The Essential Checklist for Your Home Renovation

How to plan your home renovation

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…

Home Renovations: A Quick Guide

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.

Exterior

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.
Cliff-House-Gallery1
Cliff-House-Gallery2
Cliff-House-Gallery3
Cliff-House-Gallery4
Cliff-House-Gallery5

The Roof

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.

The Attic

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.

Windows

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.

Doors

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.

Paintwork

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.

Garden

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.

Interior

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.

Plumbing

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.

Electricity

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.

Floors

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.

Layout

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.

Room-by-room Analysis

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.

The 10-Point 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:

Set a budget

Create the design

Hire the best contractors

Check planning laws

Set a timetable
Conduct surveys

Talk with your neighbours about your plans

Check your insurance

Clear the area

Begin the work

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.

Cliff House, Felixstowe

VIEW PROJECT

Foxhill House, Chester

VIEW PROJECT

University of Sussex, Brighton

VIEW PROJECT

Varndean College, Brighton

VIEW PROJECT

From sash windows to aluminium bifold doors, our high-quality products are engineered and manufactured right here in Britain. We work with fellow UK-operated companies, Spectus Window Systems, Smart Systems, and Jack Aluminium Systems, to deliver only the very best to our trade, commercial and residential customers.

FILL OUR CONTACT FORM

  • How much do French doors cost to install in the UK?

    The cost of installing French doors in the UK varies depending on the size, material, and design. At Mercury Glazing, we offer competitive pricing tailored to your specific needs. Please contact us for a personalised quote.

  • How to fit door handles?

    Fitting door handles can be a straightforward process. First, measure and mark the position on the door, drill the necessary holes, then attach the handle with screws. For detailed instructions or professional fitting services, feel free to reach out to us.

  • What are composite doors made of?

    Composite doors are crafted from a combination of materials, including PVC, wood, insulating foam, and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). This blend ensures strength, durability, and thermal efficiency.

  • What are composite doors?

    Composite doors are high-quality doors known for their robustness, energy efficiency, and security. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and aesthetically pleasing option.

  • Do composite doors fade in the sun?

    Our composite doors are designed to resist fading, even under prolonged sun exposure, thanks to their high-quality materials and construction.

  • How to adjust composite doors?

    Adjusting a composite door usually involves aligning the hinges and lock mechanism. If you're experiencing issues, we recommend contacting a professional for assistance to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage.

  • How to replace patio doors?

    Replacing patio doors involves removing the old doors, preparing the opening, and installing the new doors. It's a task best handled by professionals to ensure a perfect fit and functionality.

  • How much do patio doors cost?

    The cost of patio doors varies based on size, material, and design. Contact us at Mercury Glazing for a bespoke quote that matches your specific requirements.

  • How much are French doors?

    The price of French doors depends on the material, size, and design details. We offer a range of options to suit various budgets. Please get in touch for a tailored quote.

OUR ACCREDITATIONS

The Essential Checklist for Your Home Renovation

How to plan your home renovation

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…

Home Renovations: A Quick Guide

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.

Exterior

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.
Cliff-House-Gallery1
Cliff-House-Gallery2
Cliff-House-Gallery3
Cliff-House-Gallery4
Cliff-House-Gallery5

The Roof

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.

The Attic

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.

Windows

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.

Doors

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.

Paintwork

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.

Garden

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.

Interior

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.

Plumbing

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.

Electricity

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.

Floors

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.

Layout

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.

Room-by-room Analysis

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.

The 10-Point 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:

Set a budget

Create the design

Hire the best contractors

Check planning laws

Set a timetable
Conduct surveys

Talk with your neighbours about your plans

Check your insurance

Clear the area

Begin the work

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.

Cliff House, Felixstowe

VIEW PROJECT

Foxhill House, Chester

VIEW PROJECT

University of Sussex, Brighton

VIEW PROJECT

Varndean College, Brighton

VIEW PROJECT

From sash windows to aluminium bifold doors, our high-quality products are engineered and manufactured right here in Britain. We work with fellow UK-operated companies, Spectus Window Systems, Smart Systems, and Jack Aluminium Systems, to deliver only the very best to our trade, commercial and residential customers.

FILL OUR CONTACT FORM

  • How much do French doors cost to install in the UK?

    The cost of installing French doors in the UK varies depending on the size, material, and design. At Mercury Glazing, we offer competitive pricing tailored to your specific needs. Please contact us for a personalised quote.

  • How to fit door handles?

    Fitting door handles can be a straightforward process. First, measure and mark the position on the door, drill the necessary holes, then attach the handle with screws. For detailed instructions or professional fitting services, feel free to reach out to us.

  • What are composite doors made of?

    Composite doors are crafted from a combination of materials, including PVC, wood, insulating foam, and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). This blend ensures strength, durability, and thermal efficiency.

  • What are composite doors?

    Composite doors are high-quality doors known for their robustness, energy efficiency, and security. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and aesthetically pleasing option.

  • Do composite doors fade in the sun?

    Our composite doors are designed to resist fading, even under prolonged sun exposure, thanks to their high-quality materials and construction.

  • How to adjust composite doors?

    Adjusting a composite door usually involves aligning the hinges and lock mechanism. If you're experiencing issues, we recommend contacting a professional for assistance to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage.

  • How to replace patio doors?

    Replacing patio doors involves removing the old doors, preparing the opening, and installing the new doors. It's a task best handled by professionals to ensure a perfect fit and functionality.

  • How much do patio doors cost?

    The cost of patio doors varies based on size, material, and design. Contact us at Mercury Glazing for a bespoke quote that matches your specific requirements.

  • How much are French doors?

    The price of French doors depends on the material, size, and design details. We offer a range of options to suit various budgets. Please get in touch for a tailored quote.

OUR ACCREDITATIONS