Many homeowners in the UK are focusing on making upgrades to their living spaces right now. From the need for better functionality to enhancing the overall look and feel of the home, there are many reasons why people are making changes.
If you’re thinking of changing things up, here are some ways to tackle the renovation process.
Why update the home?
The ongoing interest in home improvements reflects changing lifestyle needs, an increased focus on sustainable living, and the desire to add value to properties as the housing market continues to fluctuate.
It also reflects our desire to plan for the long term. After all, many of us are increasingly juggling hybrid working now. This means that our home is also our office. This may be another reason to invest in renovations. Revamping your home creates a space that meets your needs and is enjoyable to live in.
- Set a realistic budget
Renovating your home can quickly become expensive. It’s essential to:
- Assess the scope: Clearly define what your renovations will entail and differentiate between must-haves and nice-to-haves.
- Consider your funding options: How much do you have to spend on your updates? It could be worth exploring how much you have in savings. If you’ve chosen an account with attractive interest rates, it may be that you’ve significantly increased the amount you put aside. This could set up exactly how much you’ve got to spend on these changes.
Also, do you have other investments that you could cash in on this project? Maybe you could look into equity release. This is available to over-55s, you can check how much could get using an equity release calculator. Using this frees up the equity in your home without having to sell.
- Plan for contingencies: It’s wise to allocate an extra 10-20% of your budget for unforeseen expenses. Surprises are common once projects get underway.
- Get estimates: Obtain quotes from several reputable contractors to ensure competitive pricing and avoid budget blowouts.
- Prioritise spending: Spend more on areas that will increase your home’s value, like kitchens and bathrooms, while economising on less impactful areas.
- Understand planning permission and building regulations
Understanding planning permissions and building regulations is important as this tells you what you can apply for and how likely it is that your vision for your home can become a reality.
- Research local policies: Check with your local council to see if your project needs planning permission, especially if you live in a listed building or conservation area.
- Permitted development rights: Some smaller projects might not need planning permission thanks to these rights.
- Building regulations compliance: Compliance with building standards regarding safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility is mandatory and non-negotiable.
- Design and layout considerations
Design your renovation to meet both current and future needs.
- Future-proof your space: Consider changes that will accommodate your future lifestyle changes.
- Maximise natural light: Incorporating larger windows, skylights, or open-plan layouts can transform the feel of your home.
- Energy efficiency: Invest in upgrades like better insulation and energy-efficient windows which can reduce bills and benefit the environment.
- Find trusted professionals
The success of your project often depends on the people you hire:
- Recommendations and reviews: Word-of-mouth is invaluable. Also, check online reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Feefo and Checkatrade.
- Check credentials: Ensure contractors are licensed and insured.
- Written contracts: Contracts should detail the project scope, timeline, costs, and warranty information to protect both parties.
- Prepare your home and your family
Preparation minimises disruption. Organising your renovation early can help you manage the project better.
- Temporary arrangements: Consider how you’ll live during the renovations. You might need to set up a temporary kitchen or even move out for a short time.
- Protect valuables and spaces: Dust and debris are a given during renovations, so cover and store belongings securely.
- Communicate effectively: Keep in regular contact with your contractors to address issues quickly so you can keep the project on track.
Being organised and planning ahead are kety when it comes to home renovations. Ensuring you now how much you want to spend, who to hire for the job and how you’ll manage the renovation process can all contribute to making the updates as smooth as possible.
