Although ultimately, your renovation is your project, in order for works to move smoothly and be completed with minimal fuss stress, and on time you should get certain professionals involved as early as the planning stage. This is so that they can advise you on certain areas of your project that you may not have known about.
#1 Plumber
For instance, plumbers will be able to advise you on the plumbing services that are available to you, such as moving pipework, drainage issues, and extending or moving soil pipes. They will also be able to advise you on major installations like water heaters, which can improve your home and affect your enjoyment of your renovation project if it includes a bathroom or a kitchen.
#2 Carpenters
Carpenters can help with various jobs, from fitting wooden flooring to building cupboards for bedrooms and kitchens. If you require their skills in any part of your renovation, you should ensure that they are at least given a preview, as they will be able to advise you as to what materials you can use, as well as the best method of using their skills and expertise.
#3 Electricians
Undoubtedly, you will need to consult an electrician, especially if you are opting to have a smart home. They will be able to assess and advise you on what you will need and the best places to get your technology from. They will also need to know in advance how many electrical points and have an idea of the voltage that you will require, and advise you on any safety measures that will need to be taken into account.
#4 Builders
If you are thinking of having an extension, renovating the exterior of your home, or knocking down or building a wall, albeit a partition made of board or brick, you are going to need to speak to a builder. When it comes to removing walls, they will be able to advise you whether or not it is a load-bearing wall. If it is, you will have the added expense of purchasing and installing a lintel, and if it isn’t, then it will be easily removed without your home falling apart.
A few final thoughts
All the information and advice that is provided to you by these professionals will no doubt impact your renovation project and your budget.
However, rather than opting for the first contractor you find, you should have at least three of each to advise you and provide you with written quotes for the work that you want to do. You may find that some are more forthcoming with information while others could be guarded.
Only hire the services of those that seem to you to be knowledgeable and experienced. Where possible, ask to see or speak to previous customers. Be wary of those offering a particularly cheap deal, as it may be due to the fact that they do not really know the level of work that is involved.
Never pay full amounts upfront, and instead, if this is asked for, choose to pay in small installments when certain parts of the workload are complete; always ask for a written quote and a written receipt for work completed.
