Blog

Renovating your home is an exciting time but, like all major projects, it comes with its stresses. Up-front planning and preparation are the keys to minimising that stress. Whether you are looking at a small or large upgrade, here are 5 important considerations before you get started. 1. Check out the legal requirements Not all minor building projects and renovations need council approval, however, it’s essential to check this out beforehand. Rules and regulations can vary from one local council to another. If your renovation does need council approval, you will need to submit a development application and wait for approval to proceed. 2. Get your budget sorted There’s nothing as frustrating as getting halfway through a project and running short on finance. It’s essential to have the building work fully costed and ensure you have the budget to cover it. Cost blowouts due to unforeseen elements should also be allowed for. It’s a good idea to have additional funds available should they be needed. 3. Decide on your living arrangements Depending on the scale of the renovation, you may need to live elsewhere while the work is done. If that’s the case, organising alternative arrangements and factoring in the cost, is best tackled well in advance. If you continue living in the house during the renovations, you need to establish how your family can go about their daily routine with the least inconvenience. Decide on the meals easiest to prepare and where the family will eat. You may need to limit the family to one or two rooms at a time. Remodelling a home is chaotic and throws up a great deal of dust, so pack up and remove any non-essential items. 4. Keep children and pets clear of the construction work There are risks and hazards around any building work. When the children are not at school or in daycare, then keep a tight rein on their activities, and set clear boundaries that keep both the kids and your pets away from the builders, tradespeople, and their equipment. 5. Consider your air conditioning needs It’s vital during a renovation to keep your air conditioner’s vents or ducts clear of dust and other debris. Whilst work is underway, keep the air conditioner shut down and covered with a sheet or a canvas. This is also the ideal time to re-evaluate your air conditioning needs . Capacity If you are expanding the size of your home, then an existing A/C system may be too small and struggle to maintain the necessary temperature. This can also lead to costly spikes in your energy usage. Layout If you’re altering the layout of the home or adding an extension, then an existing ducted A/C system will likely require reconfiguration. A professional can calculate the changes necessary to complement your renovated home. Efficiency Whether you have an existing system that needs an upgrade, or you have no A/C but are planning to add it in the future, the most cost-efficient approach is to include it as part of your renovation. You may experience disruption to your plumbing, electricity, privacy, and lifestyle, however, once the renovation is complete, the peace and joy of your new home will make it all worthwhile. For all your electrical repairs or renovations in the Maitland area, and expertise in air conditioning installations, contact us at 7E Integrated Services, or call 0421 517 243 .