The process of renovating and remodelling a house in Kenya comes with some hidden costs that in most cases turn out to be very high and to some extents inconvenient to homeowners.
With a clear plan to remodel a house to align it with modern architectural designs, most homeowners end up spending more than the initial amount budgeted for in the overall renovation plan.
To avoid incurring extra costs that are not budgeted for, most remodellers argue that it is better to consult widely before embarking on the process.
"Being realistic and communicating constantly with your remodeller is the number one thing you can do to avoid these hidden costs," remodelling experts state.
Kenyans.co.ke has compiled some hidden costs homeowners are likely to incur in during the renovation process.
Surprise Structural Changes
Unplanned structural changes bloat one's budget by as much as 15 per cent. Architects and home renovators are also advised to make structural changes that are not so complex and that end up affecting the overall budget by a huge margin.
Making prior plans before the renovation works begin saves homeowners from incurring extra costs along the way.
Permits and Inspections
In Kenya, running renovations that tend to differ from the initial house plans requires a legal permit. Failure to obtain permits may lead to arrest and heavy fines.
Other than permits, homeowners are also expected to invite inspectors to ensure the project meets the safety standards and current building codes.
Improper Building Practices
During renovations, homeowners end up realising some faults and structural misses that end up costing them fortunes to fix. Some end up finding faulty lines on the walls and weak roofing materials forcing them to plan for replacements that end up costing them a fortune.
Renovations that involve partial demolitions compel homeowners to plan for fresh painting and rewiring among other changes.
Getting rid of the rubble
Renovations generate a lot of rubble and debris which will need to be disposed off. Depending on where you live, you may incur costs to remove the debris.
Fixing the landscape
The outdoors is likely to be in rough shape after all the heavy foot traffic and heavy equipment being lugged around. You may need to do some work to restore life to your yard and if you decide to go the professional landscaping route, it will cost more.
Higher Utility Bills
Most homeowners fail to plan for utility bills that arise during renovations. The bills catch them off guard with some even stalling the entire renovation works.
To avoid disappointment, remodelers advise homeowners to budget for extra bills that may arise.
"Never forget to budget for utility bills. Things like buying nails, hiring equipment, and paying for extra workforce may drain you and make the entire renovation works stall. Always include them in your initial budget," a remodeller told Kenyans.co.ke.
Property lines
Property lines often get blurred over time, so if you are planning on erecting a fence, you should first find out the delineation of your property. This mistake can be expensive so it is advisable to have a survey done in advance.
Other hidden costs that may arise include cost of pest and rot damages and cleaning up after renovations. To avoid disappointments, it is always advisable to plan for all that in advance.
