Is your apartment experiencing issues that are disrupting your daily life? Or have you just purchased it? Renovating isn’t a bad decision; it’s more a way of demonstrating your desire to add your personal touch and bring ingenuity to your living space.
Indeed, to renovate optimally and save time, you’ll need to follow a number of standards or best practices to effectively carry out your renovation work. That’s why we’ve designed this checklist to help you.
1. Take stock of the situation
If you want to completely renovate your apartment, you need to identify the work and proceed from the most urgent to the least urgent. The less important things will have to wait in favor of the urgent ones. Termites in the roof structure, roof leaks, electrical installations, and insulation work are all aspects that need to be prioritized. This is far from an exhaustive list; it’s still relative, but your sofa can wait! You can call on diagnosticians to help you take stock of the situation, so you’ll have an effective priority list.
2. Carry out the planning
Successful renovations require a good schedule. Your schedule will aim to execute your priority list step by step, hence the importance of the inventory. This is an important step in defining the objectives you must achieve one after the other. You can even write it down and include deadlines for the objectives to be achieved. For example, windows and insulation must be replaced before a boiler, so it will be sized according to your energy needs, without forgetting that destructive work like plumbing will be done before tiling or furniture installation. It is important to request quotes from professionals to find out the best options available to you in order to optimize your budget.
3. Keep an eye on the budget
After knowing what will or won’t be done in your renovations, it’s time to figure out how much it will cost and what budget you should plan for. It’s time to meet with the craftsmen who will be handling your project so they can provide you with a quote that fits your budget! Anticipating your budget will allow you to minimize the risk of setbacks during your renovation and optimize the quality of what will be done. You can reduce your bills by taking advantage of tax credits or grants offered by expert organizations. The best thing to do is to see it as an investment in your quality of life. If you later decide to sell or rent your apartment, your financial efforts will be rewarded.
4. Administrative procedures
Owning your own home doesn’t exempt you from adhering to urban planning regulations. Indeed, there are laws in place for renovations depending on their scope. For example, an extension of more than 150m² will require you to obtain a building permit. Consulting municipal services will help you clarify the legal procedures that will apply to your project. Seeking help from an architect is also a better option.
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5. Warn those around you
You’re probably aware that your renovations might involve noise or disturb some of your neighbors. It would be nice to let them know that your apartment is undergoing renovations. A quick note in a strategic location is a welcome gesture. You should notify them before even submitting a request to the town hall in the event of major renovations. Present your project to your neighbors to gather their various opinions and show that their opinions matter to you. No need to ask all over the street; the closest neighbors will suffice.
6. Work with professionals
To successfully complete your renovation project, it’s best to entrust it to an expert in the field. The success of your project will depend on the quality of the craftsman entrusted with the work. Finding one and trusting them isn’t easy, but there are key criteria you’ll need to follow. First, do some Google research to be able to choose the best option, then consider customer references and years of service. If you choose a company instead of a professional, emphasize their seniority.
The price nevertheless remains a parameter that must be taken into account because it is important that your expenses are within the standards, a professional company must be able to offer you the best possible options. Here are some situations that could happen to you if you choose the wrong renovation company: Abandonment of the site, repeated supplements that will considerably increase your budget, poor workmanship that could endanger the stability of your home, exploded execution deadlines… This is therefore the most sensitive part of your project, if you have doubts about your choice take a few days to think about it before starting.
7. Ensure safety
Now that everything is ready and work has begun, there are still a few precautions to take for your safety, that of the tradespeople, and that of your property. To avoid dangers during destructive work such as electrical and plumbing work, you will need to wear helmets, gloves, and safety glasses. Any major renovation must begin with an electrical compliance assessment, which must be validated by an authorized professional, such as Consuel or any authorized third-party organization or company. It is your duty to be attentive to everything and prevent any risk of insecurity during the work.
You can anticipate unpleasant surprises by taking out specific insurance for your work or requesting a pre-work audit from a bailiff. Avoid fewer risks by taking more precautions.
8. Follow the project
A very sensitive aspect, project monitoring will help you ensure all the critical elements of your schedule are respected. You can take charge of this yourself, but it could be difficult for you if the work is being carried out by several tradespeople. However, you can delegate the task to a professional or a company that knows the ropes. Remember that you must be strict about meeting deadlines and meeting the most urgent objectives. Schedule meetings with project stakeholders to listen to any potential issues they encounter and to be informed of the progress of your project.
A renovation project is not to be taken lightly; it’s advisable to seek professional help whenever you’re stuck. From the initial assessment to the start of the project, you must adhere to several principles that are beneficial to you and those around you. You should be committed to carefully monitoring your project to ensure you achieve the desired results effectively. Choosing the right professionals requires great vigilance; the consequences of making the wrong choice will be dire. Don’t panic; you’ll succeed.
