Renovation

Are you renovating soon? Then it is useful to prepare properly. In this article, you will read more about renovation costs and discover useful tips to help you find the right contractor.

What does a renovation cost?

These costs depend on the room you want to renovate. See below the average home remodelling costs per room, from basic to luxury.

 

How are remodelling costs structured?

The cost of different remodelling projects varies enormously from one situation to another. If you have a specific project in mind, you can click through to your desired remodelling project below.

• Toilet remodelling
• Bathroom remodelling
• Attic renovation
• Kitchen remodelling
• Accessory construction

Average hourly rate of different remodelling contractors

Often several specialists are involved in a remodelling project. You can choose to hire these specialists separately yourself, or you can opt for a contractor. A contractor can often take on several projects and also often has connections with and between different specialists. So you don’t have to think about this. For the average cost of a contractor and other experts, take a look below:

 

Follow the remodelling step-by-step plan

Let your remodelling go smoothly, and create or follow a step-by-step plan. Find how to organise your renovation step by step here.

Step 1. Do some preparatory work

During the preparation, you have already decided what kind of renovation you will do. To make sure your renovation goes smoothly and you don’t have any problems later on, you should think about the following points:

• Determine your budget. Get some inspiration as to the cost of the renovation.
• Discuss with your bank how you are going to finance the renovation.
• Enquire whether your insurance company will cover any additional costs due to damage.

Step 2. Check permits and subsidies

Discover whether permits and subsidies are relevant to you.

• Some renovations require a permit. Research whether you need to apply for these and check the application deadline. Check with your municipality.
• Inquire with the municipality whether there are any grants you are eligible for.

Step 3. Make an overall time plan

By making an overall time plan, you will form a clear picture of the renovation for yourself and the contractor.

Step 4. Get quotes

You have estimated your budget and can now start looking for the right renovator. You can get free, no-obligation quotes from remodelling companies in your area.

Step 5. Compare the quotations

By comparing your quotations, you are well informed about the offers. This way, you will choose the best contractor and save on the renovation cost.

Step 6. Liaise with your neighbours

Discuss your remodelling plans with your neighbours to avoid any nuisance.

Step 7. Apply for the necessary permits

If necessary, apply for the necessary permits from your municipality.

Step 8. Make agreements and put them on paper

Get together with your chosen construction company to discuss the entire renovation. Put the agreements in writing to avoid surprises during or after the renovation. Consider payment terms, storage of building materials and more.

Step 9. Arrange a temporary place to sleep

With total renovation, living in your own home is often impossible. With a bathroom renovation, your shower is often temporarily disabled. So arrange temporary accommodation in good time.

Step 10. Give your contractor some space

It is unpleasant when you are doing your job, what you are good at, and constantly being watched. So give your contractor some leeway. They are experts in remodelling.

Step 11. Enjoy the end result of your wonderful renovation

After your renovation, enjoy your home with a new look. Here are a few tips we can share with you:

• Make sure you keep your contracts.
• Make sure you keep your building permits and grants.
• Keep asking where the renovator laid the pipes.
• Keep ventilating after your renovation; wet plasterwork or wet floors can cause a lot of moisture in your home. Ventilation is a simple form of moisture control or better moisture prevention.

Construction permits

When you are going to remodel, you sometimes need a permit. Usually, this is the environmental permit. You can check this by going to your local council.

It also happens that you can remodel without a permit. When you follow the rules in the 2012 Building Decree. This contains minimum building requirements regarding safety, health, usability and energy efficiency. You must also comply with municipal regulations on building regulations, aesthetic requirements and the zoning plan. Having an amount in your mind before talking to the contractor is important. This will ensure you do not exceed your desired budget, as there are always solutions.

We recommend that you reserve an amount of about 5% of the total sum for unforeseen costs. After all, you don’t know in advance what extra costs you can expect.

How will you finance your renovation?

The method of payment depends on your financial situation. Maybe you have enough savings; if not, you will have to take out a loan or extend your mortgage.

• Savings – the most advantageous

This is often the most advantageous method of payment. It does depend on the renovation costs and the amount of your savings. Get information from a tax adviser beforehand. Is the amount higher than the limit in box 3 (income from savings and investments)? Then it is even more worthwhile to finance your renovation with your savings. This is because you pay tax on these savings.

• Mortgage extension

You can also finance your renovation by extending your mortgage. Due to high closing costs, this is a wise choice, provided the remodelling amount is at least £25,000. Usually, the mortgage enjoys a repayment period of 30 years.

• Take out a loan

And then, there is the option of taking out a personal loan. The term of this loan is often up to 20 years and has a higher interest rate than the mortgage. If you improve your home in terms of environmental friendliness and you can prove this, this higher interest is often deductible.

Construction subsidies

Are you curious to know whether you are eligible for a subsidy? First, check out the nature of your renovation. You are only eligible for a subsidy for several years if your renovation project is linked to an energy-saving essence. For instance, several permits accommodate your insulation project, as this is an energy-saving initiative.

You will find various national and municipal subsidies in the energy subsidy guide.

How to find the best renovator?

The best renovator is a reliable one. Here are some tips to help you find the best available builder for your renovation project:

• Question references: There are bound to be people in your area with positive renovation experiences. Ask about their experiences with construction companies/contractors.
• Read reviews: Consult the internet for relevant reviews. This is also a convenient way to learn from other people’s experiences.
• Compare quotes: Request several remodelling quotes from different remodellers in your area.

View quality marks: Check out the relevant quality marks. Hallmarks say a lot about the quality of products and/or services. When a renovator holds a hallmark or certificate, it means that they guarantee quality.

Don’t become a thief of your own wallet. Follow the following simple saving tips.

1. Pay attention to your insulation: If you are going to renovate, insulate your room as well as possible immediately. Moreover, the government encourages insulation. As a result, the VAT rate has been reduced from 19% to 6% for floor insulation, roof insulation and facade insulation since 2009. This applies to labour and material costs.
2. Choose a local company: A company located nearby is particularly flexible. Moreover, it is a waste to pay unnecessarily high call-out charges.