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Remodeling in progress: 7 keys to renovating and refurbishing a home - Infobae
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www.infobae.com
January 14, 2025
From planning the first steps to defining the budget, these tips detail the priorities to avoid common mistakes that can stretch the time with higher costs than expected.
By Jose Luis Cieri
Complete renovation of a bedroom. With the change of floors, it can take an average of 30 days to complete (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Buying a home involves a significant change that, in many cases, requires spending extra money on renovations to adapt it to the needs of the new owner. Renovations require planning and a clear budget to avoid unexpected expenses that complicate the process.
A key aspect is deciding which rooms need to be renovated first. Experts often recommend prioritizing spaces such as the kitchen or bathroom, since they are the ones that receive the most use and usually require more complex work. In addition, it is essential to evaluate whether the work will be carried out in stages or in a comprehensive manner, depending on the urgency and resources.
Below are 7 tips on what to keep in mind when starting a renovation to avoid headaches in the future.
According to Maximiliano Olmi , from Arquitecto x Hora, “bathrooms, followed by kitchens, tend to be the areas that undergo the most changes before a move.”
These areas not only have complex installations such as pipes and gas connections that, in many cases, have already exceeded their useful life, but are also essential for the habitability of a house.
The length of renovations varies depending on the space. “A standard bathroom requires between three and five weeks of work, while a kitchen can take between four and six weeks, depending on additional elements such as furniture and openings,” Olmi explained to Infobae .
Architect Gabriela Correa , a specialist in the design, management and execution of new and remodeling works, agreed that bathrooms and kitchens are a priority, and also highlighted that, depending on the scope of the work, “acceptable time frames for a complete renovation in these areas can range between four and six weeks.”
It is important to include an additional percentage to the cost of the property to adapt it to optimal conditions.
It is essential to renovate the bathroom before moving to avoid setbacks once settled in the new home.
“If you buy a property for USD 90,000, planning an additional 20% is reasonable to make it habitable; however, for a premium level, this percentage can reach up to 60%,” Olmi said.
The sector argued that the percentage may vary depending on the condition of the property. In both CABA and Greater Buenos Aires, the real estate market is in an opportunity zone. Although the value of used properties increased by 10% year-on-year , it is still possible to find units with up to three rooms for less than USD 100,000 in neighborhoods such as San Telmo, Chacarita, Villa del Parque, Saavedra and Barracas, among others.
Correa explained that an extra 20% is needed for a small apartment, such as a two-room apartment of 38 square meters, which can be enough to give it functionality and aesthetics, “while a premium level would require at least 40% as a minimum.”
As Olmi stated, this type of inspection allows for “ detecting hidden defects in the structure or installations that are not visible to the naked eye,” as well as calculating possible repair costs.
“Many times, the advice comes because the future owners detect signs such as humidity, sinkholes or cracks in floors and walls,” he added.
Before buying a home, it is recommended to carefully check the walls, floors and ceilings during the prior visit, as well as opening the taps to check the water pressure.
On the other hand, Correa stresses that, in buildings, it is less common to find serious structural problems, but in individual properties or on the ground floor it is essential to pay attention to elements such as cracks, subsidence and the state of the insulating layers. “Detecting these aspects early not only makes it easier to plan the renovations, but also ensures long-term investment.”
Olmi mentioned that, in these cases, priority is given to completing key areas such as “a functional bathroom, bedrooms and the kitchen, in order to leave the social areas for after the move, such as the living room.”
Social areas such as the living room can be renovated in a second step if the owner had to move urgently (Illustrative Image Infobae)
However, he also warned about the complications of working in inhabited houses, especially due to the dirt and dust generated by different areas of the building. It is advisable to adjust the renovations to the available budget to avoid excessive expenses before moving in.
As a practical solution, he suggests completing the dirty work first , and leaving decorative or non-essential aspects for later: “Design the lighting but install the accessories later, for example,” Correa said.
However, both experts agreed on how difficult it is to live in a house under construction.
According to Olmi, one of the most common problems is not properly calculating the costs of unforeseen events, such as damaged pipes or materials with specific measurements that require extra adjustments. He added that “defining all the details in advance minimizes unforeseen events and ensures compliance with deadlines and budgets.”
Many times owners come with unrealistic ideas and expectations, complicating the development of the project.
Minimalist finishes are used in the bathrooms and toilets, and artificial light is intended to play a vital role in accompanying the work when it is completed (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Correa said: “To avoid surprises, it is vital to devote sufficient time to both the design and the preparation of the budget. The more developed the initial project is, the fewer errors in time and cost there will be in the execution.”
SPC (Solid Polymer Composite) vinyl flooring, which is made from PVC and limestone powder, microcement and synthetic quartz for countertops are some of the options that allow you to modernize your spaces at reasonable prices. “In addition to the variety, these materials are installed in less time than traditional options,” said Olmi.
The cost of construction materials rose 150% year-on-year, with delayed costs continuing to rise throughout 2024. Only since August have they begun to stabilize or fall below inflation, which fell dramatically in September.
A complete kitchen renovation starts at USD 900 per m2, depending on the labor and materials used to finish the countertops, furniture and faucets (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Refurbishing different rooms per square meter has a base cost of USD 900, while building from scratch for a new house (with own land or building on pre-existing construction) starts at USD 1,500 per m2.
On the other hand, Correa emphasized that some elements, such as wall coverings, countertops and carpentry, represent the highest costs within a remodeling project: “They are considerable investments, but they increase the value of the property significantly.”
Olmi stressed that, although these details must be designed from the beginning, "they are executed during the last weeks of the work, since they are the most visible and are exposed when the house is finished."
The interior design brings warmth and style, transforming the spaces after the final remodeling (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Along these lines, Correa said that it is essential to prioritize functional and structural aspects, such as electrical and sanitary installations, before tackling decorative tasks. “In this way, errors are reduced and unnecessary modifications that could delay the project are avoided,” he advised.
To achieve an effective interior design in spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms, it is necessary to balance functionality and aesthetics. It is advisable to prioritize versatile furniture, adequate lighting and a color palette that creates harmony. Details such as pleasant textiles, rugs and curtains can transform an environment, making it warmer and more comfortable. In addition, it is important to take into account the size of the space in order to choose elements that do not visually overload it.
Current trends include the use of neutral tones combined with earth-coloured accents, minimalist furniture with straight lines and natural materials such as wood and plant fibres.
“In the bedrooms, a relaxing atmosphere is sought with upholstered headboards and textiles in soft tones, while in the living room, modular armchairs and metal or stone details predominate, adding modernity and personality to the space,” concluded Correa.
www.buysellba.com
Source:
Remodelación en marcha: 7 claves para reformar y renovar una vivienda
Desde cómo planificar los primeros pasos hasta definir el presupuesto, estos consejos detallan las prioridades para evitar errores comunes que pueden estirar los tiempos con mayores costos a lo esperado
www.infobae.com
January 14, 2025
From planning the first steps to defining the budget, these tips detail the priorities to avoid common mistakes that can stretch the time with higher costs than expected.
By Jose Luis Cieri
Complete renovation of a bedroom. With the change of floors, it can take an average of 30 days to complete (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Buying a home involves a significant change that, in many cases, requires spending extra money on renovations to adapt it to the needs of the new owner. Renovations require planning and a clear budget to avoid unexpected expenses that complicate the process.
A key aspect is deciding which rooms need to be renovated first. Experts often recommend prioritizing spaces such as the kitchen or bathroom, since they are the ones that receive the most use and usually require more complex work. In addition, it is essential to evaluate whether the work will be carried out in stages or in a comprehensive manner, depending on the urgency and resources.
Below are 7 tips on what to keep in mind when starting a renovation to avoid headaches in the future.
1 - Priority spare parts and estimated times
One of the essential aspects when addressing a renovation is determining which areas need immediate attention.According to Maximiliano Olmi , from Arquitecto x Hora, “bathrooms, followed by kitchens, tend to be the areas that undergo the most changes before a move.”
These areas not only have complex installations such as pipes and gas connections that, in many cases, have already exceeded their useful life, but are also essential for the habitability of a house.
The length of renovations varies depending on the space. “A standard bathroom requires between three and five weeks of work, while a kitchen can take between four and six weeks, depending on additional elements such as furniture and openings,” Olmi explained to Infobae .
Architect Gabriela Correa , a specialist in the design, management and execution of new and remodeling works, agreed that bathrooms and kitchens are a priority, and also highlighted that, depending on the scope of the work, “acceptable time frames for a complete renovation in these areas can range between four and six weeks.”
2 - Additional budgets and final quality
Another crucial issue is the budget required after purchasing a property.It is important to include an additional percentage to the cost of the property to adapt it to optimal conditions.
It is essential to renovate the bathroom before moving to avoid setbacks once settled in the new home.
“If you buy a property for USD 90,000, planning an additional 20% is reasonable to make it habitable; however, for a premium level, this percentage can reach up to 60%,” Olmi said.
The sector argued that the percentage may vary depending on the condition of the property. In both CABA and Greater Buenos Aires, the real estate market is in an opportunity zone. Although the value of used properties increased by 10% year-on-year , it is still possible to find units with up to three rooms for less than USD 100,000 in neighborhoods such as San Telmo, Chacarita, Villa del Parque, Saavedra and Barracas, among others.
Correa explained that an extra 20% is needed for a small apartment, such as a two-room apartment of 38 square meters, which can be enough to give it functionality and aesthetics, “while a premium level would require at least 40% as a minimum.”
3 - The importance of evaluating before buying
A professional inspection before purchasing is a must to prevent hidden problems.As Olmi stated, this type of inspection allows for “ detecting hidden defects in the structure or installations that are not visible to the naked eye,” as well as calculating possible repair costs.
“Many times, the advice comes because the future owners detect signs such as humidity, sinkholes or cracks in floors and walls,” he added.
Before buying a home, it is recommended to carefully check the walls, floors and ceilings during the prior visit, as well as opening the taps to check the water pressure.
On the other hand, Correa stresses that, in buildings, it is less common to find serious structural problems, but in individual properties or on the ground floor it is essential to pay attention to elements such as cracks, subsidence and the state of the insulating layers. “Detecting these aspects early not only makes it easier to plan the renovations, but also ensures long-term investment.”
4 - Strategies for moving with unfinished works
Moving before finishing a renovation can be an urgent necessity for hundreds of families looking to stop paying rent, for example, or to become independent if they live with their parents.Olmi mentioned that, in these cases, priority is given to completing key areas such as “a functional bathroom, bedrooms and the kitchen, in order to leave the social areas for after the move, such as the living room.”
Social areas such as the living room can be renovated in a second step if the owner had to move urgently (Illustrative Image Infobae)
However, he also warned about the complications of working in inhabited houses, especially due to the dirt and dust generated by different areas of the building. It is advisable to adjust the renovations to the available budget to avoid excessive expenses before moving in.
As a practical solution, he suggests completing the dirty work first , and leaving decorative or non-essential aspects for later: “Design the lighting but install the accessories later, for example,” Correa said.
However, both experts agreed on how difficult it is to live in a house under construction.
5 - Common mistakes when planning spare parts
Errors in budget planning cause problems during construction.According to Olmi, one of the most common problems is not properly calculating the costs of unforeseen events, such as damaged pipes or materials with specific measurements that require extra adjustments. He added that “defining all the details in advance minimizes unforeseen events and ensures compliance with deadlines and budgets.”
Many times owners come with unrealistic ideas and expectations, complicating the development of the project.
Minimalist finishes are used in the bathrooms and toilets, and artificial light is intended to play a vital role in accompanying the work when it is completed (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Correa said: “To avoid surprises, it is vital to devote sufficient time to both the design and the preparation of the budget. The more developed the initial project is, the fewer errors in time and cost there will be in the execution.”
6 - Key materials and their cost
When choosing materials, Olmi and Correa highlighted economical and versatile alternatives to achieve quality finishes without increasing costs.SPC (Solid Polymer Composite) vinyl flooring, which is made from PVC and limestone powder, microcement and synthetic quartz for countertops are some of the options that allow you to modernize your spaces at reasonable prices. “In addition to the variety, these materials are installed in less time than traditional options,” said Olmi.
The cost of construction materials rose 150% year-on-year, with delayed costs continuing to rise throughout 2024. Only since August have they begun to stabilize or fall below inflation, which fell dramatically in September.
A complete kitchen renovation starts at USD 900 per m2, depending on the labor and materials used to finish the countertops, furniture and faucets (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Refurbishing different rooms per square meter has a base cost of USD 900, while building from scratch for a new house (with own land or building on pre-existing construction) starts at USD 1,500 per m2.
On the other hand, Correa emphasized that some elements, such as wall coverings, countertops and carpentry, represent the highest costs within a remodeling project: “They are considerable investments, but they increase the value of the property significantly.”
7 - Aesthetics: the final step
Leaving aesthetic details until the end of the project ensures that they integrate properly with previously completed structural renovations.Olmi stressed that, although these details must be designed from the beginning, "they are executed during the last weeks of the work, since they are the most visible and are exposed when the house is finished."
The interior design brings warmth and style, transforming the spaces after the final remodeling (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Along these lines, Correa said that it is essential to prioritize functional and structural aspects, such as electrical and sanitary installations, before tackling decorative tasks. “In this way, errors are reduced and unnecessary modifications that could delay the project are avoided,” he advised.
To achieve an effective interior design in spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms, it is necessary to balance functionality and aesthetics. It is advisable to prioritize versatile furniture, adequate lighting and a color palette that creates harmony. Details such as pleasant textiles, rugs and curtains can transform an environment, making it warmer and more comfortable. In addition, it is important to take into account the size of the space in order to choose elements that do not visually overload it.
Current trends include the use of neutral tones combined with earth-coloured accents, minimalist furniture with straight lines and natural materials such as wood and plant fibres.
“In the bedrooms, a relaxing atmosphere is sought with upholstered headboards and textiles in soft tones, while in the living room, modular armchairs and metal or stone details predominate, adding modernity and personality to the space,” concluded Correa.
www.buysellba.com
