House renovation – save money with the right order
Unfortunately, fulfilling the dream of home ownership often ends in disillusionment, because at some point the first renovation is necessary. In this blog article, you will learn everything about home improvement and how you can save money.
Home ownership must be kept continually in good shape. You must consider this before you buy. Classic among forgotten follow-up costs are renovations.
Whether water damage, mold or traces of wear on kitchen, bathroom and floors – there are many reasons for house renovations. Most people want to grow old in the home they purchase. This requires structural adjustments, for example for rollators or wheelchairs or age-appropriate wet cells.
It is worth discussing your rehabilitation plans with architects or construction consultants. Although their services cost a certain amount, you save money because bad investments are avoided and hidden redevelopment needs are found.
Long-term thinking is absolutely necessary
Homeowners need to think long-term. Every 12 years a partial renewal is due. This includes worn floor and wall coverings as well as sanitary and electrical systems. Every 25 years, a total renovation is needed: This includes windows, heating and kitchen. Together with the professional, you also will work out stages of the work and make sure the project can be supported financially.
Renovate = save early
It is best to plan renovations before you are under pressure due to sudden damage. Provide annual reserves, if possible, from the time you purchase your home. In terms of rollout, you should expect annual follow-up costs of 1.5 to 2.5 percent of the construction cost. It is also important to plan comprehensively and not just on a point-by-point basis. Renovation work must start with the entire building and contain the needs for all residents and address any energy deficiencies.
Depending on the size of the renovation, you need permits. For example, when it comes to rebuilding houses or when you want to combine freshening up the facade with a new color scheme.
Stage by stage or all at once?
Another question is whether the whole renoation should be done at once or in stages. Disadvantages of stages are obvious: they are generally a bit more expensive and you live longer in a construction site. You can save specifically on stages, save taxes and find inexpensive craftsmen for every new step. In addition, complex refurbishments, such as refitting to the Minergie standard, can be implemented in stages now. Minergie modules help with this.
Energetic renovation
Energetic renovations are widespread and attractive. This is also because you may be eligible for funding. The energy efficiency of a house or apartment depends on the energy index. This expresses the ratio of kilowatt hours consumed per year (heating oil/gas/district heating/electricity) to hot water provision. For an estimate, divide this total cost by the number of heated square feet. At www.energieschweiz.ch you will find a calculator that helps estimate your energy consumption.
If you are considering an energy-efficient refurbishment of your home, you need a certified expert to help determine the need for action. One possibility is to find an expert on www.geak.ch. Here you will find energy experts in your area quickly.
Pay attention to the whole
The professional proposes tailor-made home renovation that meets your needs and the requirements of home ownership. Again, it is worth keeping an eye on the big picture. Thus, you should not only have an energy-efficient boiler installed, but also retrofit water fittings to lose less warm water. Also, the architect or construction consultant helps find the right sequence of refurbishment: basically you should proceed from outside to inside. In case of doubt, leave an older heater in operation longer and do the post-insulation of the outside facade first.
Renovating the insulation
Most typical energy renovations are: improved roof insulated against outside (in inhabited attic rooms) or between screed and living space (uninhabited attic). Here, up to 20% of total energy losses can be avoided. Renovation of the building envelope insulation are also energy-efficient. Ideally, these are made against the outside. Therefore, you lose less living space A house renovation only makes sense if you think of the windows (thickness of additional insulation also must fit windows replaced later).
As you can see: House renovations are complex projects. But do not worry, with a little help from professionals, you can handle this project without sleepless nights.