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.
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.
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.
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.
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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