Before buying a property that needs to be renovated, learn how to repair and organize it step by step. Do not go straight to work without preparation so that time and money are not wasted. Do the process systematically and be patient if things don't go according to plan. Study these instructions so you're ready to renovate your home, shop, or other property.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing for Renovation
Step 1. Do a property check
Before carrying out any renovations, take the time to thoroughly inspect the property. Record the condition of the building and the items in it, which ones are still in good condition and which ones need to be repaired. We recommend that you invite a professional property inspector to do a detailed check so that nothing is missed. Take this opportunity to ask questions about property repairs. You can search for property inspectors on the internet by accessing the website of a contractor company in Indonesia. If you live in America, look through the website of the American Society of Home Inspectors.
- Aspects to be checked during a property check, e.g. heating systems, air conditioning, air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical connections, roofs, attics, exposed or removed insulators, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundations, drains, and the basement (if any).
- Don't do the checking yourself if you're not a property contractor.
- Take photos of the overall condition of the property during the check.
- The checking fee depends on the size of the property.
Step 2. Make a checklist
Once you've determined what needs to be fixed, jot down everything in detail so you know what to do and not miss anything. Property repairs usually cover both interior (wall painting, floor tile replacement, etc.) and exterior (garden arrangement, gutter repair, patio lighting replacement, etc.)
- Keep complete and very detailed notes describing things to do when the property is renovated.
- Check reports can be used to create checklists.
Step 3. Prepare a financial budget
Take advantage of the checklist to determine how much it will cost. Creating a financial budget will be easier if you use the Excel program. Prepare a separate budget for each repair. If the repair costs are greater than the available funds, readjust the work listed in the checklist again.
- Prepare funds for unexpected things in anticipation. Various new issues can arise after the renovation begins.
- If the property is for sale after renovation, you will need to factor in all repair costs so that the property can be sold at a favorable price.
Step 4. Use the services of a contractor
Renovations will be easier if done by a good contractor. Take the time to find complete information, for example by asking for a reference from the manager of the apartment building you live in, through the Real Estate Indonesia website, or the contractor's website. Make a selection to determine the most appropriate contractor.
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Consider the following aspects when selecting a contractor:
- Minimum three years experience as a contractor
- Have own equipment
- Supported by construction workers who are able to complete their tasks well
- Have an official work permit according to applicable regulations
- Able to fulfill the obligation to pay insurance premiums and provide compensation to employees
- Collaborating with subcontractors
- Get a minimum of three positive references
- After selecting a few contractors, ask them to submit a formal offer. Choose a contractor who is able to work well and charges according to the budget.
Step 5. Have the contractor look at the property
After choosing a contractor, do a property check together as he or she can help you adjust your budget and reassess the necessary repairs.
After checking the property with the contractor, determine the renovation schedule including determining who is responsible for doing certain things so that the cooperation runs smoothly
Step 6. Get the required permissions
Before renovating a property, you usually need to get a permit so you don't violate any applicable regulations. Contact your local building or housing manager to find out which permits you need to obtain for the type of work you are going to do.
- In certain countries, renovations that require permits, such as replacement of electrical wiring, expansion of building floors, addition of fence heights of more than 1.8 m, and other works involving waterways in public areas.
- Renovations that do not require a permit, such as roof replacement, floor repair, painting, window and door replacement.
- The contractor can help you manage and get permits.
Method 2 of 2: Repairing Properties
Step 1. First of all, do the cleaning and get rid of the things that are not needed
Clean up trash inside and outside the room. Throw away items that are damaged or need to be replaced, such as floor tiles, cabinets, electronic devices, lamps, toilets, water heaters, etc. Work outside the home, such as trimming dry twigs, cutting bushes, removing doors (garages, gates, sheds, balconies, and terraces).
Step 2. Perform roof or foundation repairs first
If the roof needs to be replaced, do so before any interior repairs begin to prevent rain. Foundation repair should also be carried out at the beginning of the work.
Exterior improvements make your attention less focused on the property being renovated
Step 3. Replace the doors and windows
Exterior repairs by replacing doors and windows should be carried out after the foundation is completed. Installation of doors and windows will protect the property from the weather and wild animals. In addition, new doors and windows make the property look less like an abandoned building.
- Calculate the number of doors and windows needed. Measure carefully before buying.
- The new front door will change the look of the property and add value.
Step 4. Repair faucets, water pipes, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Replacement of faucets and drains is required to repair water heaters, tubs or water sprays in bathrooms, bidets, and gas lines. You may also need to replace the air conditioning system. Installation of new electrical wiring can be done at this time.
Be careful if you want to install the AC compressor outside the building before it is occupied to prevent it from being stolen
Step 5. Repair the plasterboard
You can install new plasterboard or repair the existing one. The second way will be cheaper. After fixing the plasterboard, you can paint the walls and ceiling.
Step 6. Paint the ceiling and walls
Protect the floor with a plastic sheet or canvas. Cover areas that don't need painting with wall plaster. Door and window frames should be covered with plaster. Before painting the walls, fill in the gaps between the trim on the top and bottom of the walls with whitewash or putty. Apply primer before painting the walls.
- Clean the walls before painting. Many construction workers sand and clean the walls once more after the primer has dried.
- Move the brush in a V or W shape as you apply the paint, instead of up and down.
Step 7. Replace lights, floor tiles, and household appliances (stove, dishwasher or clothes, tumble dryer, etc
)
- Replacing the lamp will bring about a major change in the appearance of the property and is relatively more expensive than other repairs.
- Floor repairs can be done by installing vinyl, ceramic tile, wood, carpet, or laminate.
- Floor repairs must be carried out later so that they are not exposed to paint and are not trampled by workers passing through the building. To make the floor look new after the renovation is complete, do some interior repair before repairing the floor. At least, don't let the floor be stepped on too often while the interior is being repaired.
Step 8. Give the final touch
After everything is done, do a thorough check of the repairs that have been made. There may still be uneven paint or checking the faucets, air conditioner, and electrical connections. In addition, the entire property must also be cleaned.
You need to do a final check with the contractor
Step 9. Perform page layout
Start by setting the front page because this is the first area people see. Prioritize repairs to fences, patios, canopies, sidewalks, porches and garages. After that, add soil in the garden to plant grass, flowers, etc. Back yard may be laid out last.
- Find out the intensity of sunlight in the garden before buying plants. If it's shady enough because there are lots of trees, buy plants that don't need a lot of sun.
- Discuss your ideas with the plant seller and ask him to suggest the types of plants that are suitable for your property.
- Consider the time it takes to take care of the garden. If you are busy, choose a simple garden arrangement.
- If the window sill is low enough, choose shrubs or those that creep on the ground so they don't block the view.
Tips
- Many building materials and home improvement stores have a comfortable atmosphere and provide complete stock for property repairs.
- Be patient. Renovation costs often exceed budget or work progress is not on schedule.
- Make repairs the right way. Ignoring the problem for the sake of saving will lead to disappointment later on.
