Embarking on a home renovation is an exciting and daunting prospect. So many things can go wrong, and it’s often hard to know where to start. To help you out, here is a list of the most common renovation problems and how to prevent them.
According to the latest data, the value of renovations in the city of Sydney was $5.4 billion in the 2016-17 financial year. This was an 8.4% increase from the previous financial year. A total of 170,000 renovations were carried out in Sydney during this time. This was a 5.1% increase from the previous financial year of renovations in sydney.
Many problems can occur during a home renovation, but some are more common than others. Here are some statistics on the most common problems faced during renovations in sydney, Australia.
- Cost overruns: 44% of renovators in Sydney have experienced cost overruns, where the project’s final cost is more than the original budget.
- Delays: 38% of renovators have experienced delays, where the project takes longer than expected to complete.
- Poor workmanship: 36% of renovators have had issues with poor workmanship, such as shoddy or incomplete work.
- Unexpected costs: 34% of renovators have encountered unexpected costs, such as hidden damage or extra materials needed.
- Disputes with the team: 30% of renovators have had disputes with their contractors, often over cost or quality of work.
Define Your Scope
Scope creep essentially happens when the scope of a project changes after it has already begun. This can be caused by several things, such as adding new features or changing the specifications of existing features. Scope creep can lead to schedule delays and cost overruns, so it’s essential to prevent it by defining the scope of your project upfront.
Hire The Right One
A good team will be honest with you about what they can and can’t do, and they’ll work with you to create a realistic budget and schedule.
On the other hand, a lousy one might try to cut corners or do shoddy work to save money. This can lead to big problems down the road, so it’s important to vet your contractor carefully before hiring them.
Here are a few popularly known things to look for when you’re hiring a contractor:
-Check their references. Talk to other homeowners who have used their services in the past and see how they felt about the experience.
-Make sure they have insurance. This is important in case something goes wrong during the work process.
-Get everything in writing. Before starting any work, ensure you have a detailed contract outlining the scope of work and estimated completion date and total cost.
Get Everything In Writing
Even if you trust your contractor implicitly, it’s essential to get everything in writing. This includes a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, a schedule of milestones, and a payment plan. Everything in writing will help protect you if there are any disagreements down the line.
It’s also essential to get all quotes and estimates in writing. This way, you can compare apples to apples when choosing the best one for the job.
Don’t Skimp On Materials
Skimping on materials may save you money in the short term, but it will likely lead to problems down the road. Use durable materials that are appropriate for the area you’re refurbishing. For example, use quality appliances and countertops if you’re redoing your kitchen. In the bathroom, use tiles that are resistant to mould and mildew.
Conclusion
- Leaks: Check all plumbing fixtures and pipes for leaks. Also, look for any water damage on walls or ceilings.
- Electrical Issues: Inspect all electrical outlets and switches to ensure they work correctly. If you notice any sparks or exposed wires, call an electrician immediately.
- Mould/Mildew: Keep an eye out for mould or mould growth, especially in damp areas like the bathroom or kitchen. Be sure to clean these areas regularly to prevent the problem from worsening.
