Why is it called ‘Spring Cleaning’? Aside from the time of year, the arrival of spring signifies a new start across the board. Whether it’s time to clean out the winter wardrobe, flush out that cobwebby attic, or simply add a fresh coat of paint to a drab winter wall – this is the best time to get started on those long-delayed (or even avoided) renovation projects.
Home owners in the know will tell you that the beginning of spring is the best time to renovate. Winter weather limits external activities, and the harsh conditions are often the cause of many a rusted gutter pipe, or flaking exterior wall. Aside from necessity, spring also means better conditions in which to renovate. No one wants to brave the howling, icy wind while trying to retile their roof! It is important to note that ‘renovations’ do not always mean a complete gutting and redo of a room, in fact the minor imperfections are often the most impactful.
Our top tips for spring renovations:
- Remember that you are not the only person with grand ideas for the Spring – it is wise to research, make the appointments and hire the contractors in advance. You do not want to be left stranded when you discover all the best teams have already been scooped up. In addition to this, ensure you have done your homework on any potential restrictions, so that your beautiful new pagoda doesn’t have to be deconstructed following the building inspector’s audit.
- Related to the above – do your research when hiring a contractor. There is nothing worse than coming home to find a half finished kitchen, and a missing contractor who does not respond to your phone calls. We recommend reading as many service reviews as you can, and asking friends or colleagues for recommendations if you don’t already have someone reliable lined up. The same goes for contractor’s quotations – be very wary of the ‘too-good-to-be-true’ quotations that promise the world for a low cost. Cheap is sometimes nasty, and ends up costing you much more in the long run.
- It does not have to be a major project to make a difference – while there are some projects that can be completed no matter the weather, it tends to be the exterior of the house that needs to most love after winter has subsided. This does not mean that you have to repaint your entire house every spring. Make a list of the small things, and start with them. You will soon find that every small improvement adds up – and before you know it those small updates have refreshed the whole face of your house.
- Outdoor projects are best left for those balmy spring days when you know there won’t be too much rain dampening your spirits. This includes planning a new garden layout, sanding and varnishing your deck, or even building a new deck amongst others. Areas that are best enjoyed in springtime can be the first focus – and the rest of the projects follow, because then you will have a great place to relax after a hard day’s work.
- When planning a home renovation make sure you keep the bigger picture in mind – will your cherry red bedroom walls with mirrored ceiling lose their charm after a few months? Keep in mind that fashion or current trends change on a daily basis, and it is often more cost effective to keep permanent installations simple. If you are one for ‘keeping-up-with-the-Joneses’ consider using accessories or easily replaceable items to brighten up your home. This way your return on investment is protected, and your home’s value remains uncompromised.
- Money makes the world go ‘round, and budgetary considerations can make or break a project. That being said, a project can always be broken up into smaller portions, and the work can be spread over a longer time if you plan it correctly. This way you don’t use all your finances in one go, and you don’t have to dash your hopes of completing your new outside barbecue area due to lack of funding.
All in all, home renovations are a great way to increase your home’s value, add to it’s ambience and freshen up it’s appearance. By sticking to manageable projects, doing your research and keeping track of your finances you are sure to reach your goals, and attain that dream home.