Performing the renovation of an old house can be important to ensure that the structure remains in good condition and that you do not have extra expenses with unexpected surprises, such as a crack or leak.
Despite this, renovating is not limited to those who have an older property, but to everyone who wants to change their houses or apartments in some way. However, it is necessary to follow some steps and take some precautions, in order to ensure that everything goes according to plan.
Here's what to do if you're planning on renovating an apartment or house:
Stages of a home renovation
Before starting a renovation you must:
Search References
Hiring an architect or decorator does not always fit in your pocket. So, before you even begin the renovation, you can search for some references on websites and social networking pages.
So you can understand what looks cool in smaller spaces, what colors are indicated and even be inspired by something modern and different, but that is your face.
Planning
Were you able to find a style to be followed? It's time to plan to put everything into practice. Define your budget, the project – include everything that will be reformed – and search for prices for hiring professionals and labor.
The architect and the interior designer may not be in your plans, but the electrician, the cabinetmaker, the painter, the mason, the plumber and the engineer should perhaps be included in the budget.
Also remember to determine what the starting point will be, that is, where the work will start. Are you just going to touch the kitchen tiles? Will you change the electrical installation of the whole house? Or do you intend to build / tear down a wall?
The project cannot be ignored and you will need to be detail oriented. Everything that will be renovated in the house is explained here. It may be the responsibility of the engineer, the architect or even yours, if it involves something simpler.
Finally, choose the materials to be used and determine a schedule, with the time limit that the work may take. Within the schedule, it is also important to define the period in which the reform will be carried out. If it involves something external, it is best to avoid the rainy season, for example.
Construction management
Try to keep a close eye on all the reform that is being done. Also, if you need any authorization, go ahead before everything starts. Apartment renovations, for example, must be communicated to the building manager.
Formalize all contracts and ask for a payment receipt, which can be a receipt or invoice, in order to avoid further problems. The ideal is to close the agreement that the professional receives part of the money as input and the rest after everything is completed.
General tips for simple home and apartment renovations
Those who are thinking about renovating a small house without mess or construction, with minor changes more in decoration than in the structure itself, may like the suggestions below, check it out:
Paint the walls
A very simple way to renew the air of the house or apartment is by painting walls. And the best part is that you can do this yourself. Search for colors that you like and that match the environments of the house, and make this change.
Change chandeliers
The chandeliers in your home need not be traditional and simple. You can exchange for something more modern and different.
Paint the furniture
Do you have wooden or metal furniture in your home that needs to be renovated? Think of a color that would be right for them and paint. Just use your creativity!
Vinyl flooring
How about changing the floor of the house? The vinyl floor is a good alternative for those who do not want to mess, let alone remove the previous floor. The vinyl is applied on top, using glue and is ready quickly.
Decorate the walls
Did you discover that you are not authorized to paint the walls of your apartment or house (this is common in the case of rented properties)? So do something different, that will make the environment happy and can be easily removed.
Hang pictures and other decorations on the walls, using nails or stickers to keep them fixed. Colorful plates and small mirrors are also welcome for those who want to let their creativity run wild.
Place wallpaper
Wallpaper is an interesting alternative for those who want to innovate on the walls, but do not want to paint. Search for a model that you like and apply in the spaces of the house.
Change the curtains
Curtains are also part of the decoration of an environment. And if you want to renovate and innovate without moving too much, you can change the curtains in the house. Bet on more vivid colors that make the place more cheerful.
Invest in colorful furniture
Instead of painting, buy some new furniture for your home. However, the special detail is that they need to be colored, to make your home even more lively.
Wall Stickers
Paint and wallpaper are not in your ideas? Put stickers, to give a different touch to the walls of the house.
Lamps in bedroom and living room
In addition to changing chandeliers, invest in lamps in the bedroom and living room. In addition to being part of the decoration, they improve the lighting of the spaces.
Functional furniture
Small spaces need furniture that has more than one function. A chest that serves as a stool is a good option.
Old CDs on the walls
Another option to decorate the walls of the house and reuse those old CDs that you have kept. Just stick them on the walls.
Headboard
The head of the bed can be different or even colored, and already creates quite a change in the room.
Use wooden crates
Wooden crates can be used anywhere in the house. Use as niches and shelves or even turn them into a small table for the living room.
Adhesive the furniture
Want to change some furniture, but don't want to take a chance on painting? Bet on the idea of adhesive. You can even place only a few designs or geometric shapes.
Adhesive tiles
The kitchen and bathroom tiles do not have to be white and simple. And you don't have to break everything to switch. Just use stickers, which resemble tiles and give a special touch.
Adhesive doors
The doors of the house can also be modified. If you don't want to paint, invest in stickers.
Paint doors
Painting always gives a different touch to the environment. The doors can receive the same color as the walls or a different tone, but that matches.
Chalkboard wall
How about a slate wall? Just paint part of a wall in your house with specific paint for this purpose. You can even do this in the kitchen, to write down a menu for the day.
Niches and Shelves
Finally, bet on the niches and shelves to gain more space in your home or apartment and enjoy the walls better.
What you should avoid
If you are going to start a renovation, see what should be avoided, to ensure that everything goes according to plan:
End of year
It is a busy and more expensive time to make reforms. Not to mention the delay in the delivery of materials. Prefer to carry out the reform in another period.
Multiple vendors on site
Ideally, each room in the house should be renovated individually. Preferably, one thing at a time. This means that it is not indicated to have the electrician working together with the painter and the people who are changing the roof.
Leave unattended
The work needs supervision. Mainly because, however explained your idea is, each person can interpret it in a different way. Always try to supervise the renovation and make it clear that professionals can contact you in case of doubts.
Follow current trends
Trends are interesting for furniture and accessories. Now in something more fixed, like tiles and floors, it is better to be cautious. Bet on something more neutral. If you want to innovate you can paint or stick.
Do not invest in competent professionals and excellent quality materials
Retirement is always an investment and never spent. You need to look for competent professionals and good quality materials. This avoids future problems with the work. Search for references about the professionals and see which material is best for what you intend to do.
Do not formalize contracts
All contracts must be formalized. The ideal is always to check if the professional issues a note or receipt and demand these documents after making a payment. In the case of architects and designers, developing a contract, signed by both parties, makes the service more secure.
Never let everything be just “word of mouth”, even the reform project itself must be put on paper.
Now you know how to renovate a small house, apartment or any other property! Remember that all tips are important and should not be ignored, especially when it comes to a work and not something simpler.
