Home remodelling and waterproofing: A comprehesive guide

It is everyone's dream to turn their houses into a sanctuary they can call home. Well, 2024 is a great time to take up a renovation project to build your dream home. With the global home remodelling market value of $340.81 billion steadily growing, homeowners who thirst for a blend of innovation, function, and comfort have a competitive market to get the best deals from remodelling contractors. Understanding the latest trends and an essential weapon called waterproofing makes arriving at the perfect home remodelling more seamless.
 

The importance of home renovation
 

Home is where our hearts are, wouldn't you agree? As our needs and tastes change, our homes also do, and sometimes, they need to be updated to reflect better who we are. Making a space that genuinely works for you is the goal of home renovation, not just decorating.

Here are some of the many benefits of remodelling your house - 

• Improved functionality

Home remodelling allows homeowners to adapt their living spaces according to their needs. Renovations also improve storage, traffic flow, and functionality.

• Modern conveniences

Home renovations upgrade outdated features, like appliances or fixtures, for a more comfortable and efficient living experience.

• Energy efficiency

Through energy-saving enhancements like insulation or windows, home renovation creates a more comfortable temperature year-round and potentially lower energy bills.

• Accessibility features

Through features like wider doorways or grab bars, your remodelled home can improve accessibility for yourself, your family, or future residents.
 

Key trends that are taking remodelling by storm in 2024
 

The home remodelling industry is constantly evolving according to the tastes of creative homeowners, and 2024 holds exciting new trends emphasising functionality and aesthetics. Here are some major trends that you must explore - 

• Sustainable materials 

Sustainable materials are becoming popular among environmentally conscious homeowners. These options lessen your environmental impact and look gorgeous. Bringing the outdoors inside is a big trend in biophilia design. This can entail adding organic features to your house, such as plants, skylights, and natural materials, or even designing specific green areas.

• Integration of smart homes 

Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into living areas. Home renovation actively embraces smart appliances like voice-activated assistants, energy-efficient appliances, and smart lighting controls to maximise convenience and control.

• Multi-functional spaces 

Smaller and functionally designed spaces are on the rise. Making the most of functionality is essential to imbuing a welcoming yet utilitarian vibe. This trend focuses on aspects such as multipurpose furniture, hiding storage, or converting spare rooms into adaptable work areas.

• Extensions of outdoor living 

Blending indoor and outdoor areas is a trend that is catching on like wildfire. Home remodelling with this trend in mind involves outdoor kitchens, entertainment spaces, enlarging patios, or adding large sliding doors to let the outside in.

• Bold colours and patterns 

For many, bold statements are the key to communicating needs and personalities. This trend involves using progressive and bold choices concerning colours and patterns, including unique furniture, accent walls and quirky tile selection. When blended well with a grounded theme, this is a trend that delivers a clear message in a well-balanced aesthetic.

• Creative themes 

A key remodelling trend that resonates with every homeowner is developing a theme specific to their personality and what they want from their home. Through colour palettes, lighting, contrast levels, and home furniture, themes such as minimalist, tropical, or even Portuguese and Japanese architecture are very well received.

• Integrated waterproofing

With preventative measures taking priority, integrated waterproofing systems that prevent water intrusion on a deeper level are rising in 2024. This includes incorporating waterproofing products and solutions beneath foundations, drainage systems, and more intensive surface coatings. This holistic approach prevents costly water damage repairs and protects your home's structure for years.

Often, home remodelling involves blending numerous trends to achieve the perfect home, yet waterproofing is one trend that is consistently incorporated. This trend, which constructively builds towards a long-lasting and future-proofed home, must be well delivered, don't you think?
 

Home waterproofing and why it's a rising remodelling trend
 

Imagine this - you wake up on a rainy morning and grab buckets to contain ceiling leaks instead of brewing coffee. Nightmares aside, this situation highlights the crucial aspect of homeownership - waterproofing.

In 2024, reactive waterproofing and focusing on preventing leakages is outdated; it's developed into a comprehensive future-proofing measure for homes. To break down what aspects and issues waterproofing covers, here's what it does for your home,

• Shield your home's foundation, walls, and roof from water intrusion

• Prevents mould from growing on the interiors and exteriors of your home, ultimately improving the air quality and creating a healthier indoor environment

• Keeps your home's structural integrity strong and sturdy, helping you create a home built to last

• Maintain the overall aesthetic and presentation of your home. A damaged and battered home does not look welcoming. In fact, waterproofing helps secure your house's value in case you need to put it out on sale
   

Even though waterproofing has always been required, why is there a surge in interest? The answer lies in how smart homeowners have shifted their perception of home waterproofing from a fix to a method of future-proofing their precious homes. 

With climate change amplifying weather patterns, extreme precipitation and erratic seasonal changes are more frequent. Ultimately, this increases the risk of water damage to homes. By waterproofing proactively on a foundational level and not just a superficial one, homeowners can protect their homes the way it does for them.

While investing in waterproofing might seem a large expense, overall expenses amount to less than __% of the value of your home; remember, home waterproofing can save huge costs in repairs. In case you're trying to time the activity, then here are three reasons why home remodelling is one of the best times to do it,

• You have easier access to all areas requiring waterproofing, considering you might have to move furniture for remodelling. This makes it a relatively hassle-free and seamless task

• Allows for a holistic approach to embracing design, aesthetics, and home protection

• It's cost-effective to combine waterproofing with other renovation projects than to invest in waterproofing as a home repairing activity

With all the advantages that comprehensive waterproofing offers for your home, this investment is something you must not compromise on.

How water creeps in and the key areas to waterproof
 

With all these home remodelling trends in mind, along with the advantages of home waterproofing, before understanding how to amalgamate design with protection, it is also crucial to know how water intrusion occurs and where,

• Roofs and terraces

Your roof or terrace is one of the most fundamental areas prone to water intrusion. Leaks in roofs can damage ceilings, walls, and insulation, and cause mould growth.

• Bathrooms and kitchen

As areas in your home quite literally in touch with water all day, your bathrooms and the kitchen are critical areas that could not only incur water damage but also spread it to the entire house exponentially. If you live in an apartment, water can also damage the walls adjoining and below yours.

• Exterior walls

Exterior walls must be protected against water infiltration, which can damage plaster and brickwork, and lead to mould growth. Water can also seep into interior walls and cause dampness. Heavy monsoon rains can exacerbate these issues.

• Watertanks

Waterproofing your water tanks keeps the quality of the stored water safe, and keeps your tank and adjacent walls safe. 

Key ways of identifying and fix water damages
 

Here’s a list of ways to identify water damage and also what waterproofing solutions will work best, especially during remodelling,  

• Visual clues - Look for peeling paint, wet walls, stains, or rusting around the pipes. 

• Musty odours - Mould growth is a clear sign that water is seeping in.

• Warping floors and walls - Water damage can make things warp.

• Roof leaks - These are spotted through stained ceilings and a sure shot sign of water-related damages.

Remember, if you spot any of these issues or find these problems existing, you should talk to a professional like Dr. Fixit and not wait for the right time to remodel your home.

The journey after waterproofing: tips on aftercare and maintenance
 

The process of protecting your home and future-proofed remodelling does not stop with one deep repair project. Here are a few vital tips on waterproofing aftercare and maintenance to keep your home safe in the long term, 

• Inspect for cracks regularly, especially after heavy rains

• Clean gutters to ensure smooth water drainage

• Review and ensure proper bathroom and kitchen ventilation to prevent moisture buildup
   

How to make sure your contractor’s work matches your remodelling needs
 

When planning a home renovation, along with picking a reputed contractor, practice these key tips to ensure that they deliver your dream home with high quality and vigour,

• Detail requirements and specifications 

Be as detailed as possible. Share details like floor plans, preferred home waterproofing methods, and the remodelling changes that you need. Once you’ve discussed the renovation, remember to document all of them in your project contract.

• Regular check-ups and expert insights 

By regularly communicating with your contractor at the renovation site, you can keep tabs and ensure their work meets your expectations. In the process, they will probably be able to share details and tips of their own on home maintenance based on their expertise and knowledge of the locality’s weather and environment.

• Warranty and guarantees 

Protect your investment in written material and labour warranties.

• Routine and transparent communication 

Thoroughly address and raise concerns and expectations with the contractor throughout the course of the project.

Remodelling your homes to perfection
 

Home remodelling is often a dream project, one that must be executed with great care and protection. To ensure your renovated home is an aesthetic and functional work of art that fits your needs, investing in integrating home waterproofing during the remodelling phase is crucial.

Also remember, waterproofing can be done anytime, not just during the home remodelling phase.

That said, getting assistance from waterproofing experts is crucial to ensure the job is done right. With Dr Fixit’s vast range of products and expert consultations made seamlessly available, home waterproofing has never been easier. So don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Fixit by filling out the form given below and start protecting your home.
 

FAQs - 
 

FAQ #1 - How long does waterproofing last?

With the help of high-quality materials and expert consultations, waterproofing can several years. Nevertheless, do remember to conduct routine assessments and inspections to spot any water intrusion.

FAQ #2 - How can I identify water damage in my home?
Be on the lookout for these signs in your home,

• Peeling paint or damp walls

• Musty odours indicating mould growth

• Warping of floors and walls

• Unexplained increases in water bills

• Stained ceilings (roof leaks)
   

FAQ #3 - When is the best time to waterproof my home?

Waterproofing can be done anytime with the help of experts like Dr. Fixit. However, it is recommended that you do it during the construction of your house.