Whether you're looking for a quick flip or forever home, everyone will have their own first time renovating experience.
Renovating definitely isn't for everyone, but for those ready to take the plunge, here's some things to consider!
Future Intentions:
Planning your renovating is a great way to bring on the speed to your building works, however dependant on your future intentions, it isn't nessessary.
The first thing you should consider when buying your reno project is your future needs. Your entire build, budget and choices will depend on the end goal.
Simply, are you planning on living here once it's finished, or is it a simple flip and rent/sell project? The amount of money and time you spend on your project will depend on your answer. And though answers change, it's good to have a starting point.
Here's how this affected us.
We bought the house with a five year plan - living here. This meant we spent more on specific decor and permanent furniture in rooms early on, as well as making choices that fit our needs. For instance, choosing to have no bath; expensive fitted wardrobes; Venetian plaster. After changing our plan to a short two year 'reno & go', our hindsight tells us that these didn't suit such a short term project. All I can say is that the new owners are lucky!
Capabilities:
What I mean by this is what you're already capable of before setting foot into your reno. It speaks for itself that your personal capabilities will affect your renovation's budget and timescale. Our page strives to give confidence to first-time DIY'ers and those alike; everyone can do it if they put their mind to it! That being said, if you're not DIY savvy, you've got to be more patient and allow time to practice them skills!
Time:
Time is the biggest killer. It has been my biggest enemy, and it will most likely be yours too.
Most of us start out with a full time job, maybe even kids, and other goals or commitments.
For me I work 9-10 hour days, Monday to Friday, and I also go to the gym 3 times per week. working out is non negotiable in my life, I wouldn’t feel like myself without it. However, it’s time spent away from things that could be done at home.
Realistically this only leaves the weekends to work on the Reno. One of my favourite quotes is “Don’t spend your weekends escaping the life you hate, instead spend them building the life you want”
We can all agree time gets away from us, but consider then when planning your realistic time-frame and it won't but such a shock!
Motivation:
When you first move in, your motivation will be endless. The painful tasks will seem painless and you'll be up for doing almost anything!
... after a few months of long evenings and tiring weekends, that motivation drops off. If you expect this, you'll be more prepared to run off discipline and determination, and that way, when things go wrong or you get that first burst pipe, you won't be too hard on yourself!
Motivation is a temporary thing, but ultimately, discipline is what keeps you from going out with your mates every weekend; spending money on useless things; not buying that car you want so you can keep your disposable income up. To do all of those things consistently over time, is the key to sticking by your plans, keeping affordability high, keep developing your capabilities, and maximise the time you have for the things that actually matter.
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