When it comes to remodelling your space, there are some things to keep in before you start, especially when you’re renovating for a commercial building like an office or restaurant. There’s a right way to go about your remodelling projects, particularly when you’re keeping in mind the common building renovation mistakes to avoid.
Here’s a list of important safety measures to remember to help make your project a resounding success.
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- Making safety first a rule
Safety always comes first, more so when you’re doing a home remodel and you and your family are living there while the work’s being done. It’s a given that you should give the construction zones a wide berth, but taking extra precautions with safety is a great way to protect yourself. Remember to wear protective gear when going into construction zones and make sure there’s enough ventilation for zones. When working with contractors, remind them to keep their tools properly (particularly ladders and power tools) to keep them out of reach of children.
- Picking a higher bid
At first, glance, hiring the lowest bidder sounds like a good way to cut down on costs; however, it’s a good rule of thumb to remember you’re paying for quality. Good professional help is always worth the money, especially when your project involves more complex work like using electrical installation or natural gas in construction. Take your time looking through different contractors. Do some legal and financial background checks and check the customer and commercial references to make sure you’re working with contractors you can trust.
- Making safety first a rule
- Getting the right building permits
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Before starting any work, it’s a good idea to do some research to find out if you need any permits for the remodelling. Hiring a contractor is one way to get some help; general contractors typically help clients secure the necessary permits for construction and renovation work, which is another reason to hire a trustworthy contractor for the project. Permits are usually needed for major work like structural changes to the building and installing electrical and HVAC systems, so keep that in mind before beginning the project.
- Collecting the right materials
Cutting down on materials sounds like an effective approach to keeping costs low, but it’s in your best interest to invest in quality materials and enough of them. Keep long-term maintenance in mind when selecting your materials, particularly when considering your high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. Quality materials will last you longer, saving on costs when the time comes for future repairs. Building to last is also a great way to increase the property’s value, which can come in handy if you’re thinking of selling in the future.
- Budgeting for unexpected costs
When working on your budget for the project, it’s prudent to set aside a little extra in case of unseen costs (up to 10 or 15% more than the initial estimate is typically a safe amount). Anticipating surprise costs can play a major role in helping you stay on budget. Surprises are inevitable, no matter how well you plan, and it helps to have a few extra resources you can count on when the unexpected happens.
- Going green
Going green is the thing to do these days, both for the benefits to the environment and because they can help save money in the long run. Modern green building products are cost-effective and long-lasting, making them great choices when planning for the future. Those same products are also great at helping reduce operating costs (in the form of water collection, greater use of natural light, and easier temperature control indoors). - Measuring correctly
The adage, “measure twice, cut once,” is an apt one for making sure your remodelling project sticks to the schedule and budget. Precise, accurate measurements are key to making sure your additions fit in properly (floor tiles are a particularly good example). Getting your measurements is vital for custom products. In the case of flooring, maintain an allowance to minimize any risks; a 10% margin of error is typically sufficient.
