Renovating an old home can be a big task, but it can also be a rewarding one. If you’re about to take on this job, you’re in the right place — we’re going to look at how to renovate an old home so you can add value or simply make it somewhere worth living again.

We aren’t simply talking about doing a bit of light decorating; these tips are for homes that really need a lot of solid labor to get in shape. Make sure you’ve got all these things sorted before you start the job.

1. Make sure you can afford the project — Renovation projects normally cost more than you think. Make sure you’ve got enough room in the budget to cover any overspend. If you’re taking out a loan, make sure you’ve checked the small print and have most eventualities prepared for.

2. Secure the necessary planning permission — If you’re making structural changes to your property, you might need planning permission. Make sure you’ve got all the right paperwork in place before carrying out the work. This might take longer than you think, so plan accordingly and don’t start the renovations until you’ve got everything sorted.

3. Find somewhere to live in the meantime — If it’s possible to still live on site, make sure it’s safe to do so. Otherwise stay somewhere else and remember to factor these costs into your overall budget. Make sure your rented accommodation is near enough to your renovation property to make it easy to access.

4. Get the right safety equipment — If you’re going to do some of the work yourself, you need the right safety equipment beforehand. Many people think things like hard hats are only for heavy building sites, but that isn’t the case. Make sure you’ve also got goggles, welding masks, correct gloves and the right footwear to carry out the job safely. Even if you aren’t doing the work yourself, you’ll need to access and walk around the property safely and securely. You’ll also need to check that any tradespeople on site have the right safety equipment.

5. Get all utilities and services in place — Along with traditional services like water, gas, and electricity, these days you need to make sure it’s easy to connect other services, like phone and Internet. While most homes should already have these connections in place, if you’re renovating something like an old barn or farm building, it might be quite expensive to get them installed. You can consider things like septic tanks for drainage if you’re too far from the main sewer system, but this isn’t always the most ideal option.

6. Line up the right tradespeople — You’ll need a quality electrician, plumber, carpenter and more, so make sure you find the right people and get them lined up early. Check reviews online when hiring contractors, and ensure that they are licensed and bonded — this will protect you in case of any injuries on site.

7. Work safely and securely — Follow safety guidelines at all times. A renovation property can be dangerous so don’t cut any corners. Inform the team to be alert always because accidents can cause the project to be delayed and can also strain your budget.