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Home renovation? Here’s what to do!

When one buys a house, it is very likely to have to do a minimum of renovation, tending to be at least the bathroom(s), often the kitchen as well, and review the electrical system.

When facing a renovation, however, the risk is running into mistakes that will make you waste time and money, as well as bring you a lot of stress!

Today I would like to share with you some tips to succeed in your renovation and get to have the home of your dreams.

– WHAT ONE USUALLY DOES…

I know: once you buy a house, you can’t wait to do the work, furnish it to move, and live in it FINALLY.

It is normal and understandable, but precisely this rush will lead to stress, loss of time and money, and the risk of not having the desired result, above all!

What usually happens is that you buy a house, decide to redo the bathroom, maybe the kitchen, throw up a wall here, pull up a wall there, and maybe overhaul the electrical system.

So you call a constructor company, chosen, if it is good, by word of mouth, if not searched online.

You bring it into the house, explain what work you would like to do, and ask for an estimate.

Maybe you bring in other constructor companies, to get more estimates to compare, then with the same amount of work, you choose the least expensive.

And finally, it’s off to renovation!

Assuming that everything works during the renovation, this could lead to problems later in the furnishing phase.

The first is that maybe you fall in love with a piece of furniture that doesn’t fit, and it would have been better not to knock down that wall or build that other one!

Or you still miss a socket where you would have needed it, and so, then, you have to compromise!

1 – START WITH THE 360  PROJECT

Once you have bought a house, the earliest first thing to do would be a detailed project, including furnishings.

By furniture, I don’t mean knowing precisely what sofa, for example, you will want to buy.

But knowing that in that room, you will want a sofa of that size, shape, and color.

The essential is to have a clear idea of what furniture you need and how you want to place it so that it is functional for your everyday life!

You may find that that wall you wanted to tear down is better to maintain instead!

Also, by knowing exactly where you want to place the various pieces of furniture, you can put sockets and lights in a way that is actually useful and practical!

The kitchen is one of those rooms that should be studied first and carefully so that you can get the connections put in the right places.

Don’t let the connections determine what the kitchen should look like!

Once you’ve studied the furniture layout and then planned for any structural changes, it’s time to create a mood board to figure out the style and colors you want in your home.

A mood board is a sheet where you put all the pictures of the furniture and accessories you would like to have; putting it all together gives a complete view of the final result.

(If you want to know more, I’ll talk about it here.)

Of course, if you already have furniture, you will have to start with its style and colors!

The mood board will not only help in buying furniture and accessories but also when choosing materials such as doors and tiles!

2 – CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONSTRUCTOR COMPANIES

Once you have the project in mind and seen the feasibility (especially if you’re tearing down or building walls) with a surveyor or architect, you can search for the proper construction companies.

A single contractor with turnkey or individual workers? Both of these choices have pros and cons:

  • with a single contractor, the various workers know each other and have already worked together, and you will have a single point of contact
  • with individual workers, you will have lower prices, very likely; the company will not add its percentage on the various professionals.  The choice, I would say, is very personal.

Having a detailed plan, whether you choose individual workers or a sole contractor, will be very helpful because you will know what type of work, what materials you want to use, how many sockets and lighting points you want, and where you want them.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but this will get you a much more accurate estimate and not be dictated well or poorly by the experience taken of similar works!

As for materials such as tiles and doors, I suggest that YOU go in search of the ones you want.

I know it can be long and maybe even boring after a while, but this will bring you two huge advantages:

  • you will have a wide selection, and you can touch it!
  • you will know with certainty the value of what you have in your home.

If you go through the construction company, you will have a much more limited choice because they will only bring you what their dealers offer them, and most importantly, you will not be sure of their actual value.

You might pay dearly for something of low quality (I speak, unfortunately, from experience! I’ll tell you about it here!)

3 – ALWAYS TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EXTRAS

When there is a home renovation, consider that there will be extras that could not be budgeted for before.

Generally, once you have an estimate, calculate at least 10/15% more!

However, in order not to run into nasty surprises at the end of the work, with significantly higher bills, I recommend that you always get a status of the extras!

Always keep track of everything so that you always know where you are going and have the option, possibly, to give up or modify some work!

Always be aware of everything, don’t get carried away by events!

4 – WAIT TO SCHEDULE MOVING AND/OR DELIVERIES

When you ask for an estimate and start the work, you are also given an end work date…

As small as the renovation is, like you have to expect extras, keep in mind that there may be delays!

That can happen for a thousand reasons; it is part of the “game.”

If you “trust” the agreed-upon date and schedule the move and/or new furniture deliveries for that time, you are actually at risk of throwing money away.

That’s because, as just mentioned, delays are almost inevitable, and if you’ve arranged everything, you’ll have to block and organize it all over again!

Now if it goes well, it will just be a hassle time-wise with increased stress.

But if it goes wrong, you may have to pay a penalty for canceling or pay to keep the furniture in storage at the store!

Don’t be in a hurry!

I know you are looking forward to living in your new home, but haste is always the wrong counselor!

It will bring you a lot of stress, charge you more, and maybe you won’t get the result you want and deserve!

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

“I finally enjoy the house!” you’ll tell me!

Whether it is your permanent home or a second home…

And you’re right!

AND AT THE END OF RENOVATION WORK?

But I take inspiration from a fact that happened to me a few days ago, to make you understand that the end of the work and the handover of the keys does not mean that everything is finished and ok.

Some time ago, I followed the renovation of a farmhouse for foreign clients, their holiday home, and the work was finished about a year ago.

As you can easily imagine, living away from Italy, they can’t live in the house every day.

They, therefore, relied on a person who can open and check the house from time to time. And they rely on her for the management of the part used as a guest house.

This person has, as it should be, all the references of the companies and professionals who carried out the work so that she can face any problem…

In theory, at least.

BUT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS GO AS WE WOULD LIKE

Yes, because unfortunately, there was some malfunction:

– a leaking toilet,

– a shower that discharged badly,

– internet which was often absent.

Nothing really serious, just a big bother, but things that need to be fixed!

The lady, therefore, tried to call whoever had made the implant, unfortunately often IN VAIN!

Although she knows both plumbers and electricians, rightly, this person didn’t want to call them because it’s obvious that whoever made the installation knows it better and, therefore, knows where to put his hands.

I’ve tried to call them too and send them messages, which were read, but to which I didn’t receive an answer!

I honestly find this unprofessional behavior!

Sure, you can be busy at the moment, but is it possible that throughout the day, or at most the day after, you can’t find a moment to call back?

PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTOR OR PROFESSIONALS!

You know how much I insist on the design phase, on how important it is to really define the project in every detail, even including the furniture (or rather, starting from that).

Once this is done, however, it’s vital to choose the right constructor or professionals!

As I explain here, it must be done after studying the project to choose highly qualified professionals in the work you have to do.

Once you have found a list of specialized technicians, you need to do a further investigation to understand which one is really for you and it will always be there… even after the delivery of the keys!

It is not easy, because, as in every field, there are serious, mediocre professionals… unfortunately also real “criminals” (yes it’s a strong term, but there are also those!)

Sites and reviews are elements that already give you a first idea, but it is not enough:

– on the sites, they could have purchased photographs and not of works actually done

– the reviews could be from friends and family!

TELL THEM ALL YOUR DOUBTS

It’s important to have an in-depth interview!

At that moment you must be able to express all your doubts, even what seems silly to you, prepare a sheet with all the questions that come to your mind.

In some ways, this is a test: if they know how to answer all your questions exhaustively, really trying to dispel any doubts, they will show you their availability!

Availability that they easily will always show you, even once the work is finished!

You must be able to be sure that if something happens, you will always have someone who can help you!

Someone who will answer you when you call, if not immediately within a short time.

And if for any reason he cannot come immediately, he will move to solve the problem anyway!

It’s not easy, let’s face it, it’s a bit of luck, but the more careful you are in this choice, without being in a hurry to start work, the more likely it is that you won’t have too many surprises during, but also afterward!

For any doubts, do not hesitate to contact me, or if you want to write to me in the comments!

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How to face a renovation in the best possible way?

Knowing how to face at the best a renovation, small or large, is really important to prevent the dream from becoming a nightmare!

We have said it several times, restructuring is not a picnic, and it can be very stressful, but some tricks can “facilitate” this path!

THREE TRICKS TO FACILITATE THE PATH

Let’s see them together, in order:

– CHOOSE AN ARCHITECT OR SURVEYOR:

If you need to renovate, unless you just have to redo the floors and/or whitewash, you MUST turn to a professional for the project, for the bureaucratic part, for safety on-site and, indeed, follow the work!

Be careful that not all professionals do everything I have just mentioned, so I recommend making sure that it can follow every part, not to risk any kind of sanctions!

– MAKE A DETAILED PROJECT:

I know, it’s not the first time you’ve heard me say it, but that’s because it’s really the cornerstone of the whole process!

Where to start?

If you don’t build from scratch you must surely start from the current state map!

From there, if you rule out any load-bearing walls, you can really go wild!

But I suggest you start with the furniture!

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but if you study the rooms from the furniture you’ll be able to create really functional settings!

Once you have identified the furniture, you can decide on the appropriate size for each room.

Once this is done, or at the same time, you can choose the materials and finishes, so that they will match the chosen furniture!

Then you can study the various systems, the electrical one, in particular, will be studied ad hoc for the position of the various elements present, making the environment even more comfortable!

– CHOOSE THE CONSTRUCTORS OR THE VARIOUS CRAFTSMEN:

having clear the work to be done and the materials you want to use will make it easier for you to search and find the right professionals!

I know that often we start from the choice of the constructor, but it is unthinkable that everyone can do everything!

Laying a resin, for example, is certainly not the same as laying tiles and requires different skills!

If you have a clear idea of what you want to do you can choose a constructor or craftsmen SPECIALISED who will surely know how to do a good job!

Better a single constructor or individual craftsmen?

It always depends on the works you want to do, there are the pros and cons in both cases:

– with a single constructor, you have only one contact person and the professionals working inside already know each other, this could save time,

– if turn on individual craftsmen you may get lower prices, because, easily the company will add a more or less large percentage on the quote of the individual professional!

In any case, if you choose a constructor, make sure that it does the work directly and not subcontract to another company, in this case, you can be sure that the prices will be much higher!

OTHER ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING THESE THREE TRICKS

Doing this will allow you to have a clear understanding of the costs you are about to face, and the picture is total!

So, not having yet “lifted a finger” you can always fix things!

Once you’ve done these three things, you can start work!

Will everything go smoothly?!

Well, it’s really hard because a few hitches and a few unexpected are easy to happen, it’s part of it!

If you invest some time in the research for the right professionals, but especially in the project, you will surely reduce the problems!

And the stress that follows and you will surely be able to face your renovation in the best way!

Even at an economic level, the possible cost increases are reduced, because the quotes for the works are based on a well-detailed project, and therefore, unless there is a change in the race on your part or something unexpected, the prices will remain the same!

TO DEAL AT THE BEST A RENOVATION IT’S POSSIBLE!

To face at the best a renovation is possible, the important thing is not to be in a hurry to start the work without having clear ideas!

Among other things, when everything is well planned, it allows you to speed up the whole process and not just a little bit because everyone will have clear what to do and so there will be no waste of time!

The investment made in the project and research will pay off!

If you’re going through a renovation and you’re feeling a little lost, don’t hesitate to contact me!!

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Home renovation? Read here to understand why it is important to choose the technician first and the contractor second.

If you’re thinking about a home renovation, it’s likely that you’re pondering how best to go about it…

You are probably thinking about calling a construction company in the first place, perhaps one you trust, to get a quote and decide how to start this venture directly with them.

I imagine this because I admit, I did so too for my first home renovation.

When I still knew little or nothing about it and was in a completely different line of work…

Oh yes, I too made that mistake, only fortunately for me, I chose a company with the right stuff, serious ones that work very well and so everything went smoothly!

Why do you make this choice, and why, if you are not more than lucky, can it be a terrible mistake?

Your thoughts in deciding to go directly to the construction company may be twofold:

– you think you are saving money;

– you think that the contractor is the right contact person (who better to know what we are talking about than those who perform the work).

Actually, both of these statements are incorrect!

Of course, many companies really like this choice, because they will be able to do whatever they want in your home, and, for you, this will be a big problem!

What do I mean by that? I’ll explain it to you right now!

– for huge renovations, they will offer you one of their technicians to do a project that THEY told them, based on what you explained to them;

– they will not specify the materials they will use.

This involves

– that the costs will increase out of all proportion because, not having studied the project beforehand with the technician, surely changes will come up during the work that needs to be done.

And these changes will come:

– from your side that by reasoning, you understand that there is a better solution for your needs,

– or from the contractor that only later will notice that something cannot be done this way, but it is better to do it that way, which however will lead to an increase of tot…

Believe me: this happens very often indeed!

– you will never know the proper value of the materials you have in your home, and there is a real danger that they will be poor quality, stock remnants that you paid for, however, as if they were first-rate!

– the work will be slow, and each modification will lead to an inevitable loss of time!

Construction companies, even the best ones, know how to do the work, but they don’t know how to do the project and don’t know how to do the bureaucratic part properly.

Arriving at the beginning of the work with a clear idea, with a plan properly done, knowing exactly what materials you want is really essential so that you then can check that the contractor is doing things as agreed.

It goes without saying that you are not an expert, you have an idea of what you would like, but a project cannot be limited to a quick sketch with two annotations…

The construction company, however skilled it may be, cannot accomplish what you want precisely only based on the few things you tell them.

Who looks after your interests?

And of course, as said before, on huge renovations they will propose you their technician, with whom, however, you will hardly talk… How can he do a project tailored to you? He will not do it, but will do it following the orders of the construction company!

Another problem, by no means marginal: relying directly on the contractor who will be the construction manager? Who will be in charge of safety?

If you haven’t hired a technician, you should do it yourself, but you don’t have the skills, and then you’ll have to rely on their professional, on the one you’ve never seen but who did the project and took care of the bureaucratic part…

But are you sure he will do your interests? I’m already telling you… absolutely not! He will do the interests of the construction company!

Do you still believe that for home renovation relying directly on the contractor is convenient and the best choice?

Often there is a false illusion that the construction company has every interest in giving the best possible service; in the end, it gets by on your money, so why complicate your life by not doing the work well?

That is largely due to the market in which they have to operate, a market in which price wars are the order of the day!

That somehow turns the enterprise into your “antagonist” because it has to maximize earnings while reducing costs!

Spending more is no guarantee to have a better job…

At this point, you might think: “I go to the most expensive one, and I’ve solved it!”.
No, unfortunately, it doesn’t even work that way because the constructor company MUST BE CONTROLLED anyway!

And that is always! And who can do that? Only and exclusively a technician!

But as said before, it can’t be their professional because if not, he will look at their interests and not yours, and you’ll be back to square one!

First, choose the technician and make a project!

The correct thing to do is

  • FIRST to choose a trusted technician; with him, study a project that is complete in detail and is functional to your needs.
  • choose all the materials you wish to have,
  • and THEN choose a construction company that, at that point, based on that detailed project and knowing what materials it will have to handle, will be able to give you a much more correct estimate.

The technician is aware of what he has to do, and knowing the laws and decrees, he knows how to do it, and having chosen him, you will check that everything is done properly and will defend your interests!

Do you understand why if it is true that the choice of the constructor company will make a big difference in your home renovation (I talk about it here), it is even more so the choice of the technician!

Better to move forward in steps!

My team and I always start from here…

Once we have identified the right house for you, we start with the project that we do 360°!

Which means from the first brick to the furniture (wanting to the last knick-knack!).

We follow and support you in choosing all the materials (tiles, interior and exterior fixtures, sanitary ware, furniture, of course!).

And only after that do we start with the work!

Home renovation is a high-impact financial and emotional commitment that you CAN NOT leave to chance.

It is a long and arduous path, which, if not properly managed, can lead to a lot of frustration, don’t risk this and let me support you: contact me!

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Home renovation? The choice of the construction company will make a big difference!

Let’s see why the choice of the construction company is the first step to take when renovating!

We know, we’ve said it a million times, renovating your home can become a high source of stress and turn into a true nightmare!

There are really so many things to think about and pay attention to, and if you can’t be there all the time, it all amplifies exponentially, bringing huge bellyaches and heavy losses of money and time.

How can you avoid experiencing the work period badly?

The choice of the right construction company that will put hands on your home is a FUNDAMENTAL thing.

It is a choice that will make a difference both in the final result of the work and in the psychological component you will experience during the entire renovation phase.

Below are some hints on how to choose the right company for you

ON LINE RESEARCH

In the internet age, everything is now at your fingertips!

And it’s really hard for a construction company not to be present in some way on the internet!

PAY ATTENTION, however, to not dwell only on the most appealing website, it’s not enough to choice of the right construction company!

You should know that often the pictures you see on various websites are not photos of jobs actually done by the company, but bought from foreign sites!

In the end, the website is a showcase, and we always try to present ourselves at our best.

If you see crooked photos, perhaps out of focus, then yes, it will be their work; but if you see “magazine” photos, ask yourself questions…

Very few businesses rely on professional photographers to capture their work.

When you see a beautiful picture, go further and read the description to see that it is compatible with the image you just saw…

Focus on the contents; they will give you a first idea of who those construction companies are and what they do.

If they also have social media channels you can follow them and start “knowing them”, you can even interact without any commitment!

Search and evaluate their reviews!

Pay attention to those constructors without reviews, as well as, for those who have them, you have to understand if they are real customers or friends and relatives!!

SPECIALIST VS. GENERALIST

I recommend you avoid those companies that give you an endless list of services!

the longer the list is, the less quality you will have!

It is impossible to excel in everything and guarantee an excellent product or service if you are not specialized!

It is clear that you can find a company that has a highly skilled staff in the various sectors, but it must be specified very well on the site, perhaps in the section OUR TEAM, for example.

Also, remember that a construction company that renovates apartments will hardly do a very high-quality job if you need to renovate a cottage!

The construction company must be chosen based also on the work you have to do.

EVALUATE THE KEY IN HAND SOLUTION

If you choose each master craftsman yourself, you might save something, at least at the budget level, but to do so, remember that you will have to spend a lot of time finding the “right” ones.

Moreover, if they do not know each other, the risk of misunderstandings that will generate errors and delays (resulting in increased costs) is really great.

The construction company surely has workers with whom it collaborates, who will be just as serious; a good company cannot risk “losing face” because of a mistaken collaboration!

And for sure, these professionals already know each other and have definitely already worked together.

Try to understand whether these laborers are subcontracted by the company or whether each has its own costs. Especially try to percieve how many subcontracts there are!

I’ll tell you this because the more steps there will be the higher the final cost will be for you!

BE WARY OF TOO LOW ESTIMATES!

Quality and low prices DO NOT go hand in hand!

it would be nice, but it’s not like that!

the reality is that if you spend little you will get little!

A low share for the job done has 2 implications

– either low quality,

– or at each small variation, the price will magically increase (you know when they tell you “this can’t be done this way, we have to do it like that, but it costs X (ex) more”?)

In the end, the risk is to pay more than what you would have paid using the company that had a higher estimate.

MAKE AN IN-DEPTH MEETING

Once you have identified the one you think could be the right company, make an in-depth meeting!

Prepare a piece of paper with many questions and make them show off their works and reviews!

This will help you to understand how they work and therefore if they are the professionals you were looking for, but also their accountability: if they know how to listen to you, and if they answer all of your questions exhaustively, they will be there if problems arise, taking on responsibility and doing anything to solve them.

Because there may likely be problems during the work, and a company present will really make a difference!

In conclusion, take the time to look for the right company for your needs, don’t be charmed by sites that look too good and quotes that are too low, choose a company that specializes in what you need…

If you need a hand with your renovation don’t hesitate to contact me!

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Are you renovating home? Listen to the heart and not the others!

Renovating home…

If you are planning something, whatever it is, you can be sure that the people around you will have their opinion about it, and will be happy to let you know it!

This, therefore, also applies if you are renovating your home!

You start all thrilled with a thousand ideas, you can already imagine how it will be, and slowly everyone “destroys” your dreams with “if I were you…” “in your place…” “I would do this differently…”!

Often they give you a suggestion for a part, an element, without knowing all the rest of the project.

But, above all, they don’t know why you’re taking a certain decision!

Most of the time, people are full of good intentions, but not really being in your shoes, their suggestions will be dictated by their tastes and their experiences, which are not necessarily suited to yours!

Designing or renovating your home is definitely exciting, and it is normal that you want to share all this with friends and family!

But, often, their advice and suggestions get you confused!

And it is possible that, following some of their ideas, in the end, you will have a home that isn’t really the way you wanted!

And, above all, that doesn’t fully adapt to your needs and your way of being!

Why does this happen?

HOW ARE YOU COMMUNICATING?

Often this happens because of how you communicate information with them:

  • are you simply making them aware of your plans?
  • are you looking for suggestions?
  • or do you seek their approval?

How you tell them things will make a big difference in whereby they will understand them and reply accordingly!

If your intention is only communicative, to make them aware of what you are doing and share your joy, you must show your projects as if all the decisions had already been taken!

If you are sure of your ideas, others will be inclined to support your vision and share your joy, without intrusion.

Or, in any case, with less “invasive” ones!

When they have anyhow to give you their point of view, accept it, think about it and see if it really is something that fits you, your personality, and your needs.

If it doesn’t, go over it without hesitation, remember that it is you who must live in that house, not them!

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU ASK

If, on the other hand, you have doubts about some part of the project and would like to receive effective advice, do not ask everyone, you would come out more confused than ever!

instead look for someone who is more like you, who knows your tastes and your needs and you will see that they will give you thoughtful advice that really can be useful to you!

But, even in this case, although surely this suggestion will be based more on you, do not take it as pure gold.

Evaluate it in every detail, to be sure that it really fits your needs.

Otherwise do not be afraid to change it, maybe the basic idea is right, but some details are not entirely in tune with your way of being.

As we have said, home renovation is exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially if the project is large and the process is long!

During the path, you may feel frustrated and have a thousand doubts about your choices, and unasked advice can really throw you down…

ONLY YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED!

When this happens, stop, take a deep breath, and always listen just to your heart.

Only you know your very personal tastes, your rhythms, and your needs, and, therefore, only you know what can make you happy!

For example, if your dream is a large open-space kitchen because you love to receive friends and relatives and while you cook you like being able to chat with them, you don’t have to change your mind if someone tells you that a closed kitchen is better because at least you don’t see disorder and above all odors are not smelt!

Remember that a design decision is not necessarily better or worse than yours, only different, dictated by different tastes and needs.

What is right for someone could be very wrong for you!

When customers ask me for help, the first thing I do is talk at length to understand their tastes and needs to study together with the best solution that makes them happy!

Projects don’t always meet my taste, but woe if it were so, the house is not mine!

So, when you start sharing your exciting restructuring plans with others, and the advice starts to arrive copiously, remember that you are the captain of the ship and that only useful friends have to get on board!

The house must reflect you, not them!

If you are renovating your home and need help putting YOUR ideas together, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

 

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