Detailed planning the key to less-stress renovations

Home additions and alterations can be exciting and rewarding, but they are also often stressful and disruptive - especially for families with children or pets.

However, careful planning and a few golden rules can help you ensure a successful project and avoid a nightmare.

So says Stephen Whitcombe, MD of leading Johannesburg property group FIRZT Realty, who notes that a major renovation is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, “so it’s vital to approach it in much the same way as you would approach the purchase of a new home – with a great deal of foresight and preparation”.

The first thing to do, he says, is accept that no matter how well executed they are, the work involved in making additions and alternations will upset your daily routine, at least for a while, and try to stay focused on the anticipated benefit your renovation will bring once it’s finished.

“This may be the modernisation of parts of your home, the creation of more living space or an increase in the value of the property, and if you concentrate on that, you will cope much better with the mess, dust and noise that inevitably accompanies building projects.

“Secondly, it really pays to spend extra time mapping out the project in detail and double-checking the process. For example, you need to make sure all the materials needed for the renovation have been listed and ordered, and that they will be available and delivered on time so that the project can go ahead without delays.”

In addition, says Whitcombe, homeowners who want to keep their cool should think ahead about which areas of their home are likely to be most affected by the renovation, and what they can do to minimise non-essential “traffic” and mess in those areas.

“You should also cover furniture, for example, to protect it against dust and building debris. Precious items can also easily get chipped or broken when there are heavy-duty tools being used, so any breakables should be removed from the renovation area.

“Of course, the rooms most frequently renovated are kitchens and bathrooms, and those who are who are remodelling these essential living spaces also need to think about how they’ll manage while they’re out of action.”

Similarly, homeowners need to anticipate any days when they may be without water or electricity, he says. “In fact, if the renovations are comprehensive, then it may be best to move out for a while, to a B&B or perhaps even a rented property, depending on the time the project will take.

“Indeed, this may be your only option if you have small children or pets, as from a safety point of view it is essential that they be kept out of the way of work in progress or materials and tools which may be lying around.”

And finally, says Whitcombe, if you really want peace of mind about a home renovation, you should remember the golden rule about never, ever paying a contractor in advance, for anything. “If it’s material, it should be safely delivered to your property before you pay for it, and if it’s labour, reputable contractors will not expect or ask you to pay until the project or an agreed part of the project has been completed to your absolute satisfaction.

“Ultimately, the goal of any addition or alteration is to add value to your property and enhance your lifestyle, and taking the time to plan carefully, protect your family and manage payments responsibly will give you the best chance of achieving that without unnecessary stress.”

Issued by FIRZT Realty

For media inquiries, contact

Stephen Whitcombe on

082 412 2949

Or visit www.firzt.co.za

About FIRZT Realty 

Established in 2003, FIRZT Realty initially focused on residential real estate, but has since expanded to offer a broad range of services in both the residential and commercial property sectors, including sales, rentals, auctions and property management.