Where to start with a home renovation
Whether you want to extend up, out or down, planning a home renovation is a major undertaking. It can be difficult to know where to start – and this is before you dive into choosing an architect, contractor or interior designer. Our best advice is to begin by asking ‘what do you want the end result to be?’.
Decide on your project’s scope
A great source of inspiration for your project is looking at what others have done. Browse on Pinterest for ideas, find companies whose work you like, and look online at a range of their completed projects to further inspire. This will help you decide on the style of building you’re looking for. It will also help you understand the scope of your project. To achieve your desired end result, will you need to build an extension out into the garden, convert the garage, add a story or remodel on several levels?
Think about smart living
Now is the time to consider if you would like to build home automation into your plans. We have a team that specialises in delivering multi-room audio and visual systems, dedicated cinema and media rooms, plus remote and intelligent lighting systems. Such solutions will add a wonderful dimension to your everyday living but need to be thought about in the early planning stages of your build.
Architectural and interior design
Your relationship with your architect should be built on understanding and trust. So, it’s vital that you find someone who is a good fit both for your project and your personality. The same is true of the interior designer, who will need to fully understand your vision for the renovation before suggesting how they might interpret that. Both these services should offer designs that will result in a home that looks and functions exactly as you require. We have a number of architectural and interior design professionals who we rate highly and are happy to recommend if required.
Do I need planning permission?
Any required planning permission must be granted in advance of work starting, so it pays to be organised. There is also a range of factors that will affect whether permission is granted from the materials and design chosen for your extension, and impact on privacy and natural light, to whether your home is listed or in a conservation area. Your local council grants any permission for structural modifications, so take advice either from your architect or speak directly to the council. And work with a structural engineer for any required new solutions to your plans.
Choose a contractor
When it comes to engaging a contractor, look for a company that will manage the whole house renovation and coordinates all professionals and suppliers involved. We specialise in taking often complex projects from start to finish. Our team will advise on the best solutions, consult on all necessary works, and help you to execute the project on budget and to a clearly defined timeline.
Factor in insurance
It is mandatory for your contractor to have their own insurance due to the nature of the work involved. However, you must also make sure your insurance covers the entirety of the project. Inform your insurer of the nature of the extension or building works, and how long it is scheduled to take, as this will affect its cost. The premium will also increase for anything the insurance company deems to be higher risk – for example, if basement works are included. As such, you will need to factor in these costs when calculating your overall budget.