Renovating your home can be an exciting yet tedious process. You get to redecorate and redesign areas of your house, giving you the feel of a brand-new home. While it can be stressful when you’re dealing with construction here and there, there’s nothing like seeing a renovated kitchen now with the finest countertops, a dining room with updated state-of-the-art décor, or a newly painted jazzed-up living room.
However, before you begin renovating any part of your home, you must consider doing the necessary preparations. Sure, having an idea of what you want the area to look like is great, but you may also want to hire a building and engineering consultant to conduct a building inspection for your house.
Here’s why:
1. Assurance That You’re Renovating Legally
Even the simplest home renovations need to have legal approval. You can choose to have a DIY renovation in secret, but it might cause you problems in the long run, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future. If you don’t have the documentation to show that a house extension was approved, for instance, you’ll have to pay fines to get it redone, or you might have to remove it altogether.
When you opt to conduct a building inspection before you renovate your home, you’d usually find yourself working with skilled architects or engineers. They know the latest building codes and other legal processes for renovation projects and will advise you on what you can do and what measures you have to take.
2. Determine Possible Problems That Can Be Addressed
Whether you’re renovating only your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, other areas not included in the project could also be affected. Some electrical wires could be damaged if you decide to break down a wall, or a possible leakage might happen if you choose to rework an old room.
Hiring a building inspector can help you determine which problems might arise that come with specific changes. They can show what could happen and offer compromises that will help get what you want without worrying about such problems.
3. Better And Safer Home Design
It can be tempting to take down as many walls as possible to give the illusion of a more open and spacious house. However, some walls are meant to stay where they are since they support the house’s structure. If you choose to break down walls on your own and bypass the architectural integrity of your home, you might encounter problems that will permanently damage the house and potentially put you and your family in danger, too.
Working with a building inspector helps you attain the best and safest renovation designs. With their extensive experience in inspecting buildings, you’re sure to get the best advice and insight. Since you’re working with a team of experts knowledgeable of the task at hand, your mind will be at peace.
4. Increase The Value Of Your Home
If you make the right choices during a renovation project, chances are, your home’s value will increase. This is useful, especially if you plan to put your house up for sale eventually. An added deck, a state-of-the-art remodeled kitchen, or a beautiful landscaping work are bound to add value to your current home.
Building inspectors can provide you with insights as to what possible additions you can add to increase its value. If you plan to get a deck, they can help pick the best materials and design. They can also give direct referrals to builders or contractors for specific renovation needs.
5. Save More Money
If you choose to renovate on your own, there are possible problems that could arise later on. You could encounter cracks in the walls, water damage, and even plumbing or electrical issues. These problems can cause you more in the long run, even after renovation.
When you hire a building inspector to do an overall inspection of your home beforehand, you can avoid the financial cost the problems would produce. Building inspectors will check your electrical and plumbing systems to ensure they’re up-to-date on their codes and function properly. They’ll make sure that these systems won’t be affected during the renovation process.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that conducting a building inspection is essential before a home renovation project. You’d want to ensure that you get the best work done while also abiding by the laws or building codes set out for your area. When you work with a building inspector, you’re sure to get the best quality output while being safe on the legal side and the overall home structure.