1. Before you buy get a member of the Royal Institute of chartered surveyors to give you a full written report. They are the most experienced and best placed individuals to give you all the facts in an unbiased report. They have the skills and experience to then produce a schedule of works, once you have a schedule of works you can look for experienced contractors to undertake the renovation.
2. Choosing the right contractor : You should choose a contractor that has experience with the type of renovation that you are undertaking. They will be able to provide you with a fixed price quotation for all the items on your schedule of works. Your surveyor will be able to look at your contractor’s quotation and advise you on savings and specifications.
3. Start with the end in mind: Get a firm idea on paper of exactly what you want form your renovation project, take the time to think about finishes, floor heights, security systems, phone points, TV and audio points, the position of sockets, furniture, and how you will use the space.
4. Lead times: Certain items and renovation processes have lead times, drying times, importing times, and installation times, if your require new services you may not need them until the end of the project but they are some of the first things that need to be taken care of.
5. Budgets, funding and contingency: Winging it is NOT an option! One of the worst things that can happen during any renovation or conversion is running out of money. Money is the oxygen that a project needs to run efficiently, if funding gets too tight it often forces very poor decisions that can affect the end result and value of a renovation project.
6. Project phasing and works schedules: If you have your dream property but you do not quite have enough funds to safely carry out the renovation or development, it is a good idea to produce a schedule of works or phase the works. If you do this do not be tempted to do the nice bits first, do not fit the new kitchen and bathroom until the leaky roof has been repaired.
7. Set a sensible period of works: Good quality renovations of small commercial or large residential properties can take years, a complex renovation or conversion of listed buildings or buildings in a conservation area need to be agreed with the local authority conservation department. Liaising with a conservation officer can slow down vital stages in the project so make sure you allow enough time.
8. Follow your plans but follow your guide: Choose a surveyor and main contractor who will follow your plans and choices but be guided by their advice. It is truly the mark of a good contractor if they can lead and advise their client but remain mindful of following their wishes. Choose a contractor who will lead the project and manage the many components of a successful renovation or conversion. They are your one of your biggest assets so listen carefully to their advice and then make an informed decision once you have all the facts.
9. Passion and a commercial rational: Make sure you get what you want, but when spending tens of thousands of pounds always imagine yourself as an investor in the project. Peoples circumstances change, and if you chose to sell or change the use of your property would you realise the investment you have made?
10. Plan and enjoy: plan your project out as much as possible, make well thought out decisions early on and before a contractor is waiting on the phone for a decision. If you really want to enjoy your project and relax. The more you plan and research the more relaxed you will be during the renovation or conversion. Celebrate the milestones, spending that sort of cash always carries some level of stress, don’t wait until the end to celebrate enjoy the milestones along the way. Remember once you have finished a well planned project you will have something unique, something to be proud of, and some good memories!