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The idea of taking an old shell of property and remodeling it into a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home is one that appeals to many people. However, before you jump into a remodel with both feet, it is essential to consider what such a task entails – something that you can read about in more detail in my post below.
A fixer-upper property
Before you can do anything else, you will need to get your hands on a property to remodel. The thing is that it’s not as easy as it once was. Instead, finding a property for the right price, even if it does need substantial work, can be a real challenge, primarily because such properties are so sought after by developers.
With that in mind, making links with your local estate agents is a smart idea. You can even do this online now and set up notifications to be sure you will be among the first people to see such properties.
You may also wish to look into home auctions, which depending on what happens, the day can be a great place to get a property for under the going rate. Of course, you will have less information to make your decision with an auction, so you will need to consider whether such a risk is worth it most carefully.
A schedule of works
Next, when it comes to remodeling an older property, you will need to create a Schedule of Works document. This record lists every task that needs to be completed and how long they will take, and in what order they need to be done.
Such a document is vital because many things in a home remodel cannot occur unless the preceding tasks have been completed. Therefore, keeping track of precisely where you are is very important indeed.
Usually, a spreadsheet is the best option for a Schedule of Works. Then you can make a working copy where you can change things as you go along.
An architect
While your brain may be brimming with ideas for your remodel, it always pays to get an expert involved. In this case, it means engaging an architect to help you with your plans and designs.
Of course, it is essential to work with architects that have experience in transforming period homes when working with an older property. The reason being that there can be a whole range of specific challenges that need to be overcome for the project to be successful.
A budget
Finally, when it comes to remodeling an older home, having a budget to stick to is one of the most important things. Unfortunately, unlike newer builds, period homes can often reveal additional tasks as costs as work progresses, with issues such as damp, leaky roofs and subsidence being common.
Of course, you can minimize the risk of any unexpected remodel costs by getting a thorough survey completed before you begin. Although, making sure there is a realistic budget with a substantial buffer is also necessary for success.
