Tip one - Ask for advice and do your research
Before starting their renovation, Shannon and Dan researched online, and asked family members and friends for advice before making a plan of action. The vital knowledge they compiled meant they knew what to look out for and could avoid making mistakes, such as not budgeting enough for the cost of materials and labour.
Having the right information and advice before you get started can save you a lot of time and money. If you don’t know where to begin, we’ve compiled a list of the eight most common home improvement blunders to avoid before starting your renovation.
Tip two - Realise you’re not a builder!
Shannon advises anyone who is undergoing renovation to resign themselves to the fact that not everything can be a DIY job. Taking a back seat saved Shannon and Dan from making massive mistakes in their home. When they initially started to gut the house, Dan thought they’d have to take the ceiling down and took it upon himself to start the job. When they took a step back and got professional advice, they realised there was nothing wrong with the ceiling, saving a lot of money, time, and effort in the process!
Find yourself dying to get your hands dirty? Shannon advises to leave the hard stuff to the experts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help turn your house into a home. Check out our top tips for DIY flatpacks at home so you can roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Tip three - Don’t cut corners
While Shannon admits that it’s satisfying doing things yourself, she and Dan definitely learned the added benefits of getting outside help. They had professionals come in to lay their concrete floor and add support beams, among other jobs. Calling on professional help meant they knew their home was safer – which is something they didn’t want to hold back on. Turning to the right people doesn’t just mean getting the job done, but getting it done well.
The safety of your property, and your belongings, is at the heart of what makes your house a home. Home insurance not only protects the things most valuable to you, but it also guarantees you peace of mind. Our Aviva insurance policies can be tailored to suit your lifestyle and cover more than you might think. Check out our list of twelve surprising things covered by home insurance.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages, where Shannon will be revealing more tips and advice from her buying journey.
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