The beginning of a new year offers us an opportunity to start things on a fresh slate. For homeowners, that could mean a chance to have a makeover for your home. A home remodel can improve the quality and value of your home, and make it more comfortable.

For new homeowners of Highline Residences, the latest condominium in Tiong Bahru by Keppel Land, the new year will also be the time the development is expected to receive its Temporary Occupation Permit (T.O.P) in 1Q2018. This also means getting the keys to your new home!

So, what’s a better time than now to start your home renovation planning? Here are some useful tips to help you get started.

1. Give yourself a budget – and stick to it

It’s important to plan your finances accordingly – and one of the biggest mistakes made by rookies is to forget about overages. You should set yourself a buffer of 15 – 20%, but don’t tell this to any of your vendors. This is for you to have a bit of financial buffer in case something goes wrong during the renovation.

Another way to think about your budget is to use the industry guide that home renovation should not cost more than 5 – 15% of your home’s current value. This is because spending less than 5% is unlikely to improve the home’s value, while more than 15% may be too much to be recouped at the point of resale.

2. Shop online – but pay attention to the reviews

If you’re looking for new furniture, it sometimes pays to go online – literally. Discounted items can save you big bucks – but beware of unscrupulous sellers. Always check the seller’s reviews.

If you’re shopping on Taobao.com, be sure to also use its live chat function to make sure you get all the help you need. If you’re new to Taobao, check out this handy guide here!

3. Embrace new colour combinations

According to trend watchers, colour combinations like blue, grey and green are colour accents which will be popular for home interiors in 2018.

One way to save on costs is to re-upholster your sofa in a trendy colour instead of buying a brand new one. Another budget way to stay current is to change your home accents – such as mirrors – to reflect the year’s hottest colours. Choose white, silver and gold – this is an amazing combination for modern homes, according to Maison & Objet Paris.

4. Get multiple estimates – and check references

It’s tempting to settle on a contractor once you meet someone you like. However, it’s important to trust the process in order to protect yourself from contractors who either can’t do the work they promised or worse – disappear on you with your home in shambles. Always get multiple estimates and be sure to check their references.

When it comes to a big project like renovating your home, better be safe than sorry!

X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm