Budgeting, floor plans, interior design options, and much more – there are many moving parts when it comes to a home renovation in Adelaide. To ensure a successful renovation project, you should always keep your finger on the pulse and understand how the project is progressing. If you don’t, you might have to correct or redo certain items, which can take additional time and money.
So, per the adage of ‘measure twice, cut once,’ the team at Finch Constructions has compiled a list of flaws that may go unnoticed when renovating your home, as well as how you can best avoid making these mistakes in your home renovation project.
Unforeseen Budgeting Constraints
When you’re short on funds, dealing with renovation issues can become increasingly difficult. Even the best-planned renovation projects may encounter financial difficulties along the way, resulting in delays, lower quality work, and a higher overall cost in the long run if you don’t account for additional charges.
As such, having a healthy margin (10 to 15%) for any unexpected circumstances during the renovation project is one of the best ways to resolve any potential budgeting issues and the stress that comes with them. This way, you won’t have to change your plans halfway through or sacrifice quality to finish the job; instead, you can have a quick conversation with your builder and proceed with the project as planned.
Unnoticed Water Damage
Water damage is a common but serious issue. The underlying cause could be roof damage causing water to leak through the ceiling or a plumbing problem. Water damage is frequently overlooked until a home renovation project begins.
If someone discovers water damage during renovation, your builder will first ensure that any structural and roofing issues are addressed and repaired completely. They may need to bring in several specialists to deal with secondary issues, such as mould removal, to ensure that your home is a safe and healthy environment for your family.
The best way to deal with water damage before it becomes a problem during the renovation is to have your contractor conduct a thorough sweep of the premises before beginning renovation work. This way, you’ll be able to include additional costs in your renovation budget, allowing for a much more accurate project timeline and cost calculations.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Because building codes change, you may need to redo your plumbing and electrical systems, especially if the building is older. As a result, be prepared for delays if your renovation includes plumbing or electrical changes, such as in the kitchen or bathroom. Updating your plumbing and electrical systems may appear to be time-consuming, but keeping your home safe and in compliance with current regulations is necessary.
When it comes to plumbing, loose-fitting, clogged, and broken pipes will need an immediate, code-compliant replacement. Older pipe materials (such as galvanised pipes which are prone to corrosion, clogging, and leaking) should also be replaced for health reasons and to prevent future water damage to your home.
Your builders should also thoroughly replace old electrical wiring to meet modern code requirements, as they may not be able to handle the demand of modern appliances and can pose a dangerous fire risk in the worst-case scenarios. In addition, be sure to plan your electrical outlets, as this can save you from purchasing too many extension cords for your home.
The Presence of Existing Unsafe Materials
During your renovation project, your builders may come across old, dangerous materials such as asbestos and lead that must be handled and disposed of properly. Outsourcing the disposal work to a relevant specialist can add time and costs to your renovation project as these materials are removed from the premises.
To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, it is critical to have an inspector visit the premises well before the renovation project begins to determine whether or not these materials exist. This way, you’re not putting the builders on hold while these materials are removed, and it’s a much safer option than having to discover these hazardous materials halfway through the project.
Quality Home Renovations With Finch Constructions
With over 40 years of experience as renovation builders in Adelaide, Finch Constructions is here to provide our clients with the services they require to build the dream home they’ve always wanted. Our highly skilled team is here to ensure that your renovation needs are met and completed to the smallest detail. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
