Know what you want.
Take the time you need to explore the possibilities for your home and develop a firm plan. Begin with the fundamentals – what do you need and how do you want your ‘new’ home to look, feel and work. Once you have a clear idea of what you need, hire an HIA builder to help you work out the details.
Set a realistic budget.
Decide as early as possible how much you want to spend. This allows you and your builder to focus on the work that can be achieved. Experienced builders can provide sound cost advice and recommendations that work.
Get the finance that suits you.
Sit down with your lender and discuss the amount you can reasonably afford and the most suitable financing options. Remember that your budget should cover everything that may arise from the renovation, including such items as new drapery, blinds, furniture and appliances.
Plan for the long term.
Thinking ahead avoids short-term renovations that may need to be fixed in the future. Discuss your short and long-term goals with Emanate & Co who can conduct a thorough inspection of your home and offer suggestions for the most effective sequencing of work over time.
Don’t jeopardise the quality of your renovation by compromising the quality of materials.
If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well. That means using products that offer the right combination of performance, durability and aesthetics. Experienced builders can help you choose the best products within your budget.
Don’t choose a builder on price alone.
While the lowest price is tempting, you need to consider the implications that come with a lower bill. Does the builder understand what is involved in your project and have the necessary experience? Will the builder offer a warranty on the work? Will the builder still be in business if you need to call back?
Protect yourself.
Dealing with an established builder that is also members of relevant industry bodies, such as HIA & MBA, is your greatest protection against an incompetent or unfinished job. A written contract spells out the arrangements between you and your builder and describes your renovation in full detail.
