4 Things You Need To Do Before Starting Renovations

Home renovations can provide property owners with a new and improved building that truly delivers everything they need from home. However, renovations aren’t always straightforward, and before embarking on making significant changes to the property, you need to put some thought and effort into the plans and ensure any work you carry out is safe, secure and, of course, legal. 

Let’s take a look at some things that can impact your ability to carry out the renovations you want.

Legal Restrictions

Depending on your local government guidelines, you might have certain regulations as to what work can and can’t be carried out. Understanding these regulations can empower you to make informed decisions about your renovations. In the UK, for example, if you live in a Grade 2 listed building, you will be restricted as to the type of internal and external changes you can make, which can mean any applications might be rejected, especially if they involve the expansion of a building. In the US, if you live in a heritage area, you might also be facing the same kind of restrictions to preserve the historical structures and surroundings. Knowing these restrictions can help you plan your renovations effectively so you can get any plans approved easily without delaying your plans. 

Buried Utilities

The last thing you want is to start building only to find your plans are ruined by the presence of underground utilities such as wires or pipework. Before you even draw up any plans, you need to get a survey of the area to uncover anything you might not be aware exists. GPR Surveys can uncover anything lurking below the surface, so you know exactly what you are dealing with before you dig it up.

Property Lines

Sure, when you bought the property, you will have had a survey to show you the boundary line of your property, but it’s worth conducting a more comprehensive survey to ascertain the correct and legal boundaries of your property line. This can provide you with a sense of security and confidence in your property. These surveys can help you avoid any land disputes and objections from neighbours. It’s also worth investigating any other legalities regarding boundary lines and restrictions for neighbouring properties so you can incorporate this into your plans.

Resale Value

Every home will have a maximum resale value. It’s the upper limit people are willing to pay for a property in a specific area, at a specific size and with certain features. This can impact any work you are carrying out, especially if you are planning on selling in the future. Not understanding this value could lead to overspending and being unable to recoup your losses, so it’s important to be financially savvy when planning your renovations.

If you’re planning on selling up and are making improvements to boost resale value, it is important to understand what people buying in the area are looking for and what similar houses are selling for, so you don’t overspend and be unable to recoup losses.