How to renovate your home ? Where to start? These questions invade the minds of many homeowners, and it’s perfectly normal to ask them. Managing a construction site can’t be improvised!
From assessing the condition of your home to carrying out the work, many steps punctuate a renovation project. So what’s the key to a successful renovation ? Rigorous and strategic planning. It will protect you from mistakes that could cost you dearly.
Financial planning is a crucial first step before the project can be implemented. Renovations are also subject to very specific regulations. Hence the importance of following administrative procedures to the letter. And of course, the support of a professional or home renovation company will be a real plus from the start.
So what are the key points that should be your focus? In this article, we’ll reveal all the key steps that will lead you to success!
The essential steps of renovating a house
Giving your home a facelift and bringing it up to code is very tempting. But there are several steps involved in this project. A home inspection is essential to determine which renovation projects to prioritize. This initial assessment will be the cornerstone of the renovation.
Renovating a home requires a substantial budget. This is why starting without estimating the cost of the work is very risky. Furthermore, financial assistance can help ease your expenses. It’s at this stage of the planning process that you’ll need to find out what requirements you need to meet to qualify.
Another aspect not to be overlooked when planning work: regulations. A prior declaration or building permit may be required depending on the nature and scope of the work. Therefore, pay attention to the associated administrative procedures .
For a smooth construction process, careful planning is essential. This is essential for meeting deadlines and ensuring the quality of the work. The involvement of an architect is strongly recommended from the outset. They are best placed to coordinate the work and oversee the project from start to finish.
Want to get a clearer idea of each step? Let’s dive into the details!
Diagnosis and careful inspection of the house
Whether you are renovating a house you have just purchased or restoring a house you have owned for several years, you must base your project on a careful diagnosis.
Why is this step essential when you renovate your home?
This step is essential because it reveals the smallest problems that need to be improved within the home. The most important elements should be given your attention. These include those related to the safety and comfort of the home.
Electrical installations
During this meticulous inspection, identify any non-compliance with current standards. Check the condition of each piece of equipment, from the meter to the cables, and analyze their performance. This is a priority, given that nearly a third of domestic fires are caused by faulty installations.
Plumbing and heating in your home
Moisture and water infiltration problems should also be taken seriously. This is why it’s important to be extra careful when diagnosing your plumbing. Carefully check every pipe and drain.
The heating system is also very important. It not only affects your comfort, but also impacts your energy bills. Replacing it could be beneficial for you. Assess its condition and performance!
The roof and the facade
A roof leak problem should not be overlooked. It should be a priority when renovating your home. Inspecting your roof covering allows you to spot any leaks or damage. It’s important to remember that your roof also plays an important role in your home’s energy performance .
The facade of your home serves both a protective and aesthetic purpose. It protects your home from water infiltration. It ensures its strength and prevents moisture problems. This is why the law requires homeowners to renovate their facades every 10 years. You can take advantage of your renovation project to restore its shine and make any necessary repairs.
Thermal and sound insulation of the house
The quality of your home’s thermal insulation determines your indoor comfort, its value, and the amount of your energy bills. Identifying thermal bridges and inefficient installations allows you to plan the necessary energy improvement work . This will help you achieve a better energy rating.
Toxic materials
Renovating your home also gives you the opportunity to get rid of any toxic materials such as asbestos or lead . These pose a health hazard. A diagnostic will allow you to detect their presence.
What are some practical tips for a successful home renovation?
Don’t want to miss anything during this first step? Equip yourself with a checklist of everything you need to check in your home. Also, consider getting help from the very beginning. A professional architect will put their expertise at your service. A project manager can also help plan, coordinate, and monitor the work.
Given the delicate nature of energy-related work within a home, consider an energy audit. A professional RGE-certified diagnostician will be of great help to you. But what does this professional offer you? After assessing your home’s energy performance, they include recommendations for work in their report, based on priority.
The definition of the budget
The cost of home renovations varies greatly. This is why it’s not easy to estimate the total cost of the project alone. The overall condition of your home will make all the difference. The budget you’ll need will also depend on the quality of the materials. And of course, professional tradespeople charge freely for their services. This may explain the price difference between companies.
How to estimate the cost of home renovation work?
Here is a brief overview of the average prices for each type of intervention.
Type of renovation | Types of work | Average cost per square meter |
Structural renovation of the house | Roof repair | 150 to 300 € |
Foundation work | 100 to 250 € | |
Facade renovation | 50 to 150 € | |
Consolidation of load-bearing walls | €2,000 and more | |
Energy renovation of housing | Exterior insulation | 100 to 200 € |
Attic insulation | 25 to 60 € | |
Heat pump installation | Between €8,000 and €15,000 | |
Installation of solar panels | Between €8,000 and €20,000 | |
Aesthetic renovation and interior design | Floor covering renovation | 30 to 150 € |
Refreshing the painting of the walls | 15 to 50 € | |
Bathroom renovation | 3000 to 12,000 € | |
Custom kitchen design | 5,000 to 20,000 € |
These prices are estimates only. To control your budget, don’t hesitate to shop around. Choose certified craftsmen and set aside a budget for contingencies.
Would you like a clear and detailed idea of your project? Contact us to request a personalized quote ! Fill out our form.
What assistance is available for renovation?
Ma Prime Renov, the zero-interest eco-loan , local subsidies, and energy suppliers are financial solutions available to you. Looking to reduce your expenses caused by the high cost of energy renovations? Check your eligibility for these programs!
Ma Prime Renov , available through Anah , offers financial assistance for a home energy renovation project . The amount granted depends on the type of work carried out. It can reach €15,000. Your income will also be carefully analyzed when calculating the bonus and will make all the difference. To be eligible for your application, you must own a house that was built at least 15 years ago. The home must be occupied as your primary residence.
To further reduce your home renovation expenses, consider combining it with a zero-interest eco-loan. You can apply for this loan through partner banks. You’ll need a quote from professionals for the work. Energy Saving Certificates can also be a plus, as can local government assistance.
Planning ahead will be your best friend! To renovate your home without breaking the bank , find out about these financial aid options from the start.
Legal permits and regulations for renovating your home
Renovating your home without checking the regulations exposes you to severe penalties. You must undertake the work in compliance with current standards. And while a simple interior wall refresh can be done freely, this isn’t the case for all renovations. A prior declaration or building permit may be required.
Prior declaration of renovation work on your home
A prior declaration of work is required for minor changes affecting the exterior of your home or its floor space. For example, you must complete this form if you plan to alter the facade of your home. This requirement applies to facade renovations, window replacements, or siding installation.
If your work involves creating an extension no larger than 20 m², this declaration will suffice. Roof renovations or converting a garage into a living space are also subject to this rule.
How do I get it? Submit your application, including the CERFA form, to the town hall. Attach a plan of the work and visuals of your current home.
The building permit
For more extensive work, applying for a building permit is mandatory! This document is required whenever the renovation of your home affects the structure or living space. Extensions of more than 40 m², the creation of a new floor, modifications to load-bearing walls, and conversion of a room into a dwelling are all covered.
The steps for the application? Submit a file including the house renovation plans, photos, and a detailed description of the project to the town hall. To avoid delaying the renovation project, submit your application early. Processing time can take up to two months.
Some key points to note
The various energy renovation projects within your home must comply with RT2012 and RE2020 standards. In the case of an extension, the intervention of an architect is mandatory as soon as the total surface area exceeds 150 m². Their assistance will be of great help to you. They ensure the compliance of the renovation work and assist you in applying for the permit.
If the work carried out is not declared, the neighborhood can resort to legal action if local regulations are not respected. In the event of non-compliance with the Local Urban Planning Scheme, demolition may also be required by the town hall.
Planning renovation work
Wondering how to renovate your home efficiently ? The answer is simple! A hierarchical organization is key.
Prioritize the structural work! Focus on everything related to the roof, foundations, or sanitation. The secondary work will come afterward: upgrading the electrical system, modernizing the heating system, thermal insulation work, etc.
You will then finish with the finishing work . Finalize the work to fit out the interior space and the different rooms, as well as the repair of the various coverings…
Delays can inflate your budget and lead to unexpected costs. The solution? Establish a realistic construction schedule. Our architects can help and advise you on this process. And to protect yourself from damage and poor workmanship after the work is completed, consider insurance.
The craftsmen you hire must have a ten-year warranty . Don’t forget to check the certificate at the start of the project. Also consider taking out building damage insurance to benefit from compensation in the event of a claim.
Finally, regular and careful monitoring of the project is essential. Don’t hesitate to bring together the contractors regularly and request a report for each step. This way, you can monitor the progress of your home renovation.
Finishing work: the little extra for your renovated house
Are the major renovations completed? Time to add the finishing touches to beautify your home’s interior! Plan ahead from the start to create a pleasant and enjoyable living space. Adopt the latest trends in materials, equipment, and decor!
What types of coating should you choose?
Walls play a vital role in interior design. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they can also create a sense of space in rooms, depending on their color. Choose light colors to make rooms appear larger.
Opt for natural materials for flooring. Wood is appreciated for its timeless and warm feel. A beautiful wooden floor or exposed wooden beams will add charm to your home. Stone or polished concrete are also excellent alternatives.
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. Design it with care. Choose materials that combine durability and aesthetics, such as polished concrete, to give it character.
How to optimize interior space?
Optimizing space is essential to making the most of every square meter of your home. Our advice? Choose custom-made furniture to maximize the space in the various rooms of the house. Combine functionality and aesthetics by increasing storage space from the living room to the bedrooms, all the way to the kitchen. Wall-mounted bathroom furniture is trendy and space-saving. A central island in the kitchen enhances the room’s functionality and provides additional workspace.
How to use lighting to enhance the rooms of the house?
When planning your interior design, consider maximizing natural light in every room, from the living room to the kitchen to the bedrooms. Install large windows in bedrooms and opt for double glazing to improve energy efficiency. Bay windows and skylights will also be your best allies in living areas. Select each type of lighting based on the desired ambiance.
How to renovate your house: the essential points to remember!
Renovating your home is a project that requires careful and meticulous planning. It’s important to assess all the elements of your home to determine the priority work to be done. Indeed, a home renovation is not just about aesthetic improvements.
The structural work must come first, followed by the finishing work, and then the finishing touches. In all cases, establishing a clearly defined schedule is essential. Evaluating the cost of each intervention is just as essential, as is defining your budget. You must follow the necessary administrative procedures to comply with regulations. Is all this overwhelming?
Entrust your renovation project to a specialized company like Reno and benefit from expert advice! We provide you with a professional architect and a team of qualified craftsmen. Don’t hesitate to request your free quote! We’ll assist you from planning to finishing work in every room of your home!
