There is something exciting about taking property and transforming it into your vision. Whether you’re fixing up a deteriorating period home or sprucing up a modern build, there are many things you need to consider carefully before you begin calling up contractors and knocking down walls. If you haven’t had previous experience with home renovations, but are interested in making some changes to your property, here are a few basic steps to guide you.
What’s Your Budget?
It is really important to determine not just how much you want to spend, but how much you can afford to spend on your renovations. The truth is there is a good chance any work could end up costing you more than originally quoted, especially if the work you are having done is quite extensive or you are working on an old house. Your contractor will be able to provide you a quote based on things running smoothly but prepare for the unexpected by setting aside a bit of emergency cash in case you find a problem half-way through. You should also think about how much value these renovations could add to your property and compare that with how much you are spending to help you decide if it is worth your investment.
Planning Permission
If you are going to make big structural changes to your property you will need to get the right planning permission before you start any work. This means you will have to present your plans to the relevant authorities, so have some blueprints drawn up by an architect before you take these steps. If you have noticed that neighboring properties have similar alterations to the ones you want, you are likely to get permission to move forward with your project, but always make sure you have the permits before you break any ground.
Exterior
Think about the aesthetic points of your renovation plans as well, such as what kind of stone you want the walls to be made from and what kind of roof tiles you would like. Even things like choosing the right kind of windows are important to complete the look, as well as keeping your property insulated. Consider how a different kind of glass or window frame could transform your property’s look – find some inspiration at Wandsworth Sash Windows if you are struggling for ideas. You should also think about any garden area that will be changed by your renovations and how you might need to update it to fit in with your home’s new look.
Interior
Your home should reflect your taste and make you feel comfortable, but there are certain design features that you should keep in mind, particularly if you are renovating a period property. While modern interiors and fixtures look wonderful in these kinds of homes (and are an essential upgrade for a modern living), keeping some features that are part of the property’s original design is a good way to preserve some history, as well as giving your home some unique character. You may even find that some of the terms of your planning permission have required you to do this. If you’re not sure how to best revamp the interior of your home, hire an interior designer to help you.
Renovations can be very fun and exciting projects, but they can also get stressful if things don’t go quite right. Make sure you have a realistic budget and have factored in emergency expenses, as well as carefully curating the final, beautiful touches that will bring everything together in those last stages.
