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| Property Refurbishment |
To begin, you must have a clear plan - and keep in mind that a property refurbishment project
may present unexpected problems that will put your budget to the test.
Here's how to get started:
1. Obtain a building survey.
A full structural survey should reveal any serious issues and indicate the likely costs of a renovation project if you are purchasing a property to renovate. It will detect any hidden problems, such as structural movement, the presence of asbestos, and the condition of the roof.
Cracks in property may be caused by settlement, but a building surveyor can determine this. If cracks reveal subsidence, getting buildings insurance may be more difficult. Severe subsidence may necessitate underpinning, which can be costly.
2. Conduct a measured survey
This is useful if you are making major changes. Detailed floor and elevation plans ensure that the design is completely accurate, preventing problems with your renovation project.
3. Submit an application for planning permission and Building Regulations approval.
The planning portal of your local government will provide information about planning regulations in your area. Some conversions, extensions, and renovations require planning permission, but not all. For example, internal improvements that do not affect the building's external appearance and some small extensions are classified as permitted development, or PD rights. If you make minor improvements, you should obtain a Lawful Development Certificate to demonstrate that the work did not require planning permission. This can be useful if you decide to sell the property.
4. Create a project schedule.
Clarify your goals, which may be to improve lighting or add value, and identify the main areas on which you want to concentrate your efforts. Make a list of "must haves" and then get estimates based on detailed specifications. Remember that preserving and repairing historical features is usually less expensive than replacing them.
Make a list of the rooms and the tasks that must be completed in the order listed. This will prevent trades people from overlapping and ensure that work is completed when the appropriate trades are on-site without having to return, saving money.
5. Create a budget for your renovation project.
Prepare your budget by listing all tasks and materials to ensure that the scheme is financially viable and that you are adding the most value possible. Get material quotes and estimates for each trade. Remember to budget for the rental of skips, scaffolding, and tools. Allow for a 10- to 20-percentage-point buffer.
Here's how to get started:
1. Obtain a building survey.
A full structural survey should reveal any serious issues and indicate the likely costs of a renovation project if you are purchasing a property to renovate. It will detect any hidden problems, such as structural movement, the presence of asbestos, and the condition of the roof.
Cracks in property may be caused by settlement, but a building surveyor can determine this. If cracks reveal subsidence, getting buildings insurance may be more difficult. Severe subsidence may necessitate underpinning, which can be costly.
2. Conduct a measured survey
This is useful if you are making major changes. Detailed floor and elevation plans ensure that the design is completely accurate, preventing problems with your renovation project.
3. Submit an application for planning permission and Building Regulations approval.
The planning portal of your local government will provide information about planning regulations in your area. Some conversions, extensions, and renovations require planning permission, but not all. For example, internal improvements that do not affect the building's external appearance and some small extensions are classified as permitted development, or PD rights. If you make minor improvements, you should obtain a Lawful Development Certificate to demonstrate that the work did not require planning permission. This can be useful if you decide to sell the property.
4. Create a project schedule.
Clarify your goals, which may be to improve lighting or add value, and identify the main areas on which you want to concentrate your efforts. Make a list of "must haves" and then get estimates based on detailed specifications. Remember that preserving and repairing historical features is usually less expensive than replacing them.
Make a list of the rooms and the tasks that must be completed in the order listed. This will prevent trades people from overlapping and ensure that work is completed when the appropriate trades are on-site without having to return, saving money.
5. Create a budget for your renovation project.
Prepare your budget by listing all tasks and materials to ensure that the scheme is financially viable and that you are adding the most value possible. Get material quotes and estimates for each trade. Remember to budget for the rental of skips, scaffolding, and tools. Allow for a 10- to 20-percentage-point buffer.
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