Remodeling your home

So, you've decided that you're current home no longer cuts the mustard but you love the area you live in and don't want to move away. I've seen this very informative article from Inquirer which provided me with a lot of pointers in renovating my home.

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YOU are comfortable with your new home but it's a little worn out now. You have lived in it for so many years and you are no longer satisfied with the space you have. It is now time to renovate but you do not know how to go about it. If you are in this situation, then read on. It is best that you answer your questions and face all your fears about renovating your home.
In renovation work, it is very common that people spend on the things that they see -- it can be a new paint job, a new and modern kitchen system, additional closets in the dressing room or a jacuzzi in the master bath. This line of thinking is but natural for we would want to see the fruits of our labor in our homes.

Essential parts of your home

It is very important, however, that prior to any renovation work that you are planning to do, make sure that the essential parts of a home should be first on your list. The essential parts are the parts and systems of the home that you do not see and generally involve the safety and functionality of your home.

These essential systems in your home are very critical for your safety and convenience. Just like a car, it is the engine and the brake system that will keep you running safely even though it has a worn-out body. The essential parts of a home include:

· Electrical system -- The electrical system of your house might need some rewiring. It is best that you contact an electrical professional that will assess the reliability and safety of the existing wiring system of your home.

· Water system -- Check if you have water leaks in the system. A simple way of checking is to turn off all the faucets in the house and see if the main water meter (usually located outside your home) is running. If the meter dial is continuously turning with all of the faucets of the house closed, then for sure you have a leak in the water system.

· Drainage system -- A worn-out drainage system is manifested by ceiling leaks and clogged bathroom and kitchen drains. Have them checked when renovating.

· Structural system -- Do not just add a floor or renovate the structure without consulting a structural engineer. The existing structure may not be able to support the additional weight of the new addition and it may cause your house to collapse. Termites also eat up a lot of wood in the house so make sure that all of the critical areas, especially the wooden columns, beams, floor supports and trusses are treated regularly and are still structurally sound.

· Aesthetic aspects of your home -- After you have checked the essentials, you can now move on to the esthetics. These include:

· Painting. Interior and exterior painting will make your house brighter and look cleaner. This is an investment that will also increase the value of the house when you plan to resell.

· Windows and doors. If you think that the windows and doors of your house are worn-out, you may choose to replace them. Making them bigger will make the inside of your home brighter. An added extra of course is that more air will be able to enter your home.

· Flooring. You can change your flooring by using new materials that are readily available in the market. Remember though that a flooring job is a messy one and you may have to vacate your house and rent another place on a short-term basis.

· Interior walls. You may opt to work on the wall covering of the interior of your house. It can be as simple as a paint job, or you may use laminated side panels or even a wallpaper system that will match the furniture and accessories.

· Lighting fixtures. With all of the lighting fixtures available these days, you may want to change them. Prices range from a few hundred pesos to hundreds of thousands.

· Ceiling system. ceiling system of your home can be changed to suit your design taste. Remember though that similar to the floor, this job can be messy and you may have to vacate your home temporarily.

· Kitchen system. This is one of the most popular renovation items. There are various kitchen system manufacturers these days and all you have to do is visit them at their showroom for advice. You may also ask your architect, interior designer or builder to help you.

· Bathroom. The bathroom, together with the kitchen is also a very popular renovation item. You get to select the tile designs and colors, bathroom fixture, toilet seats and lavatories and even the accessories like mirrors and towel holders. Be aware that you would have to prepare a hefty budget for the bathroom.

· Landscaping. You may want to do it yourself or you can consult with a landscaping expert for your design.

Vacate your home temporarily

In any major renovation job, it is strongly advised that you temporarily vacate your home so that work can progress smoothly. Most builders really cannot work to their best if there is someone staying in the house for the reason that they cannot mess up the place and simply dump their construction materials at the most convenient places.

If you think that you will be saving money by not renting outside, think again for your builder might charge you more since the firm will double handle materials at the site. And also, the workers will work less effectively since they will have to provide protection work for the furniture every time they work. If it is just a small renovation job, then of course you can stay home and do not need to relocate.

Remember that in a renovation job, it is you who will have the final decision on the materials and accessories that you can put in.

Ask advice from your builder and check also the prices that you have to pay for all of the materials.

Having a home that needs renovation is like having a used car that needs repair. Will you repair the engine first or the body first? It is important that you take care of the essentials before you work on to the esthetics.

After all, nobody drops dead with an ugly house. But a house with an old and dangerous electrical system can pose a big risk to lives and property.