In most house remodeling projects, there is an element of structural change that can completely change the look and feel of your house. If you have bought a property with a traditional design and layout, you can revive the architectural design by knocking down some walls, opening up spaces, making room additions, extending out into the garden or perhaps bringing dull and redundant segments of your house into the limelight.
You not only need a handsome amount of money to carry out structural renovation in your house, but also a wee bit of planning goes into it before you can actually make the first move. In this blog, we will discuss some handy tips to manage the structural remodeling project of your home.
Tips to Manage Structural Remodeling of Your Home
Unlike any other renovation project, structural remodeling requires some serious planning and more careful execution. You don’t want repair work sooner than expected therefore you must plan before you make the first change. Here are six crucial steps that you must take to make structural remodeling successful.
- Choose a home designer and planner
- Work on major house repairs first
- Demolish areas that you no longer need
- Hire a carpenter
- Install electric wiring and insulation
- Go for finishing touches
Let’s discuss these in detail.
Choose a home architect and planner
It is always a good idea to invest more in planning than in the execution part. You can strike off a design mistake on paper before it takes any physical form or else you will have to spend a hefty amount on repair work. A major home remodeling project would require more skilled work than a weekend DIY project and for that you need professionals’ help.
The scope of work for most home designers does not involve making any structural changes in the house. They would rather work on beautifying the house or making cosmetic changes. In order to make changes to the structural element of your house, you must take the services of an architect who will guide you through the process in a better way.
Also, it is important to apply for any building regulations and permits. Don’t take this part lightly. Some authority might just ask you to wrap up the entire remodeling project in the middle of it just because you didn’t follow the society’s housing regulations.
Work on major house repairs first
Before you make any structural changes to your abode, go for all kinds of repair work. You don’t want a costly renovation project on a weak foundation that can’t bear it. This happens especially when you remove any load-bearing wall to expand a room.
If there is any major foundation fix or the cracks in the roof need to be repaired, pay attention to these before you consider overhauling. If the windows are damaged or need urgent repair, then fix them now. Similarly, if you feel that the siding of the windows is damaged and it will allow water infiltration, then repair the siding of the windows now or leave it for later if you think it won’t hamper the renovation work.
Demolish areas that you no longer need
Carry out the demolition work carefully, especially if there are surfaces with lead-based paint coating. Rent out a large container that can carry the waste generated through the demolition process.
Hire a carpenter
There is a lot of carpentry work involved during renovation. One of the best tips to manage a structural remodeling project is to identify areas where you would need the services of a professional carpenter.
For instance, if you are expanding a room and removing an entire wall, then you would need to remove the doors and windows. A professional carpenter will carefully remove any shelves, in-built cabinets and doors before you think about moving the wall.
Similarly, once the room is remodeled, putting back the doors and windows is also an important part of structural renovation. Repairing and insulating window frames or even adding beams to support the weight of the first floor is all part of carpentry work in structural remodeling.
Install electric wiring and insulation
Once the walls and ceiling is open, it is the right time to make changes in the electric wiring of your house. You can also install centralized heating or air conditioning systems. Get new plumbing and electrical systems installed in the ceiling. Install insulation in the walls and ceiling. Make sure your roof and flooring is waterproof and if there is any need go for a chemical injection waterproofing method in the basement walls to make them sturdier before you carry out your remodeling project.
For instance, if you are planning to merge your kitchen with the living room by knocking down the middle wall and installing a skylight in the ceiling, then you must get the edges of the skylight waterproofed and properly sealed. Removing a load-bearing wall should also be accompanied by temporary supports that can bear the weight, the load-bearing wall was holding before, which should then be replaced by beams, posts and other support structures that can hold the upper weight of the floor.
Go for finishing touches
Should you install the flooring first or get the painting done is debatable. If you install the floor first, the paint splatters on the brand new floor can be unsightly and problematic to remove. Or if you think getting the paint done first is ideal, then be prepared for the floor sander which might graze your walls. Most professionals still recommend getting the flooring done in the end as the chances of any damage is fairly less.
We hope our guide on how to manage a structural remodeling project on your own proved useful to you. If you are renovating your house, then you should also explore other informative posts on:
- Some useful home renovation tips
- Simple house renovation ideas to decorate your place
- Should you renovate or sell your home?
If you have made any structural changes in your abode, then do share your experiences at blog@zameen.com and we will surely get back to you. Subscribe to the Zameen Newsletter appearing on the right hand side of the page. Stay tuned to the Zameen Blog, the best real estate blog in Pakistan.
