Posted: 5th June 2023
What would you change about your home, if you could? Would the changes be cosmetic, or are there energy efficiency concerns you would see to first? Does the exterior need freshening up, or are there rooms that more urgently need attention? The chances are, while our answer will likely vary, most of us will have a pretty clear idea of how we would want our homes to be, in an ideal world.
If time and resources and funds were limitless, the list of improvements we would make to our homes would probably be quite lengthy. Unfortunately, however, these things are finite – and the process of home renovation becomes as much about what is possible as it is about what is preferable.
Knowing the value – and cost – of implementing various improvements is therefore vital for us to make the most of the budgets we have to adhere to. Once we have an idea of the possible updates we can make to our properties, we will be in a better position to be able to get them to look and feel and perform just the way we would like, without the worry of spending time and money on things we could do without.
The question for a lot of us quickly becomes about where to start. Like all complex undertakings, home renovations are easiest when they stick to a clear and well-informed plan. Here, we will take a look at the types of renovation you might want to think about – and how to best put these plans into action…
When there are so many separate elements to a task, it can become quite difficult to keep them all in mind. This can be true of a single-room redecoration, but when you’re hoping for a complete property renovation the sheer number of things to remember can quickly become daunting, or even off-putting.
For this reason, it is recommended to work from an itemised home renovation checklist. You may find that some of the things are not relevant to your plans, but it may well remind you of something which had slipped your mind, too – and the method is one which can be used any time there are home-improvement plans in the pipeline.
If you were thinking of a full home renovation, professionals advise working from the outside of a property to the inside – you wouldn’t want your pristine new kitchen layout to be compromised by exterior structural work later on. In keeping with this logic, we’ll start our checklist here too.
A qualified professional will be able to tell you if there’s any work needed on your roof. If it has been in place for more than a couple of decades without having work done on it, it is likely to need some attention. Have the gutters, downspouts and flashing looked at while you’re at it. While relatively costly, a properly functioning roof is always a worthwhile investment.
Strictly speaking, the attic is inside, but it is connected to the performance of the roof so we’ve included it here. Having adequate insulation is a key consideration for reducing energy consumption; an expert will be able to identify if updates are needed.
Some improvements benefit the way a property looks and feels, while others are more concerned with its performance. A change to the windows of our homes has the bonus of making both better.
Things have come a long way in a fairly short period of time in the designs and achievements of windows. Older, single-paned models will never reach the energy-efficiency and security standards of more modern alternatives – and an ever-growing market of choice means that these criteria can be met with no compromise in their aesthetic appeal. Regardless of the age or style of your property, contemporary aluminium window frames can be an excellent choice as use of aluminium enables a thinner frame thereby maximising natural light for your interior spaces. Click here to find out more about our Alitherm Heritage Windows which match beautifully with character properties.
A complete replacement of your existing set-up might not be what you had in mind, but it’s always worth consideration. A quick survey of the ones you have might bring to your attention that a quick refresh is all that’s needed – and something ticked off the list is as helpful as something added, after all.
Similar to windows, doors are important for a whole host of reasons. The most obvious aspect of a door is undoubtedly its security, but it also plays an important role in the way a building looks and performs.
A lot can be said for the humble lick of paint. From patching up to a full repaint, the difference it makes is always surprising.
A well-kept garden can have a huge impact on the value of a property. A professional gardener will not only be able to help with the work of maintaining your green space but can also offer advice on how to create a manageable timetable for regular maintenance that won’t have a negative effect on wildlife.
Now that you have an idea of the areas of potential concern outside, your attention can make its way into the property. Again, a methodical approach is what’s needed. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you could be thinking about.
If the planned renovation is to an older building, it would be wise to consider an upgrade to your plumbing. The materials used for piping and fixtures have changed over the years and older systems can get damaged or backed up.
Out of sight should not be out of mind when it comes to your electrical system. Wiring may be outdated or badly designed and the fittings might not be in keeping with your design aesthetics.
The flooring of a property has an effect on all sorts of things, from its thermal and acoustic insulation to the way it looks and feels and even the lighting. If a home is carpeted throughout, exposing the wood underneath in one or more rooms can create variety and a point of counterpoint, as well as looking lovely.
Providing that a wall is not load-bearing, the reason for it being there is a result of someone’s stylistic choice. As the current owner of the space, you may decide that the physical layout of your home is not suitable. Modern screening systems can offer the best of both worlds while often not incurring the same kind of cost as walling.
Once the layout is clear in your mind, you can begin to work through the house, room-by-room, making a list of the things you would like to change or repair. Bedrooms and living spaces will obviously have a different set of parameters to kitchens and bathrooms – and making specific lists for each is important. A professional decorator can help bring your ideas to a workable plan.
Now that you have gone through your property and highlighted the things you would like to change, it’s time to implement those changes. Whether it’s a full home renovation or just a small adjustment, this 10-point plan will get the ball rolling:
Check for snags, and you’re done…
Once the work is completed, be vigilant. Renovations to a home can take a while to settle and recover. These imperfections are known as snagging and a regular survey of the work is recommended to ensure that the improvements you’ve made are ones that will last.
Are you looking at developing your property in the near future? If so, get in touch with our specialists who can help you design your dream renovation.
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