Works and renovations are almost always more expensive and take longer than expected, in addition to having a lot of waste. But there are some precautions you can take to avoid these problems. We have 9 tips for you to renovate the house without the inconvenience and, mainly, without destroying your budget.
1 – Make a plan
First of all, you need to know exactly what you plan to reform. It may seem strange, but many people start a project without knowing everything they want to do. This is the right recipe for pharaonic works that never end and cost much more than the pocket can handle.
Detailed planning with all the needs helps to reduce the risk of extra expenses and delays. When planning your home renovation, try to divide the process into stages. Thus, you can control the time and money spent on each part of the work. And if something is off-plan, you can see and change.
Planning helps avoid problems such as placing the plaster on the ceiling after you have already made the floor. Knowing the order of each step ensures that your floor will not be dripping white everywhere. So, if you don’tdon’t want a mottled floor, make the ceiling first.
2 – Set a spending limit
To prevent construction costs from getting out of control, set a limit before putting the hammer to work. Research the prices of materials and professionals, make quotes, and negotiate a lot!
Also take into account extra expenses, such as water and electricity. Depending on the renovation you are going to do, you can increase energy consumption and water in your home.
So, assess your ability to pay. That is, how much money you have to pay per month without getting into debt or with a very tight budget. Ideally, you should make a reservation, especially for retirement before you start.
3 – Create a reform schedule
Time control to avoid delays needs to be done on a schedule. You can do this with the help of a professional. The important thing is to set possible deadlines to be met. Everything must have a date to start and end. It is the same with the work. It cannot last forever.
Mark on a calendar what needs to be done at each stage of work. How many days will it take to paint, sand, or make a wall? Each part needs to be included in your schedule.
4 – Choose professionals with discretion
Another point that is fundamental in any reform is the choice of professionals. There is no point in choosing the cheapest if he will not deliver a complete job. One way to be more confident in choosing a professional is to consult your suppliers’ financial health.
In addition to carefully choosing the professionals who will do your work, remember that each service has a deadline. And if you try to save time by doing several steps simultaneously, it can be a problem. Many service providers together can end up disrupting each other’s service. For example, there is no way to paint the wall and change the floor simultaneously.
5 – Take care in your haste
More than an enemy of perfection, haste is the best friend of budget overruns. Trying to do a quick makeover can bring more expense, more waste, and – the worst – rework.
Controlling the time for a work not to be delayed cannot be a reason to be inattentive, careless, or negligent. Remember that renovating your home represents your family’s safety and well-being.
6 – Buy quality materials
Another economy that can bring more problems, disorders, and headaches is with the materials’ quality. The famous phrase “cheap can be expensive” is perfectly suited to this point.
There is no point in buying cheap building materials, but they will have to be changed in a short time. Even worse is not guaranteeing protection and care for your property and your family.
Think about the risks you run when your home wiring is not prepared for the number of appliances you have. An overload can lead to a fire !!!
7 – Remember the unforeseen
And nothing is more certain in work than unforeseen. They should not even have that name because it is certain that they will happen. It can be a small unforeseen event, like breaking a tile after changing a sink. Or a ladder that hits the chandelier in the room. Or even something bigger, like a perforated pipe when you are going to install the cooker hood. Yes, these things happen (more times in life than a person would like).
8 – Keep the work clean and organized
If you don’t want to spend unnecessary expenses, keep clean and organized at all times. A messy renovation is sure that hammer, nail, the screw will disappear. Not to mention the waste that always happens, and the disorganization only gets worse.
Of course, you don’t have to be a vacuum cleaner desperate or addicted to rubbing alcohol gel at all. Just ensure that tools and materials are stored correctly after use. And keep everything in its place.
9 – Evaluate specific credit lines
Another way to keep your budget free of unnecessary expenses is to choose your credit well, in case you need one. There are specific credit lines for those who are going to renovate the house or buy construction material.
It is common for these loans to have lower interest rates. That is why it is essential to always compare all the credit options available to find the best one for you.
11 incredible tips to renovate an old house and enhance the property
Buying a house in perfect condition and ready to live is great, but it is not always possible due to the budget. The good news is that renovating old houses is a way to make an older property exactly your way.
Among the necessary steps to carry out this modernization are: talking to professionals, researching references, and paying special attention to wiring. If you want to know more about renovating an old house, this post is for you. Continue reading and check it out!
Talk to professionals buying an old house can be a great idea, as long as you are sure that your structure remains good. Therefore, the first step is to hire an inspection to determine if the pipes, wiring, and other structures are up to date.
If you intend to buy a house that has structural problems, it is important to know that you will need to set aside good money to exchange what is necessary, correct infiltrations, get rid of pests, among others.
If the problem is only in the finishes, such as peeling walls, worn floors, and an obsolete bathroom, you can proceed with the purchase smoothly. Then comes the second professional help: that of an architect.
Having the support of an architect, or at least consulting, is essential to create a coherent and viable project for the renovation and suit your taste.
- Search for references
When it comes to renovating old houses, looking for references to ensure modernization will be as you imagined is essential. The internet is an excellent starting point.
Gather images and information about the changes you want to make in the house to use as a reference for architects and all professionals who will support you in this mission.
In addition to search engines, social networks like Pinterest are excellent sources for seeking inspiration and references for the modernization of an old house. Be sure to create a file with the images of interest.
- Start from the inside.
Anyone who will renovate an old house on a tight budget knows that unexpected expenses may arise, forcing them to cut less important items. Therefore, always start the renovation in the rooms that most need repairs.
In the end, if there is no money left to create a beautiful facade for the property, at least the interior will be comfortable and modern. Thus, you can only worry about painting to revitalize the house’s exterior without spending a lot.
In ancient houses, generally, the bathroom and the kitchen are the places that need more interventions, such as the installation of shower stalls, modernization of the sink, replacement of tiles, etc. So, start with them. Then go to the bedrooms and, finally, rooms.
- Change floors
Most old houses have parquet floors, which can take off and cause accidents in addition to disturbing aesthetics. Therefore, a new floor is one of the best ways to modernize the property.
You don’t have to spend a lot to change them. There are currently vinyl and laminate floors, which have a versatile, beautiful appearance and can even imitate wood. The price per m² of both is around R $ 50.00.
For those who like a more modern and industrial look, burnt cement floors are also rising. They are inexpensive and look good in rooms, and can also be used outdoors, provided they receive a non-slip finish.
If the budget is tight, in many cases, it is possible to sand the old floor and install the new one on top, or even reform it.
- Decorate the walls
The renovation of old houses also involves updating the place, thus increasing its value. If you want to renovate the environment without having to do major renovations, a tip is to invest in the walls’ decoration.
Pictures, posters, and even porcelain plates already give a different face to an unlit wall. Another good, beautiful, and cheap solution is to invest in plants to change the walls of the house. If you follow this path, pay attention to the lighting factor to choose the plants’ right choice.
- Choose a youthful color palette.
Most of the old houses seem to have stopped in time: they have dated wallpapers and floors that are not even used anymore. Modernizing is necessary! For this, be sure to choose a youthful color palette to renew the environments and make them more current.
When choosing the shades of the house, consider the characteristics of each room. Whether on the walls or in the decoration items, a red room may not be a good choice since the vibrant tone makes people more agitated. The ideal is to combine the environments’ functions with the general aspect that you want to give the house and do not forget: comfort at home should be a priority.
The color palette’s choice can guide not only the painting of the walls but also the decoration of the environments as a whole. It will assist, for example, in the choice of pillows, furniture, and even bedding.
- Enjoy what you have.
Doors and windows in old houses can often be charming. If they are in good condition, you can reuse them by applying only a coat of paint and changing old locks and latches.
In addition to maintaining a retro look, you’ll save money this way. Arch-shaped windows and an external wrought-iron railing, for example, can bring a lot of personality to the home if they are well maintained.
Fixtures and sconces are also items that can be renovated and maintained, as are the yard or garden elements.
- Be careful with the structure of the house.
If the property structure is good, avoid altering it or making renovations that could damage it. Before breaking a wall to install or repair something, consult a professional who can determine if the procedure is safe.
Also, if you plan to tear down a wall or change the ceiling, you must have a detailed design to avoid affecting the house’s support. Most old properties have wooden or plaster ceilings, and it may not be possible to replace them.
Remember that remodeling the old house is often simpler than it looks. It is not always necessary to bring down the entire original structure, especially since it takes a lot of time and money.
Try to restore the walls instead of tearing them down. In general, covering the holes, sanding, and painting is enough for a wall to look new!
- Take care of the wiring
A point of attention when renovating old houses is the wiring. It is common that the wires in this type of residence are not in a good state of repair, with patches or even breaking, which can put the safety of future residents at risk.
In this sense, one of the measures that you must take even during the renovation period is to call an electrician to assess the wiring’s condition and make the necessary repairs and maintenance.
Hiring a professional can be a good opportunity to, if applicable, install new outlets and switches in rooms for the convenience of residents.
- Invest in modern items
A house with an old structure has a lot of personalities. Still, it is possible to transform it into something that mixes classic and contemporary aspects. For example, you can incorporate some furniture with more modern lines into the design to create an interesting contrast.
Another good way to modernize the house is by choosing paints and wall coverings that convey many personalities. Nowadays, it is possible to choose from a wide variety of neutral paint tones, but that makes a difference.
Many wallpaper options can perfectly express your style and give a cozy and elegant touch to a wall in the living room, bedroom, or even the bathroom.
A good way to modernize the kitchen is to get rid of old cabinets on the walls and complement it with stainless steel appliances, which add a touch of luxury.
Pictures on the wall, plants, and decorative objects are also important to convey the image you want.
Be careful only when creating the lighting. It is not always possible to use built-in lighting or heavy chandeliers in old houses.
- Think about the payment method
Buying a home is always a big step in the financial life of any family. Buying a property to renovate then can be quite heavy!
Therefore, in addition to good planning and a financial reserve, it is essential to choose a payment method that fits your pocket.
A good alternative is to buy the property through a consortium. Thus, it is possible to plan your purchase so that you have money to purchase the property and money for the renovation.
To make a smart purchase, you also need to consider the expenses you will have to leave the house the way you want. Please take advantage of the property damage to get a good discount when it comes to doing business.
The renovation of old houses is an option that must be considered by those who want to acquire their own property but have a more limited budget. Investing in the modernization of a house or apartment, besides being fun, guarantees that space will stay your way and even increase the property’s value!
