Are you dreaming of renovating your home but worried about costly surprises lurking behind those walls? Nightmare stories abound of homeowners who dove into major renovations only to uncover serious issues like mould, termite damage, or outdated wiring. These unexpected problems can rapidly drain your renovation budget and turn your dream project into a money pit.

Know what you’re getting into

The very first step of any renovation should be scheduling a comprehensive building inspection by a qualified professional. They will thoroughly examine every nook from the roof down to the foundation. This allows them to identify any existing problems or potential issues that could throw a wrench into your reno plans down the line. An inspection report will detail the major components like the electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, windows, and structural elements. The inspector will highlight what needs to be repaired or replaced due to age, water damage, termites, or other issues. You’ll get an unbiased assessment of everything from the roof’s remaining lifespan to the state of the basement moisture barrier.

Get an accurate price estimate

• The most common renovation pitfalls are underestimating how much the project will truly cost from start to finish. With so many potential unknowns lurking behind the walls, budgets are in a hurry.
• An inspection takes away those uncertainties. You’ll get a clear picture of any “surprises” you might encounter, like having to upgrade that outdated electrical panel or remove mould from the attic. This makes it easier to get accurate quotes from contractors and set a reasonable overall budget.
• Your contractor reviews the inspection report and provides realistic cost estimates by incorporating those needed repairs into their initial pricing. You won’t be blindsided by costly change orders mid-renovation because everything will be out in the open from day one.

Identify areas to Prioritize

• More often than not, older homes need a lengthy list of repairs and updates. An inspection will highlight the most urgent issues that require immediate attention versus those that wait a few years vitalbuildinginspection.com.au/pricing has a good point for the building inspections in Sydney.
• For instance, the report might reveal that the property’s main waste line is experiencing severe corrosion or the roof only has 2-3 years of life remaining. These problems take top priority, so you direct your funds accordingly instead of focusing first on lower-level projects like remodelling a bathroom.
• Renovations are the perfect opportunity to tackle those major fix-it items that you’d been putting off. Use the inspection data to create a game plan for which projects need to happen now versus which will be accomplished in subsequent renovation phases down the road.

Ensure home is up to code

That trusty old house might have been built to code back in the 1960s, but those standards need to be updated by today’s requirements for safety and energy efficiency. Your planned renovations need to comply with the latest local codes and regulations.

A vital building inspection will uncover any code violations or areas of non-compliance that should be addressed during your renovation. The bedroom windows may not meet modern egress requirements, or the bathroom venting needs to be better.  If your inspection report shows multiple code issues, it’s smart to incorporate these fixes into your project – especially if you’re seeking permits from your municipality. Making these code-related upgrades is the responsible choice and could impact the marketability of your home in the future.