When budgeting for a renovation, it’s important that you don’t overlook some of the hidden costs. Below are some of the hidden renovation costs that many people don’t consider.
Planning permission/consent
Certain improvements may require applying for planning permission or consent from a local council. This includes most extensions and many external structural changes (such as adding a new window) as well improvements to listed buildings. There are fees involved with making an application (typically £172 for most improvements). Make sure that you have access to this money upfront so that you can get permission granted before starting any work. This guide at Planning Portal offers more information about getting planning permission.
Specialist materials
Certain specialist materials could put the cost up considerably. Such materials may be necessary in some cases. In other cases, you may be able to use cheaper imitation materials. To save money, shop around for supplies on sites like Builders Merchant. This could be cheaper than allowing a contractor to source materials for you. Just make sure that you get all the specs right.
DIY tools
A DIY renovation might seem like an opportunity to save money. However, some DIYers can end up spending more than they would do hiring a contractor simply due to splashing out on expensive tools. If you’re trying to save money, take time to weigh up the cost of acquiring tools with the cost of hiring contractors. It may be better to stick to DIY jobs that you already have the tools for. Hiring tools may be an option for saving money in some cases.
Moving plumbing/electrics
When remodelling a kitchen or bathroom, you may toy with the idea of changing the layout. However, moving an oven or sink could push the price of your renovation up quite a lot. In order to move an oven or sink, you’ll likely have to relocate piping, which will require hiring a plumber. Similarly, when moving light fixtures or sockets, you have to consider the cost of relocating wiring. Decide whether moving plumbing and electrical fixtures is necessary or whether you can redesign your kitchen or bathroom around these existing fixtures.
Energy bills
During the renovation, a lot of power tools and machinery are likely to be used. These will increase your energy consumption resulting in higher energy bills for the month. You could find that energy bills increase permanently after building an extension. This is because it will require more energy to heat your home and you’ll possibly be using extra electrical outlets.
Loan interest
Many people have to borrow money to afford a renovation. This means having to pay back debts with interest in the long run. You should consider the cheapest option in the long run. In most cases, extending your mortgage or remortgaging is the most convenient and cost-effective option. That said, it’s still worth looking into personal loans just in case you find something cheaper. You don’t want to be paying off huge amounts of interest in the future as it could cause you to look back on your renovation with regret.
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