Tips for renovating your home

Tips for renovating your home

Just bought a home and planning to renovate? Then you can certainly use some tips to make sure everything goes smoothly and you don't overlook anything. After all, it's not easy to have a clear view of the costs and what exactly needs to be done.

1. The right order

First, think carefully about the most logical order in which the works should take place. Always start with the basic work such as insulation, roof repair, etc. After that you can redecorate the house inside and out (renew the façade, new kitchen, etc.) and finally the finishing touches (such as painting the house).

2. Energy audit

It is always a good idea to have an expert come by to do an energy audit. An expert can correctly evaluate your heating, water, and thermal insulation. He can perfectly map out how much energy is lost and how you can better insulate your attic, walls, roof, etc. to obtain a better energy score.

3. Budget

What is difficult to estimate with renovation work is the budget you will have to set aside. To map this out properly, you need to have a clear overview of the materials you want to use, whether you will be doing the work yourself or working with professionals and whether you are entitled to any energy premiums. Therefore, if you want to work with a professional, ask for at least 3 quotations and keep yourself well informed about the premiums in Belgium. Tip: the more work you combine over a period of 5 years, the higher the insulation premium. Also check whether you are entitled to an eco-loan. 

4. Permit 

Decided which works you want to carry out? Then check with the Town and Country Planning department of your municipality/region whether you need a building permit or not. A breach of urban planning regulations can result in a hefty fine, which you would prefer to avoid. 

5. Professionals

If you have little knowledge about renovations, it is advisable to call on professionals to help you review the quotes you have requested, submit the appropriate permit applications and follow up the renovations to be carried out. Nowadays there are even companies that take over the total renovation and follow up everything from A to Z. Compare the advantages and disadvantages for yourself. Tip: never pay the entire invoice before the work has been fully completed. That way you have something in reserve in case there are problems.

6. Photographs 

It is always interesting to take pictures of each stage in the renovation process. A nice souvenir but also useful for the future, should problems arise, you will have a clear overview of the situation before and after the works.