We asked Alifia Shabbir, author of SoulSpaces: The Definitive Interior Design Guide For Homes With Personality, to share her lessons on budgeting. Here’s what she had to say
Subtract the stress from home renovation with our guide. Photograph by Suleiman Merchant
Renovating a home is not an easy task. More often than not, you tend to overlook allocating and adhering to a budget amidst the excitement of creating those perfect spaces. Clearly defining timelines and planning the nitty-gritty at the very beginning are key to successfully managing a home renovation. Here are a few mistakes to avoid before beginning your journey.
Not Having a Plan
This is the fastest way to exhaust your budget. Thinking ‘Let’s start with this area and see where it goes,’ is a sure-fire way to burn an expensive hole in your pocket. Instead, take the time to create a vision and plan for what you want from the remodelled home.
First, list prevailing issues with the space that drive you up the wall. Maybe it’s the lack of an ‘entertainment corner’, or perhaps it’s the wallpaper in your living room from your last update that you hate? Or it might even be the lighting that seems too inadequate to work in. After drawing up a list of all the limitations in the current space, create a vision for the renovated space.
Do you have a space dedicated for me time? Talk to each family member to understand what stays and what goes, and carefully consider their evolving needs. The third chapter of SoulSpaces discusses this in detail.
Not Consulting a Designer and Contractor
When it comes to renovations, we often think that we can do them ourselves. While such confidence is commendable, it’s definitely not advisable. Distressing an old table or adding a wallpaper might be easy, but a good design and contracting team is what you need while planning a thorough renovation. To add to that, having someone who knows what they are doing keeps tempers and budgets in check.
Not Estimating Utility Costs
Small changes can lead to major expenses, especially when it comes to renovations, as electrical, plumbing, water-proofing, and civil works all add up. It’s wise to seek an expert’s advice at the start, and add it to the budget.
Not Keeping a Tab on Building Codes and Plans
This is especially applicable for older apartments and full renovations. It’s important to know what can be changed and what cannot. Keeping a tab on load-bearing walls, electrical layouts, plumbing lines, and other details are key to avoiding unnecessary reworks that send budgets spiralling upwards.
Plan a timeline and stick to it
Not Keeping a Buffer
Renovations are tricky affairs. Sometimes, the simplest of things turn complicated—like an underlying water-pipe that’s sprung a leak and is wetting the walls. These mishaps happen and keeping a buffer ensures that you are not banging your head on that wet, unfinished wall.
Not Sticking to a Timeline
They say time heals all wounds. But apparently not the gaping hole in your wall. Plan a timeline, and try your best to stick to it. Delays end up costing a lot more, especially if you’re camping elsewhere while your home gets renovated.
