Facing a home reform is not an easy task. Whether we have just moved and want to rehabilitate the space to our liking, or if what we want is to change the face of our current home to adapt it to new tastes and needs, carrying out reforms poses a series of difficulties that, well-posed from the beginning, are They can minimize so that we can enjoy our new home smoothly and on schedule.
Imagine your new space
The first thing we must do before undertaking a reform is to imagine what we want our new house to be like: if we need more space, if we want to have more natural light, if we like a classic style more or on the contrary, we bet on a more modern one, if we need more functionality … In short, be clear about what we want to achieve with this reform.
Make a list of all the elements you want to do without (doors, partitions, etc.). We must check if we can do without them with a real plan of the house. Sometimes, it is impossible to make changes due to the presence of load-bearing walls, columns, or beams that cannot be removed.
Permits and licenses
Before starting any work at home, we will consult with the City Council of our town to inform us about the permits and licenses that we will need. These documents will depend on whether we carry out minor works (reforms in kitchens or bathrooms, changes in cladding, installations …) or major works (which affect the structure of the building, the facade, or the common elements).
Request various quotes from professionals with references
For the result of the reform to be satisfactory, it is very important to have accredited professionals who have professional civil liability insurance covering them in the event of an accident. Good professionals will guarantee that the work is carried out correctly and get cheaper materials since they are usually purchased in construction warehouses where the sale of material is only allowed to professionals in the sector.
It is also advisable to request several budgets broken down by item: masonry, electricity, plumbing … not forgetting to reserve a margin of approximately 15% of the total for possible unforeseen events that may arise.
Set an end date for the reform
Once the budget that best suits our needs has been selected, it is advisable to set a writing date for the completion of the works. If this date is exceeded, we can claim a penalty from the person responsible for completing the reform.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that the works often affect the rooms of the house that we use daily, such as the bathroom or the bedroom. Thus, the ideal is to carry out all the interventions during vacation periods or to have possible alternatives planned, while the reform lasts.
Inform the neighbors
Reform can not only inconvenience those who carry it out, but it can also be a reason for a dispute with the neighbors. Although the works that do not alter the security, structure, or exterior configuration of the building do not require authorization from the community, it is always recommended that they are informed to avoid misunderstandings.
Where do I keep my things during the reform?
During the work, we probably need to get furniture, books, electrical appliances, clothes, shoes… and where do we keep all those things? If you have a second home, you can temporarily store them there, although the safest and most comfortable option is to move them to a rental storage room.
Final review of the reform
Once the reforms are completed, it is convenient to carry out a final review of the same to verify that everything included in the project has been carried out to fruition. It is also checking that all the facilities (plumbing, electricity, gas …) are working correctly. If so, we can already make the final payment for the work and prepare to enjoy our new home.
