Tag: renovations

Renovating a basement? These tips are exactly what you need

Renovating a basement? These tips are exactly what you need

In the UK, basements are commonplace in older buildings. Typically, most homes built after the 1960s lack basements, and for this reason, they’re unlikely to be found in many properties unless you’re on uneven ground or in a period home, such as a Georgian or Victorian home, as the basement was likely built for servants’ quarters.

If you’re considering renovating a basement, what do you need to know, and how can you ensure that your basement is safe and fit for purpose?

You need to meet regulations

Homes with basements don’t typically need planning permission unless they’re in a conservation area or the floor level of an existing basement is being lowered.

You’ll need to acquire building regulation approval if you’re turning your basement from an unusable place to one that is habitable or if you’re changing its use, i.e. from a cellar to a living space. These regulations pertain to waterproofing, ventilation, safe access/means of escape, smoke alarms, electrical wiring and plumbing. It’s important to understand what you need before embarking on any renovation work so you can be sure you meet all the necessary requirements, especially for a change of use.

Address moisture issues

It should come as no surprise that basements are more prone to damp than other areas of the house. This is due to their underground situation, where water can accumulate. If you want to make your basement functional or protect your property from the structural damage caused by a damp basement, then you need basement tanking. Basement tanking is where you make your entire basement waterproof and seal it with a membrane that prevents external moisture from penetrating. This can protect both the basement itself and the entire building structure.

Ventilation

Your basement won’t be subject to the same amount of ventilation as the rest of the property, so you’ll need to factor in airflow when it comes to converting it into a safe, usable space for any purpose. This will help control moisture content and create a desirable environment. If possible, consider installing windows for a natural ventilation system, like you would upstairs. Adding doorways to expose the basement externally can also help, as can mechanical ventilation systems in situations where windows and doors aren’t possible or practical.

Lighting

Lighting can be a tricky feature to address for basements; after all, their location doesn’t exactly allow them to be bathed in natural light for the most part. Consequently, allowing in as much natural light as you can is vital. Whether or not the construction of your room allows for skylights or other lighting options to illuminate the space, i.e. patio doors if your basement leads to a garden, you can introduce artificial lighting that mimics natural lighting internally. You need to create the illusion of natural light in order to avoid the room being a dark space that isn’t a pleasant space in which to spend time.

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6 essential projects to ensure that you love your home

6 essential projects to ensure that you love your home

Your home is a significant investment of your money. It’s also a place where you likely spend a lot of time throughout the week.

It’s important that you enjoy living on your property and feel proud to show it off. This will require that you keep up with making regular updates and improvements to it over the years. Here are six essential projects that you can complete to ensure that you love your home and that it always brings you joy.

1.   Kitchen remodel

Your kitchen space is a primary room in your home. If you like to cook and prepare meals, then you likely find yourself in this area a lot. It’s also a spot where you can gather to visit with family members and guests. If you want to ensure that you love your home, then it’s worth the time, money and energy to complete a kitchen remodel. Now is your chance to install a large island in the centre of the room for additional storage and food prep space. You can illuminate the room better with lights underneath the cabinets and pendant lighting above the island. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and consider painting or replacing old cabinets and hardware. You can liven up the space by putting in a colourful splash back behind the sink area.

2.   Back garden oasis

When the weather cooperates, you’ll want to be outside soaking up the sunshine at home. Therefore, you should consider putting the work in to create a back garden oasis to enjoy. Set up a grilling area with some comfortable lounge furniture, an outdoor rug and plants and flowers. You’ll want to be in your backyard in the evening hours during the summer. Also, you should also hang some string lights and get a firepit so you can stay cosy and relax outside. Make sure that you keep your landscaping in good order by cutting your lawn and trimming back overgrown trees and bushes. If you like working outdoors, you may also want to create a garden for growing your own food or include a soothing water feature.

3.   Better lighting

A dark and dreary home can drag down your mood and make it hard to see what you are doing. Another essential project to ensure that you love your home is to install better lighting. It’s also a good idea to draw in as much natural light as possible during the daytime hours by cleaning your windows (inside and out) and pulling back curtains and opening blinds. Replace dated fixtures and light shades with more modern solutions. Include plenty of lamps and candles throughout your spaces that you can use when the night closes in. To achieve better illumination, you’ll want to layer your lighting and put some of your lights on dimmer switches. Ideally, you should create a mix of lighting solutions in your rooms such as ambient, task and accent.

4.   Master bathroom upgrade

Another essential project to ensure that you love your home is to upgrade the master bathroom. This is where you spend a lot of your time getting prepared for each day. It would be satisfying to have a large shower with the latest features. Paint or replace an old vanity and hang some large round mirrors above it. Now is also a good time to change the taps for something more attractive. Improve the lighting by putting up some wall sconces on either side of the mirrors and adding recessed lights to the ceiling. Keep the room clean and tidy by implementing plenty of storage solutions.

5.   Home office

You want to ensure that you’re utilising any empty rooms or spaces in your home. Once this is accomplished, you can fall in love with it again by setting up a home office in which to work. You’ll enjoy having a place you can retreat to and shut the door if you want to focus on your job or pay bills. It will be best to choose a room or area that gets some natural light as well. Invest in a sturdy desk and comfortable chair, and hang some artwork on the walls. You may also want to include furniture if there’s room, and use your office as a guest bedroom when necessary.

6.   Painting & redecorating

You can refresh and improve your home by painting and redecorating. It’s a chance to modernise it and give it a brand-new look and feel. New paint on the walls will brighten up your home and instantly make it more attractive. It’s a job you can tackle yourself if you’re feeling motivated and want to save some money. Once the new paint is on the walls, you can work on redecorating your spaces by hanging new family pictures, adding plants and greenery and rearranging furniture pieces.

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A household renovation isn’t complete without these vital last steps

A household renovation isn't complete without these vital last steps

Renovating your home is an exciting but often overwhelming process. You’ve painstakingly chosen fixtures, carefully laid tiles and meticulously installed new appliances. But before you pop the champagne and admire your handiwork, remember that the true completion of your renovation lies in the often-overlooked final steps. These crucial details can significantly impact the longevity, comfort and overall aesthetic appeal of your newly revamped space. Let’s delve into the vital finishing touches that elevate a household renovation from good to truly exceptional.

Insulation & damp proofing: The silent guardians of your home

While visually less exciting than new worktops or gleaming floors, insulation and damp proofing are fundamental to a successful renovation. Neglecting these crucial elements can lead to costly problems down the line, including increased energy bills, structural damage and the growth of mould and mildew.

Proper insulation is about more than just keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. It significantly reduces noise pollution, creating a more peaceful and comfortable living environment. Depending on the area being renovated, consider upgrading to high-performance insulation materials in your walls, ceilings and floors. This investment will not only enhance energy efficiency but also increase the property’s value.

Damp proofing is equally critical, particularly in older homes or areas prone to moisture. This involves implementing measures to prevent water ingress, such as applying a damp-proof membrane to walls and floors, ensuring proper drainage around the foundations and installing effective ventilation systems. Addressing damp issues proactively prevents costly repairs and safeguards the health and well-being of your household by mitigating the risk of mould-related illnesses. Don’t hesitate to consult with a specialist if you have concerns about dampness in your property.

Painting & decorating: The finishing touch that transforms

After the structural work is complete, painting and decorating bring your renovation to life. It’s the opportunity to add personality and create a cohesive aesthetic throughout your home. This isn’t just about slapping on a coat of paint – it’s about choosing the right colours, finishes and textures to complement your style and enhance the overall feel of the space. That’s why having painting and decorating companies to assist you can be so helpful, as they’ll do a professional job each time.

Consider the impact of light and how different colours can affect the perception of room size. Lighter shades can make a small room feel more spacious, while darker hues can create a cosier atmosphere in larger areas. Don’t neglect the details – carefully selecting door and window frames, skirting boards and architraves can significantly elevate the overall look and feel. Remember to use high-quality paints and primers to ensure a durable, long-lasting finish. If you are tackling this yourself, proper preparation is key. This includes filling any holes or cracks, sanding down rough surfaces and cleaning thoroughly to ensure a smooth and even finish.

Beyond paint, consider adding finishing touches such as wallpaper, artwork or new curtains and blinds. These elements add personality and warmth, tying the whole room together and creating a space that truly reflects your individual style.

The deepest clean: Unveiling the brilliance of your renovation

Finally, and often overlooked, is the importance of a thorough deep clean. After weeks or months of dust, debris and building materials, your newly renovated home will need a comprehensive cleaning to reveal its true beauty. This is more than just a quick sweep and vacuum; it requires a meticulous approach to remove all traces of the renovation process.

This deep clean should include cleaning windows and mirrors, scrubbing floors and walls thoroughly, cleaning grout lines and removing any built-up dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas. Don’t forget to carefully clean and polish all new fixtures and fittings. Consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure a thorough and efficient clean, leaving you with a sparkling, pristine home ready to enjoy. This final step is essential to unveil the true brilliance of your hard work and investment, allowing you to fully appreciate the transformation of your space. The fresh, clean scent will be the perfect finishing touch to your completed renovation project.

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4 DIY safety tips you need to know

4 DIY safety tips you need to know

DIY renovating your property can be an amazing way to get the home of your dreams without the massive expense often incurred when hiring a range of professionals to do the work for you. But as well as being a cost-effective option, it gives you the ability to boost your knowledge and skills to build your repertoire and see what you’re truly capable of.

But, before you dive headfirst into your home renovation projects, it’s crucial to fully comprehend the potential risks involved. This understanding will not only keep you, your property and those around you safe, but also empower you to make informed decisions throughout your renovation journey. Below, you’ll find a few vital DIY safety tips to keep you from harm.

PPE

Personal protective equipment is essential for DIY. Whether it is goggles to protect your eyes when cutting wood or metal gloves for handling heavy loads, hard hats for dangerous areas or protective clothing, including masks for dusty or dirty work, you need to make sure that you and those working with you have the right protective equipment to prevent injuries or illnesses from occurring.

Know your limits

Indeed, DIY is about expanding your skills and learning to do more, but you also need to know when to stop or leave something well alone. Not knowing your limits can lead to serious accidents or even damage to your property. This means knowing when something is outside your capabilities or a job that you need to explicitly leave to the experts. It could be plumbing, gas work, asbestos removal, electrics or even roofing if your skills are not quite there yet. So, while you can learn a lot, and you should, the best lesson is knowing what DIY not to attempt and leave to the professionals.

Working at height

Working at height poses a greater risk to your health when carrying out DIY work. Even the pros will be taking precautions and using safety equipment when being elevated off the floor. Even if you’re just up a ladder, you need to know how to stay safe when working at heights.

From using scaffolding to carry out roof work or exterior wall work, i.e. removing or repairing render or painting jobs, to using mobile elevate equipment to reach internal high ceilings or using harnesses to see you in tricky spots such as painting the ceiling above a staircase. Safety is always the number one priority.

Structural integrity

The DIY shows and home renovation influencers can somewhat romanticise renovation work and make everyone think they can do it. But it’s not as simple as picking up a sledgehammer and destroying old kitchen cabinets or removing internal walls; you need to be aware of the structure of the property and what aspects are integral and supporting the building. Because if you don’t, you are risking the building and those within its walls. So before you do anything, know the difference between supporting walls and partition walls within the property to enable you to make better decisions and arrangements for any permanent adjustments you are going to make.

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