| Here are some tips to help prepare you for your home | | | | If you are not living in your home whilst it is being |
| renovation project, these tips will save you both time | | | | renovated don't plan to move back in the day after |
| and money. | | | | the expected completion date. Things can and do go |
| Hiring contractors | | | | wrong, you don't want to be stuck without anywhere |
| Don't just go for the cheapest contractor you find you | | | | to stay while a project is still being finished. |
| also need to consider the contractors experience, | | | | Depending on the amount of work being carried out |
| communication skills, quality of work and availability. | | | | allow at least a few days for things to run overtime. |
| Remember if a jobs is done right the first time it should | | | | You should also test out all workmanship before |
| last for many years, poor workmanship will lead to | | | | moving back in as it would be a major pain to move |
| extra costs as you find someone to fix the mistakes | | | | back home only to find you have no hot water or a |
| of the previous contractor. | | | | problem with the electricity. |
| Also don't be afraid to ask contractors for references, | | | | Don't assume green alternatives are more expensive |
| these reference should be clients the contractor has | | | | When you are getting quotes for your renovations you |
| done work for in the past. Contact these reference | | | | may be asked about green alternatives. Don't |
| and ask them any questions or concerns you may | | | | immediately think that these alternatives will cost you |
| have about the contractor, most people are happy to | | | | more money. Often there is government rebates for |
| help you avoid hiring a dodgy contractor or finding one | | | | choosing a green option and in the case of things like |
| that's great as they were once in a similar position to | | | | solar panels the initial price may seem expensive but |
| yourself. | | | | they will pay themselves of in the long run. |
| Be prepared for unexpected additional costs | | | | Get your hands dirty |
| Save aside some room in your budget for any | | | | The best way to save money is to do some of the |
| unexpected costs, while most tradesmen will do their | | | | work yourself. Things like painting can easily be done, |
| best to provide an accurate quote sometimes thing | | | | all you need to do is buy some drop sheets, brushes |
| pop up that are just out of their control. | | | | and a roller. For those that are a little more |
| An example of this would be when a certain type | | | | adventurous classes can be taken in basic home |
| timber you have ordered is out of stock, they can get | | | | renovation to teach you things like tiling, plastering and |
| the timber you requested but the wait is going to be | | | | floor sanding. Once you are shown how to do these |
| 30 days, you may need the work carried out | | | | things don't be afraid to have a go yourself, just take |
| immediately so timber needs to be ordered elsewhere | | | | your time and remember everything you learn and |
| at a higher price. | | | | you'll be surprised at what you can achieve. |
| Expect the project to run overtime | | | | |