Taking on a renovation is invariably exciting but daunting in equal measure —but don’t let that put you off ! Here’s how you can plan, budget and run a successful project from beginning to end
You don’t want to move but the home you live in just isn’t working. The ground-floor space is disconnected, rooms are poky and natural light is lacking. Sound familiar? Then you’re possibly reading this because you’ve decided it’s time to resolve these problems once and for all. It’s time to renovate.
For many, renovating is a way to design a dream home; to unlock its potential by reimagining and reinvigorating the space so it works for all who live in it. But, taking on a renovation is a big deal. You’ll be investing money, time and emotions. There will be dust (and lots of it), decisions to be made, and it’ll take longer than you think. So be ready to commit.
Nevertheless, it’s an exciting project to take on. And there are a number of things you can do before the project starts, and along the way, to minimise stresses and strains. It’s your home and your money —no one will be as invested as you in getting it right. Here’s how to plan successfully, design smarter and budget better.
1 Finalise your ideas
It sounds obvious but sitting down and teasing out exactly how you’d like your home to be is an important first step on your renovation journey. What are your priorities? What are your biggest bugbears? How do you want your home to flow and function? Do you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home? (More on this in no. 2.) You might think knocking through two rooms will give you the space and light you crave, but removing a chimney breast, relocating the staircase, stealing space from a garage could all be workable solutions, so don’t rule anything out at this stage. Compile a wishlist early on, then when you engage with trades, you can refer to it. It’ll act as a compass to help navigate areas where you’re prepared to make compromises and areas where you aren’t.
2 Embrace energy efficiency
As well as improving the spaces in which you live, renovating your home can be the ideal time to incorporate renewable technologies, especially if you’re taking on a whole-house approach. “Renovating your home is the perfect opportunity to embrace sustainable living by incorporating renewable and low-carbon technologies like solar panels and heat pumps,” says Chris Delaney, managing director of Green Building Renewables. “Beyond the immediate benefits of reducing your carbon footprint, these upgrades o
