There’s no denying that eco-friendly houses are an effective step towards a low-emission country. Many homes are renovating their existing dwellings to become more friendly to the environment. During the planning stage of an energetic renovation project, deciding whether to undertake the project by yourself or involve project managers can be tricky. You need to plan a renovation strategy that will minimize costly mistakes, time, and stress. The size and complexity of the project will dictate whether the project can be done by yourself or the services of an architectural firm like interior design company in Cannes are required. This article will guide you in picking the correct strategy.
Energy Renovation Project
Simple renovation projects can be done by the owner. However, in an energy renovation project that needs more than one trade, like a kitchen or a bathroom, if you project-manage it yourself, unforeseen problems could result. Such a project requires waterproofing, draining, and understanding how it all works together. Unless you’re a builder, you might not be aware of all these activities which eventually could result in the failure of your project.
When to Undertake a Renovation Project by Yourself
If you have a background in building, you can choose to do the energy renovation project by yourself. Renovations that are less complex don’t necessarily require the services of an architectural firm. If it is straightforward and there is no problem with access, you can just do it.
If you’re intending to undertake the project on your own, follow these steps:
- Obtain a cost estimate. Before you begin knocking the walls in your current space down, you must get an idea of how your renovation costs will look like. Start by researching renovation basics, then talk to plenty of contractors to guide you on budget allocations. You will also need information on the cost of materials and other supplies. A budget will give you a sense of direction and keep you accountable for your financial objectives.
- Consult renovation experts. Although you’ve decided to undertake the renovation project on your own, you still need input from construction experts. Consulting the professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and material suppliers will help you to understand what you need to do and how you can avoid costly mistakes in the process. You also need a construction team to survey the site and decide whether there are structural problems in the foundation.
- Choose a heating system. During energy renovation, you can either install or upgrade the central heating. There are several radiator and boiler options in the market to choose from, as well as recent technology like heat pumps. Each option has its benefits and use and therefore, it is upon you to research adequately on what option suits your space the best.
- Map out the plumbing activities. When renovating, you should integrate plumbing from the ground up and ensure maximum efficiency where possible. The plumbing should accommodate extra spaces and the intended changes. Depending on your home’s plumbing, you can either repipe or upgrade to an entirely new plumbing system.
- Consider using sustainable solutions. Incorporating sustainable systems and fixtures is not only beneficial to the environment but also saves you a huge chunk of money on your energy costs. You need to do thorough research and consult experts to determine if you can adopt sustainable solutions in your renovation project. This could include installing solar panels, increasing insulation to your walls, or replacing your windows and using skylights instead. You should also upgrade to a smart meter to get an overview of the energy usage in your home.
- Set aside time for energy-related lags. Self-build projects can require months to complete. There is a lot of downtime and intensive bouts of progress. Therefore, you have to be ready for the in-between stages when heating or electricity is not available. Planning ahead will help you avoid such challenges and easily get your energy needs handled. You can do this by disconnecting the energy services during the renovation process, turning your power off temporarily, and organizing new supply connections and power and gas meter installations.
When to Use Architects for a Renovation Project
Complex energy renovations with constraints or renovations that require council approval have to involve an architect. The role of architects here is to ensure that the blueprints pass the safety regulations such as the materials being resistant to fire.
Architects design solutions to cater to the current space problems. They deal with things such as space efficiency, ventilation, natural light, and storage solutions. They decide on materials that will solve existing problems, like glare or poor insulation.
At times, the overall vibe and aesthetic of the project are what will determine the required materials. Other times, the planned cost of the owner is what influences the selection of materials. The majority of architects have a great understanding of how various materials can work together, depend on each other, and result in a successful project.
On the other hand, you can choose to work with them collaboratively. This is a sure way of getting the best results out of your project. Having architects on your team helps to accommodate random changes that could occur in the process of renovation. Everyone undertakes a renovation project with the best intentions, but then something opens up the wall and you find something that no one knows how to fix. That is where the architects’ skills come in. They are skilled in adapting to changes.