When remodeling your home, there can be a lot of factors to think about besides the design. There are many things that are based on cost, safety, permits, etc. It is important to be aware of all these factors before you start the work.

Consider the tips below to make sure you have an affordable and hassle-free home remodel that you can be really proud of!

Bang for your Buck

If you don’t have the budget to remodel the entire House. Consider doing one big fabulous change to your home. Deciding to open a room by removing a wall, or getting rid of the attic to build a well-lit atrium can really make a difference to your design. Although this will be a bit expensive it will add great value to the house! Primarily cost is a decisive factor and can sometimes be a real spanner in the works.

Kitchen Savings

A Kitchen remodeling is one of the most expensive affairs. However, if you plan it well you can get some nifty places to save money. The important aspect of the kitchen is the countertop. A well picked countertop can add aesthetic and efficiency to the kitchen.

Although it is a home-owners dream to have a beautiful granite or marble counter, this may not always suit the budget. In our previous blog, we spoke of engineered stone that is available in a variety of colors and give you durability at a good price.

In case your budgets don’t accommodate engineered stone, you can also install ones in the laminate. Laminate tops are also easy to clean and can be even found in stone textures.

Get a Designer!

Never underestimate the architect’s expertise. It is a reasonable and smart investment to consider paying a designer for a basic consultation on space management, they will be able to suggest well designed and suitable cabinets for your budget and space requirements. On occasion, designers are also comfortable sharing the details of contractors and distributors directly so you can save costs. The designer can also provide you with 3D drawings of your space, this will allow for you to check out various color and texture option with ease and give you the confidence to finalise on your decisions.

“Kitchens consistently top home renovation project lists on Houzz, with most people hiring a professional to assist,” says Jason Chuck, managing director of Houzz Australia and New Zealand.

The Houzz survey show:

• The majority of those renovating their kitchen are upgrading appliances.
• When replacing flooring, 40 per cent of homeowners use hardwood in their upgraded kitchens.
• Engineered quartz is the favoured choice when replacing benchtops, followed by wood, stainless steel and concrete.

Source: Houzz.com.au

Bathroom on a Budget

It is certain that a bathroom can make a bold statement in the home. Often, a beautifully designed bathroom is a homeowner’s pride and joy. It gives the house an aspect of luxury that no other room can!

It is good to remember that when renovating the bathroom on a budget, the devil is in the details. Construction related issues like leaky shower alcoves, excess water pooling, and bad tiling work can cause structural damage to your house. It also encourages mould growth which can be a serious health hazard to your family members.

While it is easy to swayed by the latest design trends in magazines, ensure that you pick a design that you are able to live with for some years. Choose the storage and vanity wisely, be certain you can appreciate the look for years and the storage supports all your needs. Ascertain with your contractor or supplier that the materials are moisture resistant.

Don’t skimp on proper waterproofing and plumbing – this is will pay-off in the long run. Bathrooms usually look great with ceramic or porcelain tiles, these also water-resistant, pick neutral colors and balance your patterns so you can live with for a long period of time.

Click here and choose the right kind of bathroom fittings »

Flooring

Wood or timber Flooring is a much-loved option by most homeowners. If chosen wisely and with care, you take advantage of the wide range of quality available and make budget-friendly decisions.

For busy areas like kitchens and living rooms, choose a thick timber. Although there is a premium attached to it this will last you longer and you have the option of re-sanding and polishing in the later years of the flooring.

If you have already invested in many high-end finishes for your home, choose a pre-finished flooring of good quality that will work well with your overall aesthetic. In areas like the study room you can consider a micro-veneer timber as well to save on costs.

Wood flooring is also a chance for you to think a bit sustainably. Choose a locally available wood and try to find a supplier who has a fair trading certification and also doesn’t stand for wastage.

Click here to know more about the attractive flooring options »

Save Through the Roof

Ceiling is a fairly ignored part of the house, typically if it meets building standards. Designers and home-owners don’t pay it much attention. A detailed effort to fix or re-do your Ceilings can be a great investment for the house.

Don’t skimp on your frame constructions that support the ceiling. If the frame meets the standards it will never need much work in subsequent years and can last you almost a lifetime.

“When the frame doesn’t meet the Australian standards and it has to be redone it gets difficult,” says Mick. When the frame meets standards you can have either a plain ceiling option that should stand the test of time or give it the Rolls Royce treatment.

Based on the design features of the house, ceiling mouldings and cornices can be used to enhance your ceilings. Designs for the ceilings are also great at concealing join lines and shadow lines.

Decorative ceiling panels and metal tile options can greatly add to your home decor but they come at a price!

Click here to know more about popular roofing options »

Permits

When planning and designing your home you will need to consider and work out all the logistics related to permits. Research well and understand the various work permits and permissions required in your area. The advantage of spending time some time on this is that it makes you certain that you have ensured some thought to all the issues that might come up. Make sure you speak with your designers, contractors, and local authorities to understand the detailed requirements. You may also need to put up some signs and follow some timings for your construction work.

Protective Equipment and Ventilation

Whether you are attempting the work yourself or hiring a team, safety is absolutely essential. Protective eyewear, gloves, reflective jackets, safety boots and other stipulated equipment must be worn or provided to the team. Ensure ventilation is properly maintained on-site to avoid harm to the workers and other family members.

Click here to know more about the protective workwear »

Do’s and Don’ts for DIY Remodelling

If you are considering remodelling yourself please consider this list of do’s and don’ts to ensure your safety but more importantly the structural integrity of the house.

Do’s

• Start Your DIY remodeling with choosing furnishings and furniture, if you are new to remodelling. This is a great way to get involved
• Tiling and grouting is tedious but can be done with basic knowledge and patience
• It is safe to lay wooden flooring
• Basic Electrical Work like replacing light switches or adding new light fixtures is fine

Don’ts

• Avoid bricklaying as this requires an expert
• Don’t attempt plumbing works
• Internal electrical works must also not be done without an expert

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