Tag: home renovation

How to plan a successful loft conversion

How to plan a successful loft conversion

The attic is often an overlooked and underutilised room. Usually, it’s the place to store outgrown children’s clothes & toys and to dump the Christmas tree for 11 months of the year. But the area can be used for so much more. A successful loft conversion can create space for a new bedroom, bathroom, nursery or home office and, at the same time, increase the value of your property.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Building regulations and planning permission

Before you embark on any work you need to consider building regulations and whether you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Look around at similar houses on your street and the rest of your neighbourhood; if a number of them have had loft conversions carried out, it’s almost certain that you can have the work carried out.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Access

If the loft is being converted into a room where there will be daily use, a basic pull-down loft ladder isn’t suitable; a stairway will have to be installed. If the space isn’t too challenging, you can buy a ‘kit’ online to your specifications. Don’t forget, installing stairs will take up an area of the room below, so spend time coming up with the most space-saving and practical design.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Floor

You’ll be walking on what was once essentially your property’s ceiling. This is why it will be necessary to  lay solid wood flooring and ensure all joists and rafter ties are in tip-top condition. It all needs to be able to bear the weight of heavy items such as furniture or a bath-full of water! You also need to think about soundproofing; this can be achieved by laying down insulation. In addition, carpet or area rugs can cut down on any footfall noise that you may hear in a room or flat below.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Windows

Unconverted roof spaces can be dark and dingy spaces. Installing a roof light or skylight is essential to letting natural daylight and fresh air into the room.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Ceiling

Again, suitable insulation needs to be filled into the roof cavity. It needs to keep precious warmth from escaping through the roof during the winter… without the loft feeling like a sauna in the summer. We’ve found that double-sided aluminium foil bubble insulation is an economical, space-saving option.

In addition, if there’s limited headroom, when it comes to choosing lighting, recessed spotlights are your best option. You don’t want to be banging your head into pendant lampshades.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Storage

Once all the building work on your loft conversion is done, it’s time for you to think about finishing touches such as furniture and storage. As lofts are often awkward, angular spaces, off-the-shelf cupboards and wardrobes probably won’t fit correctly. Made-to-measure and specialist loft storage fixtures & fittings are becoming more readily available.

If you’re tight on living space and aren’t able to extend the footprint of your property,  you should consider developing the space above your head. A successful loft conversion could prove a much simpler and cheaper option than moving house.

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5 points to consider when converting your garage

5 points to consider when converting your garage | H is for Home

If you’re beginning to outgrow your current home, upping sticks and moving to a larger house isn’t your only option. Instead of relocating, perhaps you should consider converting your garage into something more useful than a haphazard storage area. It’s an often underused space that could be transformed successfully into a spare bedroom, gym, home office, art, creative studio or laundry room.

Carpeted floor with knitted footstool

Flooring

The original floor of your garage is most likely going to be a basic poured concrete which is cold, hard and not necessarily the most attractive. The decision you make about new flooring will largely depend on your budget and whether you plan on laying it yourself or getting professionals in to do the job. If you’re confident with your DIY skills, engineered wood flooring or carpet with underlay are warm and good-looking options.

Underfloor heating

Heating

Typically, heating wouldn’t have been a consideration when a garage was constructed; the space may not have been included when your home’s central heating was installed. If you’re planning a major refit when converting your garage, installing underfloor heating would be a sensible option. If that seems like too disruptive a task, modern electric radiators that simply plug into a wall socket can be an economical alternative, costing mere pennies per hour to run.

Home gym equipment

Storage

No matter what you plan to use your garage conversion for, you’ll probably need some quantity of shelving and cupboard space. If you’re creating a laundry room, you’ll want somewhere to store and conceal your iron, ironing board, cleaning products and freshly laundered items. Every home office will need strong and practical shelves for keeping books, files and paperwork in order. A home gym comes with lots of equipment that needs a place to live; skipping ropes, weights, exercise mats and the like. To avoid them becoming tripping hazards, storing them in cupboards or lockers will keep them, and you, safe. If you’ll be storing precious or high-value items, ensure that any garage door repair work has been carried out beforehand.

Warm pendant lighting

Lighting

Lighting is the aspect that will ultimately set the mood and atmosphere of your new space; you don’t want to get it wrong. The usual lighting you find in a garage is those harsh fluorescent tube lights. In your new scheme, will you need bright, directional task lighting for craft working? Maybe you want warm up-lighting for a relaxed and chilled vibe. Lighting can be introduced into the room by using ceiling pendant lights, floor standing standard lamps or desk/table lamps with adjustable shades.

Working from home

Furniture

This will be where you add the finishing touches to your new garage conversion. The primary use of the space will determine the items that will be needed the most. If the plan is for it to be a workspace, you will need a desk or worktop space, filing cabinet and comfortable seating. If it’s going to be a chill out room, a comfy sofa and slouchy bean bags will be top of your shopping list.

And finally, don’t forget those last little decorative details such as wall art, soft furnishings such as curtains & cushions, pottery & glassware and a selection of house plants.

Your old garage, which used to be nothing more than a dumping ground, can be transformed into a beautiful and beneficial space.

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Essential considerations for a seamless home renovation

Essential considerations for a seamless home renovation | H is for Home

Are you putting your stamp on a new home or have you decided to revamp or modernise an existing property? Home renovation projects can be incredibly exciting, but they can also be stressful and time-consuming. If you’re preparing to start making plans, here are some essential considerations for a seamless home renovation.

House plans, drill, screws and wall plugs

Setting a budget

The cost of renovation work can range from hundreds to millions of pounds, depending on the size of the property and the scale of the project. Before you set any ideas in stone or turn your attention to choosing wall colours, tiles or flooring, set a budget. Do some research, think about how much you want to spend and consider the ceiling value of your property. You want to create a stunning home but you also want to add value. If you spend too much, you might find that there’s a gap between the total cost and the value of your home.

Some types of projects add more than others, but it’s always wise to be wary of the risks involved with overspending. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, it’s advisable to meet with estate agents or valuers to discuss the difference the plans you have will make. Your budget will be affected by a host of factors including labour charges, the materials you use, whether you need a ceiling replacement, new plaster, damp repair and the quality of the finish.

All renovation projects have the potential to go over budget, so it’s useful to have a contingency fund available. When establishing a budget, you may need to think about additional costs you might incur including finding somewhere to stay if you have to move out while the work is completed, for example. Always ensure you add the total cost of each individual job or purchase. If you miss out extras like VAT, this will mean that your planned spend will be much lower than the actual total.

Mood board on a wall

Looking for inspiration

There are endless possibilities when it comes to planning a new kitchen, adding an extension or creating a master suite in the attic. Even if you think you know exactly what you want, it’s a useful exercise to visit showrooms and interior stores and to flick through home magazines, read blogs and explore online galleries. You can take ideas and elements from different properties and mix and match trends to design something unique that looks incredible and works on a practical level for your family. It’s also worth discussing plans with experienced architects and reputable building firms, as you might find that they can elevate a basic plan and conjure up a host of innovative ideas based on what you want. Take your time to go through the details and make sure you’re 100% happy with the plans before you proceed.

Man drawing plans

Planning in advance

Carrying out extensive work to a property requires careful planning. Every stage and phase of the development should be planned in advance, and you should have an insight into what is happening and when you can expect to be able to start enjoying your new home. Before you sign any contracts or make any payments, call several firms to get quotes, read reviews and testimonials and ask neighbours, friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations. Once you have some written quotes in front of you, compare them and look for the company that offers the best value, rather than the lowest price. Bear in mind that you might need planning permission to get started, depending on the nature of the project. If this is the case, you’ll need to factor in the time it takes to apply and await a decision and any added costs.

There are several practical considerations to bear in mind when renovating your home. One is undertaking work yourself. In many cases, home-owners leave everything to building companies and architects, but if you’re keen to save money and accelerate progress, or you want to roll your sleeves up and get involved, there may be some jobs you can tackle. Clearing rooms, stripping wallpaper, ripping out kitchen units and painting walls are good examples of suitable DIY tasks. If you’re going to end up with a lot of junk or rubbish, ring around for the best value skip bin hire and see if you can call in favours from friends and family members.

Another issue you may have to figure out is where you’re going to live while the main jobs are completed. If you’re replacing your kitchen or reconfiguring the entire ground floor, it might not be possible to live on-site. You could ask relatives to put you up for a short period of time or get a hotel room, or you could look into a short-term property let if you’re expecting the build to take several weeks or months. Weigh up the options and think about which one will suit you and your family best.

House in mid-renovation

Adding personality

This is the most enjoyable aspect of the project for most home-owners. Once you’ve set a budget, liaised with experts and figured out layouts and structural changes, you can focus on personalising your home and showcasing your style and flair. The finishing touches can make all the difference, so think carefully about colourways, furniture choices and fixtures and fittings. Consider how you’re going to use each room and how you want the space to look and feel. Maximise natural light and take advantage of views of your garden or rolling hills, crashing waves or verdant fields in the background. Large windows and bi-fold doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and flooding living spaces with light. You can inject colour, carry themes and showcase your personality using accessories such as wall art, soft furnishings, plants & flowers and lighting.

Embarking upon a home renovation project is an exhilarating proposition, but it can also be daunting. To ensure a seamless transition, set a budget at the outset, conduct through research, choose reputable builders and architecture firms, plan meticulously and add personality. Planning ahead can save time, effort and money and it can also make the process much less stressful.

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Essential tips for stress-free home improvements

Essential tips for stress-free home improvements | H is for Home

Home improvements are notoriously stressful. Although renovating a home can be an enjoyable process, it’s rarely an easy or straightforward one. Embarking on any home improvement project can be stressful, thanks to the disruption of your usual routine. What’s more, most renovations involve high costs and complex planning processes. Unfortunately, you can’t eliminate the expense, noise or mess but what you can do is reduce the stress that home improvements cause. Here are six ways how.

Bathroom renovation

Make all decisions first

Before work can commence, you must know what home improvements you want carrying out. Once a contractor starts work on your property works can progress quite quickly, so make sure that any decisions are made beforehand. Having a few goals in mind will help you determine which home improvements are best. If you’re selling your house, then you need to add value.

Three builders on building site

Find a reliable contractor

Even when aiming to cut costs, you shouldn’t pass up professional help. Small DIY projects can easily be carried out by a novice, but larger plans like conversions always require an expert. Instead of booking the first contractor you find, you should research several options. Make sure that whatever contractor you choose has the necessary qualifications and insurance to do the work.

Scaffolding up outside a house with green cherry picker up to roof

Check you have permission

Most home improvement tasks won’t require planning permission, but there are several that do. If your property is home to a protected species like bats or newts, obtaining this permission could be tricky. That’s why you should contact ecologist consultants, like Arbtech. With their help, you’ll find it much easier to secure planning consent, even if protected species are present.

Man using a circular saw

Speak to any neighbours

Everyone knows that renovations are a noisy and messy business. Unfortunately, this disruption can affect more than just those in your home. Depending on the home improvements, your work could cause trouble for the neighbours too. That’s why you should keep them informed. Although you don’t have to go into specifics, you should let neighbours know when work will begin and end.

Painting ladder in a room with blue walls

Move your family out

The easiest solution to home improvement stress is avoidance. Moving your family away from the situation can protect them from the disruption of it. This is especially important for families with children and pets as renovations could put them in harm’s way. Some people go on vacation during renovations, but you could just as easily stay at a friend’s or family’s house or hotel nearby.

Two builders using jackhammers

Plan for the unexpected

Careful planning won’t guarantee a successful renovation. There’s always a chance that something could go wrong, after all. Because of this, you must plan for the unexpected. Home improvement trouble often results in additional costs, so make sure you build an emergency fund. Having these contingency savings will keep you from having to borrow if things go wrong.

Home improvements are exciting but can create a stressful environment for your family. Thankfully, it’s possible to reduce this stress. Although you can’t get rid of the loud noise, high costs or uncontrollable messes, with the advice above, you can stop them from ruining the renovation process.

Style exploration

Once you’ve done all the remodelling and renovation, now it’s time to play around with your style. There are a ton of styles to choose from, but many of the more popular options are going to be minimalist, modern, traditional and eclectic; to name a few. If you click here you’ll get a quick guide on how to improve your décor. Rather than heading to interior design websites, punch in a random style search into Pinterest or Instagram. You’ll find the latest trends and tips on how to blend styles if you want more than one.

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