What we need versus what we want
Why did you decide to renovate? Divide your needs into functional and aesthetic, and rank them in order of importance. Is the purpose of the renovation a better division or utilization of the space, or is it mainly due to reasons of interior design and a desire to innovate? The answer to this question will help you define the order of priorities, determine the scope of the renovation and adjust it to the budget. Try to be honest with yourself, and renovate only according to what you really need and want.
Building the budget
The emphasis here is to build the plan according to the budget, not the budget according to the plan, and it is important to leave a margin of safety for problems that will arise along the way. To get an accurate estimate of the cost of the desired renovation, ask for quotes from professionals and find out the costs of the materials and components of the renovation. After you put everything together in a table (preferably in Excel) and the numbers line up in front of your eyes, you will be able to understand where the renovation cost stands against your budget and make adjustments.
Materials and ingredients
We used to have to spend whole days wandering between stores, but today you can do a thorough and in-depth market survey online and save a lot of time. So that you don’t get lost, decide in advance on a number of stores and the time you are willing to spend, and visit two or three selected stores after conducting a market survey on the Internet. This way you will stay focused and make the most of your time.
Professionals
Choosing the professionals is one of the most important steps in the process, with a critical impact on the final result. Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations on professionals, and examine projects they have carried out to get an impression of the level of work. The phrase “cheap is expensive” is especially true here, and the price is not the only factor that should determine who you choose – you should choose a professional with receipts, who inspires trust and confidence in you. Summarize in advance the details of the work in the most detailed manner: quantities and types of materials, schedules and the form of payment, I recommend a multi-stage payment based on the progress of the work.
