Renovation Pointers

The room has not turned out like you thought it would. Your budget has increased exponentially, and you’re teetering on the brink of insanity. Sound familiar?

Remodelling a home can be an arduous task that will often bring you to your wits’ end and frustrate even the most patient person.

Margot believes it is essential to be as organised as possible when planning a renovation. “Set a schedule and try not to get ahead of yourself,” she says, adding that it is crucial to buy everything you need in advance, so that when you start your project you don’t have to stop to run to the store.

Add value, get greener
Environmentally-friendly spaces are popular in today’s housing market and can mean the difference in residual savings and value increases.  InsideOut spoke with Robert Wood of Robert Wood and Interiors.

“Bathrooms and kitchens are what make a house. They are the ladies’ domain and can make or break a home,” he says.

Robert believes a nicely renovated bath and kitchen can add as much as 10 per cent to 15 per cent to the value of a residence.The bath is seen as more of a spa area these days, he says, adding that the correct positioning of bath fixtures is part of a good layout.

Deciding what brands to use is one of the most crucial choices the homeowner can make. For instance, Caroma toilets are considered the king of water preservation and have been around since the 1940s.

In fact, they are the choice of premier hotels, such as the Hilton, where the installation of Caroma toilets led to more than $6,000 in savings in a month at one of the company’s sites.

Robert noted that these particular fixtures can also greatly reduce the frequency of call-outs.

The numbers are convincing; a Caroma toilet uses only 0.8 gallons per flush as opposed to the standard 1.6 gallons.

And the other good news is that Caroma toilets are no more than expensive than most other brands.

Shower faucets are also an essential part of saving and conserving water. When deciding on a faucet, people should be aware of water pressure, Robert suggests.

It can affect the efficiency of some shower heads and lead people to become confused or discouraged with a particular style or brand.

This may vary from house to house, depending on how far you are from the main line, as well as what kind of plumbing the structure is outfitted with.
Contractors are an important part of the renovation puzzle. Robert recommends using specialised individuals for specific jobs.

“Electricity works hand-in-hand with kitchen design and lighting is the key to making a room a success,” he says.

It is also important to not leave lighting in the hands of a contractor, as it is a personal aspect of the home and has to work for you.

A good lighting job can pay for itself, according to Robert, who is the sole distributor of Lutron lighting control devices in Cayman, which can help reduce your electricity bills and conserve energy.

Renovating your home does not have to be a hassle. With the help of a few simple tips, it can be a rewarding and cost-effective exercise with many long-term benefits.