What's the most stressful part of a renovation?
A home improvement project can be lots of fun: you can envision gathering with family and friends to cook delicious meals in your new chef’s kitchen, or even feel the warmth of your new steam shower.
You have a great plan, everything is sort it out ... in your mind. As with most things, the more prepared you are, it can also induce quite a lot of stress.
Thinking about a previous project that you've completed, or perhaps a project you're in the midst of, what's stresses you out the most about it?
We are share with you hire with some quotes from a poll, taken from the popular interior design site, about what homeowners and professionals say is the most stressful process of a renovation.
So, here are some adviсes and experience from the repair projects participants as it is. We hope, it will help you realised that you are not alone in the World of Construction:
PRO: "Essential to have a builder/contractor on board who understands your needs, requirements and is willing to work closely with you, especially if you intend to stay in the property whilst the work is being undertaken. Equally, ensuring that the Architect provides the fullest package of information to the builder in advance. We've found that most people are okay with the design and planning stages but the actual work programme is by far the most stressful".
HO: "The market at the moment is flooded with cowboys who should never be let anywhere near to anyone's homes - thankfully few get near mine after rarely turning up in the first place! If you find anyone good, look after them as if they are your own family - they are a very rare breed indeed. Sadly, the boom and bust nature of the housing and construction industries in this country has resulted in very little proper investment in the next generations. As a result I generally wouldn't employ the services of anyone under the age of 40 or who hasn't done a proper apprenticeship. Better still, do as much as possible yourself!
PRO: "It is always advisable to have a contingency fund, especially when refurbishing. 10-15%. A good tradesperson would usually advise this or inform their client that in their terms and conditions, that should any unforeseen extras arise, for whatever reason, a further cost would be incurred. This should always be discussed first".
Picture source: The guardian
A family living on a building site in Sanchaung township, Yangon.
HO: "We've been working on the hall, took down a false ceiling a few weeks ago, now removing the original. Worst thing - the dust and dirt - pulling down ceiling - half a days work, and now another half day to get the plasterboard and sound insulation up, all ready for the plasterer. However, clearing away all the rubble, bits of wood with nails in them and general dirt will take another full day and there will be dust for months..."
PRO: "We find that living on the 'building site' is often stressful for our clients. Our advice would always be, if possible, is to move out during the renovation work".
HO: "Complete renovation - inside and out including gardens. Most stressful element when the build uncovers additional items that have to be done and all monies are gone! and the place is in an unliveable state, so you have to go on with the build".
PRO: "Most important factors when employing any tradesperson:
1. Always employ the services of a referred tradesperson and if possible, go and have a look at their work.
2. If you pay cheap, you pay twice. The cheapest is usually a cowboy and will cut corners wherever they can to make money.
3. Get a minimum of 3 quotes from different people. There is no rush when decorating your home and it is important to get it done to a high standard so the job will last.4. Remember that the worse preparation you see, the better.
5. Find out from your referrals if the tradesperson you consider tides up after themselves everyday. When we do, you will be able to see what has been done at the end of each day, and not a mess.
6. Make sure from your referral that your tradesperson is a finisher completer and has an attention to detail.
7. Save up as much money as you can before you start and always have a 10-15% contingency of the price quote set aside for emergencies and unexpected faults or extras.
9. Talk to your contractor every day and ask for a schedule of works. (See "process")
10. Remember that you are investing in your home and that a great decorator is paramount to the finish of any project as this is what you will see at the end of it all and have to live with" Kim T.
HO: "I had a new bathroom fitted on Friday . The team of 2 arrived 6 hours late, 3 workers short . They hadn't been informed of below the bath asbestos so work had to be halted , some poor communication between planner and contractor . They had planned to be finished by 3pm but were still here at 8.30pm . I had to step in and tell them the history of previous work so they could reroute things . They left a mess , the bath and toilet are leaking , the bath is dangerously slippy and of poor quality . Home improvement? I don't think so ! I cried the next morning..." Old Lady.
PRO: "Find and Architect that you can work with".
HO: "Something usually has to give & it's stressful making hundreds of decisions based on budget, planning approvals, availability of items, significant others, trades coordinating, etc & the process is often likened to bearing a child...;)"
PRO: "We have found over the years the budget is the most important consideration for clients, but equally it is the aspect of the project they find most difficult to get reliable advice on".
HO: "The most stressful part of our two storey extension was getting planning permission. Our builders have been amazing and I've not found the build stressful. I'm finding making decisions about the interior quite stressful, flooring, paint colours etc".
PRO: "Delays happen when things are not properly planned - so get the design right first time and then stick to it (See in "Process" what is "Freez Stage"). Don't loose your nerve part way through and trust your professional advisor/designer".
HO "I am too impatient, so unexpected delays are a nightmare for me. Currently renovating a Victorian semi, trying to get the colour scheme right has been difficult and has meant duplicating work but we have got there in the end".
PRO: "Communication can be a major problem. Contractors need to manage clients expectations a little better. Remember a successful project requires teamwork and cooperation between all parties"
May be you want to share your thoughts and your experience with us as well?
