The complete guide to buying, renovating and styling your new home

Dutch Real Estate Company is the real estate agency you can trust for purchasing, selling, renting, leasing, renovating or managing your property. Here they pass on their advice for transforming a new house into your new home.

The process of purchasing a home, renovating it to match your vision, and styling it with the right furniture can be overwhelming. However, with the right approach, you can transform any property into your dream home. Making sure you consider the right things at each stage can make creating your perfect property a stress-free and enjoyable project.

Choosing the right property for you

Houses come on the market in all states of repair. Some houses just need a fresh coat of paint while others will need a complete renovation. It's important to seriously consider the amount of time, work and money you are willing and able to put into fixing up a property before proceeding with a purchase.

When weighing up a contender for your new home, ensure you think about the potential of the property as well as its existing characteristics. It might be the case that while the interior needs work, the layout, size or location of the property make it too good an opportunity to miss.

Buying a property that requires a lot of work can pay off in the long run, as they are usually priced accordingly. However, make sure you sit down and work out a comprehensive and realistic budget for the work that will need doing. There is no point in overbidding for a house if you can then no longer afford to transform it in the desired way. Don't forget to also include a budget for furnishing and decorating once the major work is done.

It is recommended to have a technical inspection done of any property you are planning on buying. This will ensure there are no nasty surprises down the line, and that your budget has included all the structural work that may not be immediately obvious.

Planning the renovation

Almost all houses need some renovation work, whether it's simply a change of colour and a new floor or a full rewiring and a new kitchen. Setting a realistic timeline and order for the various jobs that need doing should always be your first step. 

Categorising tasks as structural or cosmetic can help make it easier to create a project plan and to know which tasks have to be done first, perhaps even before you can move in.

Finding a good contractor team to work with is essential for a successful renovation. Without a reliable team, with whom you can have clear communication, both deadlines and budgets can easily fall by the wayside. A good contractor will listen to your needs and requirements, but will also have the expertise and knowledge to give advice and suggest changes or improvements to your plans. They have lots of experience and can use this to help save you time and money.

As with many things in the Netherlands, word of mouth is extremely important and asking people you trust to recommend contractors is a great way to find a reliable team. If searching online, always check reviews of the company on places like Trustpilot and Feefo, and don't just rely on the hand-picked testimonials on their own website.

Common renovation pitfalls to avoid

Everyone wants their renovation to go smoothly, but with so many moving parts there is always the potential for things to go wrong. However, by informing yourself, many common problems are easy to avoid.

Cutting corners 

When you first start making your budget, it can be tempting to try and do the same amount of work for less money, but using cheaper materials or shortcut installations can haunt you later down the road. Rather than skimping on the important structural work, try to reduce costs either on things can be easily upgraded later, such as countertops or furniture, or by delaying less important changes to a future date.

Doing it yourself

Many cosmetic jobs, such as painting or hanging wallpaper, can easily be done yourself, reducing costs and giving you a sense of ownership over your new home. However, make sure you know your limits, and never try to do important structural work yourself. For electrical and gas work, plumbing or roofing, you need to get a professional in. Using an expert for these crucial jobs will give you peace of mind that there will be no leaks or fires due to poor workmanship later on.

Working against your property

While, technically, most things are possible, some projects will be bigger than others. If you dream of a big open-plan living room and kitchen with lots of light, you probably shouldn't buy a cottage-style house. You may be able to knock through some internal walls, but make sure you have seriously considered how big a project this kind of change will be and how much potential there is for things to go wrong.

Making it personal

Once you have your new space ready to go, it's time to select the right furniture to make it your home. Thinking holistically about your house and its recent renovation will help you select furniture and art that complements its surroundings. 

It's easy when browsing amazing interiors online to get carried away by beautiful furniture and elegant interiors, but don't forget you also have to live in them. If you have children or pets, perhaps reconsider that snow-white sofa, or at least check it comes with removable and washable covers. 

Working with an interior designer can help you walk the line between aesthetically pleasing and functional with ease. Utilising their expertise and connections, you can ensure your house ends up up reflecting your personality and tells the story you want it to, while also being comfortable and cosy to live in.

Creating your home, your way

There is no single way to create your dream home. However, taking time to consider all your options, and making a budgeted and time-costed plan, can make all the difference. Once you know your limitations, you can manage your expectations accordingly, and make sure you start a project that results in a house you are happy to call home.

Whether you're buying a home for the first time, or are looking to move up the property ladder, the team of experienced real estate agents at Dutch Real Estate Company is here to assist you. From technical inspections to renovations and styling, they are there to support you through every step of creating your dream home.