Renovating/Extending Vs New Build
Here are some insider tips on why home renovations and additions can be more trouble than a new build.
Renovations and additions to homes are often more difficult and take longer than new builds. This is because they involve changing or adding to an existing structure, which can bring its own set of problems. Here are some reasons why home renovations and additions can take longer than new construction:
Permits and Approvals
Renovations and additions often need extra permissions and permits from the local government, which can take time to get. This is because the changes being made to the existing building may need to meet certain building codes and rules.
Unexpected problems
When working on an existing building, it’s common to find problems like hidden damage or structural issues that need to be fixed. This can make the project take longer and cost more.
Working around the occupants
Renovations and additions are often done while the people who live there are still there. This can be annoying and cause delays. During some parts of the project, it may be necessary to work around the schedules of the people who live there or to find them temporary housing.
Can add more P&G costs because it’s hard to get materials, work vehicles, and delivery vehicles into the space. May need more ways to control traffic and keep mud and water from getting into waterways.
Coordinating the work of different trades
When renovating or adding on to a house, the work of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, among other trades, is often needed. Coordinating the schedules of these trades and making sure they have the materials and tools they need can take more time.
Limited access
When renovating or adding on to a home, workers often have to work in tight or confined spaces, which can make it harder for them to get to some parts of the house. This can cause delays because they may have to go around obstacles or think of other ways to get to some places.
Home renovations can cause new problems when wall coverings come off or when new plumbing and electrical services are added to the ones that are already there. Costs can go up a lot here for no one’s fault.
Overall, home renovations and additions can take longer than new builds because more permits and approvals are needed, problems can pop up out of nowhere, the workers have to work around the homeowners, they have to coordinate with multiple trades, and they can’t get to some parts of the house.
But these delays can be kept to a minimum with careful planning and skilled contractors, and the project can be finished successfully.
Adding Value To Your Home?
But it’s not all bad news. If you already own the land and the house, you can increase the value of the property by a lot by adding on to it and fixing it up. By making the home bigger and more useful, you can make it more appealing to buyers or renters, which can boost its value.
The energy efficiency of a home can also be improved through renovations and additions, which can make it more appealing to buyers and raise its value. For example, adding insulation, upgrading windows, and installing energy-efficient appliances can all help lower energy costs and raise the value of the home.
It’s important to remember that not all renovations and additions make a home more valuable. Before starting a renovation or extension project, it’s important to think carefully about the costs and the return on investment that might be possible. For example, adding a pool or a luxury feature might not increase the value of the home if it doesn’t appeal to the majority of potential buyers in the area.
In general, it’s best to focus on renovations and additions that make the home more useful and attractive rather than those that are just for looks. It’s also a good idea to talk to a real estate agent or appraiser to find out how much value a home improvement or addition might add.
Final Thoughts
Depending on your goals and motivations, renovating your home can make it more valuable and let you make it exactly how you want it.
Still look for a trustworthy tradesperson and keep track of costs to avoid going over budget.
If you need a QS report on any of the works be sure to reach out too us at rapidqsnz@gmail.com
