Home Renovation

Home renovation projects are among the most popular for the self-builder who needs to add space to a home.  There are projects for every skill level.  They can be something as simple as repainting the plasterboard in a room to something as involved as completely tearing the room out and  starting with new timber joists and timber batons with added strength and longevity.

Reasons for Self Building

Before starting a home renovation project the homeowner has to decide if it will be a self build project or if it will be handled by a professional. There are many reasons home renovation can be a great self-build project. 

Among them are:

• Practically anyone can complete a home renovation.
• The homeowner will have great pride in completing a job
• The homeowner can update furnishings and items as they go through the project
• Potential increase of resale value
• Lower costs than hiring a contractor

Types of Home Renovations -In this day and age, many projects are as simple as taking something out of a box and putting it together.  Many home building supply companies sell kits any self-builder can put together such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and many other projects where a specialist used to needed.They come with clear instructions and are relatively easy to complete.  In fact, many contractors will be up front that they use these kits themselves.  Like anything else, the quality of these items will depend on how much money is spent on them.

For the projects which will require tear-out and replacement, these can be easier than many self-builders expect.  Installing a metal stud and track is little more than turning a screw.  Hanging plasterboard can be a simpler process than many self-builders believe, too. 

Sometimes, the most difficult decision is which product to use.  Is thermal insulation the same as wall-cavity insulation?  Should rockwool insulation be used or acoustic insulation?  Many times these decisions hinge on how the room will be used.  If this is going to be the new music room, acoustic insulation will help keep the music in the room and other sounds out.

Flooring is something that practically any homeowner can install. If there is already a sturdy plywood subflooring the new flooring can be a easy as cutting a chipboard flooring to fit the room or installing tile over the existing flooring. Many homeowners see flooring as one of the easiest parts of a renovation to accomplish.

Many times all it takes to complete a home renovation is the courage to try.  There will probably be a learning curve, but there will be very little that cannot be corrected.   And, when the project is complete, there will be great pride in not needing a professional to complete the job.