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Should You Renovate Before Moving In?
Renovating a home is a significant project that requires careful planning, decision-making, and execution. As an owner of a renovation company, I've seen the process from various angles and, based on my experience. Should you renovate before moving in? YES! I would generally recommend renovating before moving into a new home. Here's a more in-depth discussion on this topic, which I hope will provide you with some useful insights and considerations.
Table of Contents
CONVENIENCE
The first key reason to renovate before moving in is convenience. This concept encompasses several aspects, so let’s unpack it. To start with, there’s the issue of living conditions. When you’re living in a house that’s undergoing renovation, life can become challenging and uncomfortable. Dust, noise, lack of privacy, and disruption of daily routines are all par for the course. These factors can create a stressful living environment and can often drag on for weeks or even months, depending on the scale of the renovation.
In addition to the disruption to your daily life, there’s also the issue of personal safety. Renovations often involve power tools, heavy materials, and exposed wires or pipes. While professional renovators will do their best to maintain a safe environment, living in a construction zone can present hazards, especially for young children or pets. By carrying out renovations before moving in, you can avoid these potential safety risks.
EFFICIENCY
Now, let’s look at efficiency. When a house is empty, contractors can work faster and more efficiently. Without furniture and personal belongings in the way, there’s no need for them to spend time covering or moving items to prevent damage. This not only speeds up the work but also reduces the risk of accidental damage to your possessions.
Working in an empty house also allows contractors to utilize more effective construction methods. For example, it’s often quicker and more efficient to paint a room using a sprayer rather than a brush or roller. However, this method isn’t usually feasible when a home is furnished, as it can result in overspray on nearby items. Similarly, when installing flooring, it’s often quicker to do an entire level of a house in one go, rather than having to work around furniture and complete the job in stages.
COST SAVINGS
Another benefit of renovating before moving in is the potential for cost savings. Labor is a significant component of renovation costs, so anything that speeds up the work can result in substantial savings. The more efficiently a contractor can work, the less time the renovation will take, and the lower your labor costs will be. Furthermore, by eliminating the risk of damage to your belongings, you can avoid the potential costs of repair or replacement.
DESIGN CONSISTENCY
Moving on to the topic of design consistency, when you’re renovating an empty house, you have a blank canvas to work with. You can plan the entire space with a cohesive design in mind, rather than having to work around existing furniture or decor. This gives you more freedom to choose the layout, color schemes, and finishes that best suit your personal style and lifestyle needs.
For example, you might decide to remove a wall to create an open-plan living area, or you could choose to add a wall to create an extra bedroom or home office. If you’re moving into a house that hasn’t been updated in a while, renovating before you move in gives you the chance to modernize the electrical and plumbing systems, install energy-efficient windows, or upgrade the insulation. These improvements can enhance comfort, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the home’s energy efficiency.
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CLEAN SLATE
The concept of starting with a clean slate is another compelling reason to renovate before moving in. With a thorough renovation, you have the opportunity to check and address any underlying issues, such as structural problems, outdated wiring or plumbing, or potential health hazards like asbestos or lead-based paint.
Addressing these issues upfront can help prevent unpleasant surprises down the line. For example, if you discover a problem with the foundation after you’ve settled in, you could be faced with major disruption and significant costs to fix it. By renovating before moving in, you have the opportunity to discover and address these issues in a controlled and systematic manner.
DOWNSIDES
Despite the numerous benefits, there are also a few potential downsides to renovating before moving in. The most significant one is the need to find alternative accommodation during the renovation. Depending on your circumstances, this could involve staying with family or friends, renting a temporary place, or extending the lease on your current home. This not only adds to the cost of the renovation but can also complicate your logistics.
Another potential downside is that living in a space can sometimes give you a better feel for how you want to use it. You might find that the kitchen layout you thought would work well isn’t as practical as you expected, or the lighting in the living room isn’t sufficient for your needs. By moving in first, you have the chance to learn how the space functions and what changes would improve it.
However, many of these discoveries can also be made through careful planning and consideration of your lifestyle needs. Work with an experienced designer or architect who can guide you through this process, and consider spending time in the house before the renovation, if possible.
To sum up, renovating before moving in can offer significant advantages in terms of convenience, efficiency, cost savings, design consistency, and a fresh start. However, it’s a personal decision that should be based on your individual circumstances, including your budget, timeline, and lifestyle needs. By considering these factors and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision that will help you create a home that meets your needs and enhances your quality of life.