL IF IT’S TIME FOR A HOME RENOVATION

Owning a home is a big accomplishment even for ordinary citizens. That’s why they choose to work with expert property builders to obtain the home of their dreams.

As time passes by, they become homeowners of houses that they treat as their comfort zone – their oasis of peace and calm. It just makes sense why some spend a huge fortune on home renovations, with some doing a fantastic job on their projects. But have you ever wondered why others fail?

It’s actually about the purpose. If you choose to fix your patio before winter, there’s no use, actually. It will just sit there for months until spring comes. So if you wish to renovate, do it with a goal.

When Windows are Showing Cracks

Don’t neglect small cracks on your windows, and more importantly, don’t try to cover them when you haven’t done anything yet. There are several reasons why the damages could worsen and that include the weather changes. If you don’t want more expenses, replace them as soon as possible. Call in reputable window experts as they can provide you with the right solutions.

When Wall Paint is Peeling Off

The sight of peeling wall paint can be annoying that most homeowners despise it so much. If you have just seen this on your wall, it’s time to mark your calendar for a repainting schedule. Don’t wait for it to become a larger problem at home to avoid costly renovations.

When You Decide to Sell

The time you decide to put your property on the market is the time you think of home upgrades that pay off. Whether it involves construction or just minor repairs, you need to seek assistance from specialists.

It pays to be aware of the right time to invest in home renovation projects so as not to waste your money on projects that are worthless. It is also beneficial to let the experts help you out.

IMPORTANT PREPARATIONS TO MAKE BEFORE RENOVATING YOUR HOME

Whatever home renovation you are planning to make, be it refitting doors or windows or replacing roofs, make sure that it undergoes proper planning to ensure success. You also need to make the necessary preparations before any job starts so that all the work will go smoothly and without delays.

This can be a very challenging task especially if you have no experience with it. Fortunately for you, we have gathered some of the most important preparations to make for your home renovation project.

Find a Contractor

Hire a team of expert tradesmen for your structural renovation project. They have the knowledge, equipment and skills needed to get the job done right. Although it may be economical to have the project done DIY-style, refrain from doing so as you may have difficulties in completing the project. Also, the results may not be the same as those done by experts.

Find a Supplier

In doing your renovation project, you may need a wide selection of materials for all the required tasks. For example, if you want to refit your windows, you will need aluminium extrusion bars. It is important to find a supplier that can provide you with quality products at the right prices. You can do this by acquiring quotes from different providers and comparing them before picking the ideal one.

Create a Schedule

Plot a schedule for the renovation project. This will determine when the project will start and finish as well as how many days or weeks it will be completed. Coordinate with your contractors in determining the ideal timeline to make sure that the project is indeed achievable on your desired schedule.

If you are planning to renovate your windows and doors at home and you need experts to do it, we can certainly help. We have an extensive experience in the industry and we have serviced many satisfied customers.

uPVC Sash Windows Roscommon & Dublin

TIPS FOR RENOVATING YOUR HOME AT A LOWER COST

If you want to build a reputation as a property investor, you can start small by buying fixer-uppers or pre-owned properties that require renovation. With proper planning and smart decision-making, you can create a successful business without borrowing huge capital.

Here are some tips to help you get started on saving in-house renovation costs:

Cut Down On Expenses

Apart from considering renewable materials that are abundant in supply, you can reduce construction costs by hiring experts who have the right equipment and machinery to ensure project completion within the time frame. Considering that delayed work incurs higher labour costs, which in turn impedes the progress of your business, it’s only wise to get professional assistance.

With that said, get in touch with specialists and/or professionals. You can also find an interior decorator to ensure that when performing a living room renovation that the indoor areas look and feel as great as the outdoors.

Hire Sub-Contractors for Specific Repairs

Your goal is to improve the property you invested in to make it more appealing to potential buyers. To ensure this, leave the repairs and renovations to skilled tradesmen who specialise in construction. Apart from having expertise and experience, they also have the tools to get the work done properly and on time.

It is also important to note that although you might want to apply your carpentry skills, there are home projects you should not do yourself. Moreover, DIY is not advisable if you are dealing with a house you intend to sell in the future.

Focus on Both Aesthetics and Cost-Efficiency

If you are looking into selling your property quickly and at a good price, you should look at it from a buyer’s point of view.

Homebuyers usually have certain criteria when it comes to investing in properties and these include appeal, comfort and practicality. It’s smart to install energy-efficient doors and windows as well as furnishings that are functional and stylish.

This can have an impact on your potential buyers’ decision-making. And to ensure quality products and services, rely on specialists in your area. For instance, if you’re looking for window and door replacements, our team can take care of your building and renovating needs and a plan that suits your budget.

With careful planning and with these tips in mind, you can build your portfolio in no time.

COSTLY HOME RENOVATION PITFALLS TO AVOID

A home renovation project doesn’t come cheap. However, renovation costs can escalate when there are blunders. Before starting, it’s best to know about common mistakes many people make while improving their property so that you can save money on structural renovations in the home by avoiding them.

Not giving enough thought to bedroom design and placement

Do you have a growing family or have overnight visitors on a regular basis? If so, performing bedroom renovations to add a new sleeping space makes sense. But that doesn’t mean you can build one beside the laundry room or a long walk away from the bathroom. You need to think about its placement in your home carefully.

Design is also another important consideration. True, the guest room will only be occupied for a few days. But it has to be comfortable – meaning a bedroom renovation could be highly beneficial. Choose furnishings that’ll go well with the room, and call in a company that specialises in window replacements to let natural light enter your home. Ensure that there’s also enough storage. Stylish sliding doors are a great way to conceal a roomy wardrobe.

Overlooking the exterior

Many homeowners focus too much on the inside of the house. They overlook the fact that the home’s facade is just as important. External home improvements offer more than kerb appeal. They also reinforce the stability and safety of an existing structure.

For example, a weather-beaten roof doesn’t just look dull. It can also have plenty of leaks.

Gates are not only a security feature. They can be aesthetic as well. Make sure yours are functional as well as stylish.

Lack of health and safety features in the kitchen

The kitchen is the busiest room in the house. This is probably why people go all out when renovating this area. However, the addition of health and safety features can be often forgotten, and – as a result – accidents can occur. If not cleaned properly, it can also be a breeding ground for germs.

Since this is where food is prepared, kitchen renovations should be performed so that the kitchen in question can be free from pests.

Now that you know common renovation mistakes that could become costly, it’s time to take note of the most important reminder: never attempt to carry out improvement projects on your own. Unless you only have to choose blinds or plant flowers in the garden, you need to hire specialists.

PRACTICAL HOME RENOVATION IDEAS FOR ADDING SPACE

You need more space in your home, and selling your property is not on your to-do list, so is purchasing a new one. If you are in this situation, a home renovation project is what you need. Not that you have to use up all your savings; with proper planning, you can have an extra living space you can enjoy with your family.

Make Wise Decisions

Perhaps, your garage has been used as storage, and you have been parking your car outside and its eating up space. What you can do is to organise and clear it so you can use it for its real purpose, parking. Also, have roller garage doors fitted so you can get your car inside faster and easier. Moreover, check if there are things that can be disposed of or sold.

Add a Structure

The outdoor space that will be free once you will be able to park your car in the garage can be used to build a conservatory or a granny flat. See to it that the design and layout are practical and functional enough. You can find different conservatory types you can choose from if you are leaning towards having one built.

Consider Lighting

So as not to spend more on lighting fixtures, have energy-efficient windows installed so more natural light can come in. You can choose from French doors to bi-fold doors that can be customised by a door and window replacement company, depending on your preference. Lighting can also behave slightly differently in specific rooms – so if you are performing a bathroom renovation, consider the lighting that works best for that space.

Keep in Mind Functionality

To enjoy your conservatory or flat, you can install roller shutters to provide insulation for the cold and summer months. This way, you can use it all year round without having to worry about the weather.

Maximise Existing Space

If you want a more private dining room, you can separate it from the living room with glass doors so you can entertain friends without having to be distracted by children playing while keeping the overall living room renovation cost down. Moreover, your kitchen and dining room can either be connected or separated by using sliding doors as partitions.

Getting the space you need doesn’t have to be a major construction project. With new roller garage doors and a well-designed structure, you can have a larger home without having to buy a new one.

LET SEAN DOYLE & SONS ASSIST IN YOUR NEXT HOME RENOVATION

This article has just scratched the surface of the important elements of home renovations. From preparing the right way to avoiding costly pitfalls, to some ideas to consider, there is a lot of thinking to be done.

If you’re looking for some new windows and doors to install in your renovation project, Sean Doyle’s expert team has the knowledge and experience to get you the results you want. Get in touch with us today by giving us a call or filling out our contact form.

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Established in 1979 Sean Doyle Windows Ltd is Ireland’s leading specialist manufacturer of quality windows and doors. One of the aspects which makes Sean Doyle Windows unique is the fact that we handcraft, design, manufacture and install all our own products from energy efficient windows to lift and slide patio doors to hardwood and composite doors.

Contact our Dublin or Roscommon showroom for a free quotation or to find out more.

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