Owning a home is a costly business. When you rent a house, the landlord is responsible for repairs, so if a large hole appears in the roof one day, it’s not you who has to suffer sleepless nights wondering who is going to pay for the cost of repairs. If you own the property, unfortunately, it becomes your problem when major renovation projects come around. You don’t need to do them all at once, but sooner or later, at least one of the following projects will jump to the top of your ‘to-do’ list out of necessity, not choice.
A New Roof
Roofs are pretty important. They keep the weather out and your home nice and dry. Roofs can last a hundred years or more, but they typically begin to show signs of wear and tear after a few decades. Tiles slip, become loose, and water finds a way in.
Replacing a roof is a major job and can’t be completed without scaffolding. However, you will gain in energy efficiency, and if you decide to add a dormer or Velux window at the same time, it’s a cost-effective time to do it.
New Kitchen
A good quality kitchen will easily last 20 years, but most modern kitchens rarely last more than ten years before they start falling apart. Besides which, fashions change and the kitchen you fell in love with in the 1980s probably looks very dated by now.
Shop around for a new kitchen and don’t rush to buy the first kitchen you see. Take advantage of interactive kitchen planning tools and play around with the space you have. It is fun and could help you come up with a funky new design.
Bathroom Remodel
Bathrooms don’t last much longer than kitchens. We use them every day and over time, shiny white fixtures and fittings soon begin to look old and worn. Replacing a bathroom is an expensive project, but you can do it in stages if cost is an issue. For example, instead of ripping everything out, replace one item at a time. Start with a new shower and then replace the toilet and sink separately.
Replacement Windows
Timber window frames rot over time and old-style UPVC windows are less energy efficient than new designs. Once your windows have been in place for more than ten years, they could start to look a bit worn out. Replacing a complete set of windows and doors will be costly, so do it in stages. However, it is best to stick with one manufacturer for continuity of look.
Rewiring
Electrical regulations are updated every few years, so if your home still has original wiring, it might not be 100% safe. If in doubt, ask a qualified electrical to do a thorough assessment. A full rewire is messy and costly, but it may be possible to fix one room at a time.
Renovation projects are expensive, but the end result is a more attractive home, and if you do the job well, your home will be worth more.