Renovating or extending your home exactly to your specifications can be a highly challenging undertaking. When planning any remodeling of your home there are several critical steps to consider. Below are three very important aspects to consider.

Work out your budget

The cost of remodeling your home can run high. Overestimate what the development costs will be, as chances are you will run over budget. Make sure you have the funds to cover unexpected costs. If you intend to take out a loan or remortgage to cover the cost of the development, discuss with your bank or lending company what they will lend you, as well as the repayment options. It may be tempting to take out a higher loan than you had originally planned if the bank offers this as an option, but take into consideration the interest you will have to pay back. Only take out a loan that you can comfortably afford to pay back each month.

Source a top team

Sourcing a great team of professionals to work on your project is paramount for a successful remodeling of your home. Check up on reviews and feedback on any design and construction company that catches your eye. Ask for an accurate estimate on how much the project will cost you, as well as the time they will take to complete the work. Request to see samples of previous work, and then check accreditations and certifications. When sourcing your team ensure they are well established with an excellent track record on all types of construction, such as extension building. You may pay more for a well-established team than a smaller less-established outfit, but the peace of mind in knowing the work will be carried out as specified is invaluable. A well-established team will also offer guarantees. If you go with a less established team, chances are you will save money; however, the risk of them suddenly disappearing once the job is complete is higher. If you have any issues with poor building work with a less-established team, you have much less recourse.

Planning permission

Do not forget to check up on the legalities relating to your remodeling project. Your home development plans must conform to local authority stipulations. If unsure, check with your local authority if you will need to apply for permission. A well-established project team will likely follow this up on your behalf, but less established teams may not. Make sure to double check before paying out for work to be done. Failure to conform to building and construction stipulations could end up resulting in removal of any construction that does not conform to regulations, at your expense. On top of this, you may end up with a hefty fine on top. Double checking that you have no potential planning permission problems will save you a lot of stress later on, so well worth the added hassle.

Lastly, it is a good idea to take a series of photos of your home prior to any construction work being carried out, followed by after shots. This will help you if you have any disputes down the line.