RENOVATION 101: HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING?

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renovation 101

WHEN THE URGE STRIKES TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME, IT CAN BE TEMPTING TO GET STUCK IN RIGHT AWAY. HOWEVER, HIS & HERS COVERS A FEW OF THE THINGS YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU START RENOVATING…

If you have recently purchased a fixer upper or you simply fancy doing some renovations to your current property, you might be eager to whip out the paintbrush, knock down a few walls and get the RSJs in place. However, before you can launch full steam ahead with your renovations, you need to make sure that you have thought of everything. The idea of undertaking any scheme of works without the appropriate planning in place could see your face-lift plans cost you more money, time and work than you had thought. Take a look at these aspects to renovating that you must consider before getting handy with the sledgehammer.

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Planning Documentation

If your renovations are grand and require extensions or the knocking down of walls, you may need to get in touch with your local council to ensure that you are legally allowed to undertake such work. Often by asking their advice on such matters, you can get them on side to think favourably of your plans.

If you live in a terraced or semi detached property, it might be a good idea to check out the services of a company like Hamilton Darcey who can advise on party walls, their ownership and any planning involving them. It’s vital throughout the renovation process that you stay on friendly terms with neighbours and that you do everything above board.

Budget

Although you might be keen to simply start work, you must have a budget. Even if your money pot is large or you have astronomical savings, it isn’t prudent to simply launch your makeover with no idea as to how much everything will cost. Will it cost £1000 or £10000? You must have an idea in mind. Go to your local showrooms, DIY stores and check out prices online. It’s all too easy for costs to escalate and your idea of renovation heaven can quickly turn into a money pit hell. Draw up plans in an Excel spreadsheet, work out your costings and then see if your work is feasible. There’s no point in going ahead if you end up in negative equity or if you realise that your works will have to stop part way through because you will run out of funds.

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Practicalities

Make sure your plans suit your lifestyle. Just because something looks great in an interiors magazine doesn’t mean that it will suit your family’s needs. A kitchen diner might be great for family meals, but what about when you want to have an adults only space. Just because open-plan living is on trend, doesn’t mean you have to facilitate it within your four walls. Be individual, don’t follow the crowd and opt for a renovation that suits your needs and budget.

Renovating should be a pleasurable experience that allows you to fall in love with your home all over again. You are changing your dwelling to make it more fit for purpose. However, you must follow this guide to ensure that you have thought of everything including legalities, planning, budget, and needs.

We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with Hamilton Darcey. For more inspiration for your home, please pay a visit to our interiors page.

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