If the television has piqued your interest in renovating a property, bear in mind that what you see is not all that you’ll get.
Apparently, 2014-2015 has been earmarked as a year for buoyant house prices. This has the knock on effect of titillating the ‘renovationary’ instincts of those in a position to buy a rundown property for renovation, refurbishment and to bring it back to glory. To many people, the prospect of such an endeavour is more attractive than ever, largely thanks to the way it’s portrayed on television.
However, don’t be fooled. Even with the potential for investment on the rise for property owners, there are still the inevitable costs and risks involved. Renovations on the television are all well and good, but let’s not forget that what you see is the whole process compressed, edited, sprinkled with a smattering of celebrity and then rolled out as a successful venture where the sun shines and there are smiles all around.
This may sound pessimistic, but in the real world, it won’t be an hour of gallivanting around with planks of wood or the onset of mildly amusing pratfalls that will bring you your dream home, or investment.
What’s really involved
It takes careful planning, knowledge of the market, a good grasp of your budget, a thick skin, patience, and not an insignificant amount of luck to renovate your perfect property. One factor that people often miss is the need to protect your investment during and after the renovation process. If you aren’t careful, you could be confronted with hidden costs and unexpected stress.
If you aren’t prepared then you could come unstuck, both motivationally and financially. This is where the specialist services of Renovations Insurance Brokers come into their own.
It really is a bigger picture
Of course, renovating a property isn’t simply an investment. It is almost always a labour of love, commitment, attention to detail and of agonising choices; from the minutia of design, to the stone, bricks and mortar that will eventually ensconce you in your dream home, annual retreat, or financial nest egg.
Don’t be taken in by the small-screen dream, but do be inspired by it, because when you undertake your own renovation project, it is far more rewarding than any television programme.