A house before and after renovation. What you need to know

Lately it is easy to notice that renovations are more frequent than ever. A walk through the streets of a big city like Athens or Thessaloniki is enough to understand this, since you will see too many of the special bins for renovation rubble as well as workshop vans. The reason for this is very simple: renovation is a very effective way to change the atmosphere of a house and renew it significantly.

However, there are also many who are afraid to do a renovation because they are simply worried about how big the benefits of their investment will be. In other words, they doubt how much their home will be worth after the renovation, should they plan to put it on the market for sale or rent, and how much their lives inside it will change significantly if they plan to continue living in it. they live there. It is understood that there is no cause for concern and that in both cases the change will be large and significant.

Before and after the renovation of a house that will go on the market

Since due to the crisis which hit the construction sector very badly it is very difficult to find a new house, the more modern and updated an older house is, the higher its value. Old houses all suffer from common problems with the biggest being ugly and unusable bathrooms and the bad layout of the house’s spaces. It may seem strange to you, but even just a bathroom renovation can be enough to make a house in demand, whether it’s to buy or rent.

In addition, as you will know, in order to sell or rent a house you need a so-called energy certificate. This certificate plays a role in the value of a house, since it essentially shows how much it will cost to heat it, for example. With a complete or even partial renovation, the necessary changes will be made so that the house becomes more energy efficient and obtains an energy certificate in a high category. The higher the category, the higher its value will be.

Before and after the renovation in a house that will become owner occupied

We may love the house we bought at some point, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect or even that we wouldn’t want to make some changes to it to refresh it and make it even more beautiful and warmer. A renovation can therefore significantly change the whole atmosphere of a house and make it more modern and more practical. Once again the example is the toilet, a room in which we all spend more and more time. Changing the toilet in itself, combined with painting the rest of the house, can significantly change the feeling of your home and make it like new.

Let us note here that it is understood that in case your house has old-style windows and frames, upgrading them will make your house warmer and more economical, which of course will improve your life inside it.

A survey will convince you

All of what we just said may sound a bit romantic or even exaggerated, but a simple research will convince you. Surely if a relative or friend of yours has done a renovation you will have already seen how important the changes that can be made are. However, if you do not know of such a case, all you have to do is visit a renovation company and see before and after photos of their projects. They are sure to dispel all your doubts and fears.

Follow tips for starting a house renovation

Here some tips to follow:

 

1.Invest in a Key Lockbox

 

2.Spend time in the space

 

3.Be Realistic About Your Timeline

 

4.Expect the Unexpected

 

5.Interview Multiple Contractors

 

6.Renovate your kitchen first

 

7.Be specific about design ideas

 

How much does it cost to renovate a house?

The total cost of a renovation project will depend on:

 

  • The work you carry out
  • The builder you use
  • Whether or not you use an architect
  • Whether you need planning permission
  • How long your project takes to complete
  • Any unforeseen circumstances

The correct order to renovate a house

 

Not all home renovation projects are done in the same steps.

But there are some common steps you’ll need to take in a certain order when taking on a major renovation project:

 

1.    Work out your budget and finance

2.    Property search, assessment, and purchase

3.    Carry out a property survey

4.    Hire designer and architect

5.    Explore and apply for planning permission

6.    Find a builder

7.    Assess access and waste disposal issues

8.    Draw up a schedule of works

9.    Break ground

10.Carry out a snagging survey

Planning permission.

 

When looking for properties to renovate, it’s hugely important to consider planning permission before buying.

Buying a property only to later be denied planning consent is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.

So, when looking for properties, start by searching for those that have outline planning permission, or full permission, already in place.

Outline permission means the local planning department are aware of proposed work to a property and have agreed to it in principle ahead of more detailed plans being submitted.

Alternatively, you should look for properties where work can be completed under Permitted Development.

A lot of work can often be carried out under permitted development, including:

  • Single storey extensions
  • Loft conversions
  • Conservatories
  • Porches
  • Decking
  • Basement development
  • Parking

However, while this means no planning permission will be required, there are some size and scale limitations for things like extensions.

You will almost certainly need building regulations approval for any structural work or electrical installation.