Challenges
Congratulations! You’re officially a homeowner. There are very few things as exciting as making that switch from renting a place to having one you can call your own. But once the initial euphoria passes, you’ll soon come to face your first big challenge — renovation. The prospect of it may seem exciting, but the whole process is far more complex than it looks. In this article, we’ll tackle some common remodelling problems and share tips on how to overcome them so you can truly enjoy your new place.
Start With a Plan
Every successful project is a result of meticulous planning. Before you dive right in, take a step back and consider the following:
- Initial assessment: Stay ahead of the game and minimise the chance of any unpleasant surprises. Inspect your new home, paying close attention to areas you intend to renovate. If you don’t know what to look for, consider hiring a professional. They’ll point out any potentially problematic points you need to address first.
- Project delegation: It’s never a good idea to start too many projects simultaneously. Tackle one task at a time to avoid feeling stressed and overwhelmed because there are too many things going on. You can even keep a homeowners’ journal where you’ll record important warranties and insurance, and you can use it to map out the entire process step by step.
- Emergency fund: This might be a bitter pill to swallow, but prepare for the unexpected. New problems like mould or pests can crop up at any time, so it’s essential to have a contingency budget and plan so you can navigate the unknown terrain easily.
Facing Common Challenges
Once you start the renovation, you’ll have a whole new set of challenges to tackle. Many opt to hire professionals and leave the entire undertaking to them. However, if you are a handy person with some guts, you may want to consider doing a DIY project. In fact, endeavours like these can positively impact your mental health. In the worst-case scenario, you can simply bring a contractor in to rectify the damage.
While we’re on the subject of contractors, it’s crucial to find someone you can trust with your future home. Make sure you are on the same page from the moment you meet to avoid any potential miscommunication down the road. If you have any questions at any point, ask. Better yet, confirm and clarify anything important in written form, be it email or text.
Sadly, contractors are not the only potential spanner in the works of your home renovation. You may have to handle the following.
- Water and plumbing concerns — Broken pipes can bleed for years before they cause visible damage. If there are any leaks in your new home, they’ll surface during the renovation. The bad news is that it will probably incur additional costs.
- Dangerous materials — Asbestos is a pretty common occurrence in older homes. There is no need to panic; just contact a professional to remove the hazardous material safely.
- Power issues — Another potential issue with old homes is wiring. Newer equipment might not perform well on old wiring, and, in some cases, it can even be dangerous.
It’s All About Personalisation
When all the preparatory work is done, you’ll be left with an empty canvas. The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out your aesthetic. Think about what you want your home to look like. Is it a minimalist Scandi space? Or do you prefer an eclectic boho vibe? Once you settle on a specific style, stick to it. A home with a coherent style across all rooms is more pleasing to the eye.
However, that doesn’t mean the space needs to look generic or sterile. Every homeowner should have at least one room where they can let their hair down. Find your niche, and build your way around it. For instance, if you’re a fan of reading, create a home library with a comfy nook to revisit all your top picks.
Those who prefer gaming can build their very own game room with all the essentials. You can even make two separate sections — one with lazy bags and all your collection of your favourite games plus the other with necessities. One can also design their gaming lounge to reflect classy casino like vibes. If you don’t have enough space for equipment, don’t worry. A simple PC and sites like Mega UK Casino to emulate that feel for a night at your favourite gaming establishment.
Finally, invest in quality pieces you won’t have to replace every other year. We know decor trinkets are incredibly appealing, but the premise of quality over quantity holds true in this case, too.
Bottom Line
Purchasing a new home is just the beginning. You’ll have a slew of new challenges to face until you can consider a place your own. The process may be stressful, but the final destination is definitely worth it. Just picture yourself lounging in your most comfortable armchair and sipping your drink of choice, and you’ll persevere.
