After twelve months of spending a significant amount of time inside your home, you have probably spent some considerable time imagining how you would change the space around you to better suit your needs and lifestyle. There are several things to consider when completely renovating your home, including stress-busting check-lists and cost-saving ideas.
Seek permission, not forgiveness
While some smaller renovations can be performed without planning permission, it is never worth risking the stress of discovering permission was required when the project is already underway – or at the very least, a lack of planning permission may delay your start date.
Particularly for complete home renovations, it is definitely worth investigating the process for seeking planning permission with your local authority, understanding whether your plans fall into that requirement, and how long the process takes from application to approval.
It’s a numbers game
You may already have an idea about what you want from your renovations, but it is worth being conscious of the potential impact this investment can have on the value of your home:
- +30%: converting your basement or cellar into additional living space
- +25%: converting your loft into an additional bedroom and ensuite
- +10%: improving your curb appeal and outdoor space with a garden update
- +5%: converting your living space to open plan
Even if these are not factored into your current renovations, creating an adaptable space can be extremely beneficial when you do decide to sell.
In for a penny, in for a pound
Consider every cost in the renovation process, including build cost, materials, and furnishings, as well as understanding what is important to invest in and which elements can offer cost savings. Having a thorough breakdown of costs ahead of the renovations will help you to keep a tight rein on the budget throughout the project and will limit the potential for hidden costs and nasty surprises.
A complete home renovation is the perfect opportunity to consider replacing your home heating system with more energy-efficient solutions such as radiant heating, solar panels, and heat pumps. While these systems can be costly in the first instance, in the long run they will save you money on your energy bills as well as reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, if you’re already in the middle of complete renovations, systems such as underfloor heating will be easier to access and install.
Affordable luxury
There are plenty of online resources to seek inspiration for affordable finishes to complement your home renovations, from lifestyle magazines to social media groups and Pinterest boards. While you may like to save the finishing touches for the end, communicating what sort of materials you would like to incorporate with the flooring, wall textures, cabinetry and other permanent fixtures will give both you and your builders a clear vision of the end product.
Setting expectations for what is achievable and within budget, and what is a realistic delivery timeframe ensures you and your builders are on the same page. If you have a vision for your space and you need inspiration or advice on how to bring your vision into reality, get in touch with us now.