Factors to consider when renovating a home

BY HAROLD AYODO

Experts warn that several factors should be considered before home owners resolve to renovate their property.

Architectural Association of Kenya corporate member Tom Oketch says investors should be wary of the structural suitability of a home and must seek professional advice prior to refurbishing. "The historical significance of a building and the consent of adjoining owners are equally important," Oketch advises. "Finances for the project, demand for re-development and support of existing services are among other overriding prerequisites."

Oketch, however, admits that renovation has its advantages. One of this is the maintenance of the home’s design and character. "The initial superior quality of material and workmanship, which appeals to home owners who adore ancient architecture is also maintained," he says.

Emmanuel Milikau, the director of Emacs CAD Solutions, says although renovation is cheaper compared to constructing a new home, it is limited in design as you have to work within existing parameters. "But on the flip side, the process takes a shorter time."

Renovated property often come with a mature landscape that is easy to modify and enjoy. "Most existing homes are set in areas where infrastructure is most likely developed, which explains why they are adored," says Milikau.

Experts concur that building a new home could be more expensive although it offers limitless possibilities for designs that suit present and future needs. "Home owners should be patient to actualise their dreams as new property comes with challenges of doing proper infrastructure," says Milikau.

The structural integrity of the existing building(s), the present value and expected value after renovation should also be considered before sprucing up the home. Upgrading residential properties in terms of design and function, which eventually becomes family homes, is among the reasons to renovate.

"It is true that most investors renovate homes in order to ascribe a higher value to the property for either sale or rental purposes," says Milikau.

Nonetheless, the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999 requires compliance with environmental issues before construction. "Times have changed and so has the taste of home owners. A changed society taste means demand changes too," says Oketch. "However, contemporary designs are demanding. The national demographic structure is such that the target market would be the middle age executives and young professionals."

Oketch relates the upsurge in re-development of properties to the revision in planning development zoning.

Constructing a new home is not a bed of roses following increased demand for basic services. "There will definitely be a demand for water, proper electricity, sewerage systems, roads and definitely increased costs of construction," says Oketch.