Undertaking a home renovation project is exciting, and we’re not about to pretend that it isn’t; however, while your mind will naturally be drawn towards focusing on the positive parts of the project, it’s important to keep in mind that not every aspect of undertaking a home renovation project will be positive.
Even seemingly straightforward renovations can cause high levels of stress, as well as a host of other potential dangers that it can pay to know about before you get things underway. In this post, we’ll run through some of the most serious and commonly overlooked risks, which should help you plan a renovation that runs as smoothly and safely as possible.
The Emotional Toll
Your home renovation will eventually make your property better — but it’ll be a journey to get there. One of the things that catches many homeowners off guard is the emotional toll that taking a jackhammer to your property can induce.
What was once a comfortable, relaxing, enjoyable space can become fraught with arguments, decision-fatigue, and the stress that comes with saying goodbye to a space that has served you well. Recognising that there can be an emotional toll ahead of time can make sure you’re ready when/if it arrives, without worrying if something is wrong when it does so.
Asbestos Dangers
Some home renovation dangers are damaging but short-term, often disappearing almost as soon as the project is complete. Asbestos, which can have severe long-term health consequences, is not like that. If your property was built before 1990, then it’s important to be aware that it could contain asbestos. It won’t pose a threat while it’s in the walls, but it could do so if it’s disturbed and becomes airborne — such as during a renovation. Working with an asbestos removal company will ensure that you, your family, and the contractors you hire for the renovation project are kept safe. Note that you should never attempt to remove asbestos yourself; it must always be managed by professionals.
Spiralling Costs
All too often, homeowners take a look at a quote, tally up their pennies, and then decide whether it’s something they can proceed with. The problem is that the early-stage quote doesn’t account for unforeseen issues — it only accounts for the cost of making things happen as things stand. It’s more than possible that you’ll run into issues that can drive the cost up, especially if you’re undertaking a major renovation. Old houses, in particular, are known for throwing up costly surprises.
All of that can take a heavy toll if you haven’t accounted for additional expenses, and in some cases, can run the risk of the project grinding to a halt midway through completion, which can present its own problems. In addition, there will also likely be additional indirect costs, such as the cost of eating meals out or having to rent another property for periods of the project.
As such, it’s recommended to set aside an additional 15 – 20% of the project’s budget, which should ensure you can take those costs in your stride.
