Hi there!
I am assuming you have arrived at this blog perhaps at a stage of dreaming of that forever home, maybe in the process of purchasing your investment or even in the middle of a huge project and just need some light on how this is all going to work out and are you on the right track.
Well, you’re at the right place! Take a seat and settle down because I am here to discuss the planning and expectations of that ever anticipated home renovation. Planning your home renovation before any work begins is vital. Budget, living circumstances and structural integrity will all become the key factors involved. Why? Because they all affect the timeline of the project. In an ideal world, there is an unlimited budget, nobody is living in the property during renovation and the walls can be removed in any order because the weather is totally on your side the whole time. Yes, the weather… anyone in the UK knows that’s never a possibility!
As the saying goes, time is money. With proper planning, you can potentially save time, stay on track with spend and reduce the stress of renovating. With a realistic plan on how long tasks and delivery will take, using something like a Gantt chart can really help with the overall project management and time expectations. Nobody wants to hate the journey to your perfect space.. I mean what is perfect about that! So, let’s try and discuss some of the factors you need to consider and help you along the way to your dream home.
Assessing Your Needs and Setting Goals
There are a few reasons to renovate; the classic “flipping houses”, which is essentially taking a piece of coal, making it a diamond and selling it for profit.
Ka-chingg!! Maybe you are renovating a home, to add to a rental portfolio or my favourite… renovation for you! This is where, I think as an interior designer, I get a little giddy. Making those wow moments happen in the home, so it’s a space that works for you.
You may have asked yourself “why are we renovating, and not just moving house?” Sometimes, we just find our homes located in a great spot, maybe near a wonderful school, amenities, near family and community or we just feel happy here. Making a home work for you, is so important. This is where renovating and Interior Design come together in a perfect partnership.
So let’s first identify the need for renovation, is there enough space for all the family to sit together or apart? Is the kitchen allowing everyone to get involved? Does your master bedroom feel like the suite you want to indulge in after a long day of work? Or just simply there isn’t anywhere for anyone to come stay over. A poorly designed floor plan, can really affect the way you live. Perhaps you haven’t ever really considered it before, but take a look at your life in your home. Is the home giving you the ability to be more of a family, or an area to hide away from the family too!
Identify the list of must have, nice to have and do we have to have. No, I am not talking about your party guest list! This is prioritising the problem areas in the home, and where the improvements are really needed. Set those specific goals and make sure they are really achievable in the time and budget.
Creating a Realistic Budget
Did someone say budget? I always ask my clients to consider a budget they are working to when we go through the brief stage of a project. It may be a challenge to be exact, but having a benchmark allows you to pitch on the price bracket of materials and finishes you are putting into the home.
Time to get your spreadsheet open and start working out your costings. Some of the high level spends needs to go first, if you are using an architect their fee and the builder cost will be the start. Shop around! Compare 3-5 quotes and reflect on what each professional is advising you can do in the home. It is so much more than drawings at this stage. It is important to see the specification details what is needed in terms of planning applications, flooring prep, windows, plumbing, structural changes, electrics and even any issues with damp or the exterior landscape and render.
Take note of everything your contractor is offering you, some may suggest aspects that you didn’t think of! Can you perhaps, work with the existing layout in the bathroom so the plumbing doesn’t need to be altered? Save money where you can, and be realistic if the changes you’re making outweighs the cost impact.
After the must have architect, build and approval costs are allocated, funnel down to the details of fitted furniture, kitchens, bathrooms and floorings. This is where you can start being a little more savvy with the spend, and perhaps add in some DIY, up-cycling or trade-off’s. Can the windows be a painted UPVC vs an aluminium frame? Do we really need a jacuzzi bath tub or can that spend be pushed to landscaping the driveway for better curb appeal? Costing the overall project upfront, will allow you to make the better choices down the line. It is really quite easy to let things get out of control if you didn’t have a plan in the first instance. Also, consider doing the work in stages. Whether it’s building the floor plan first and then tackling the interior fit out later when cash flow is… flowing again.
Finding Inspiration and Defining Your Style
Whether you decide to renovate in stages or doing it all at once, I am incredibly passionate about planning your interiors alongside your build. If you choose a professional interior designer or prefer to DIY, having an idea on the style and theme of your home in the first stages of project planning will make it much easier to execute later on. I am a strong advocate of Pinterest. Creating mood boards, to gather your thoughts, can be a really effective way of communicating your design style to not only others, but to yourself! Many people say they don’t know what their style is, but really if you were shown two interior images I bet you, you’d be able to say which one you like more than the other.
Looking at inspiration online, when you’re out and about or perhaps you can sketch. Taking snippets of inspiration for the things around you and gathering them together, will paint a picture of the dream finish. But, I have to say, be reasonable. That budget means everything, and ensuring the design choices you make are preferable but practical too, will benefit you in the long run.
This is really a fun stage of the whole project, after running all the numbers and keeping a watchful eye on the seasonal weather expectations having a moment to gather your wish list of dreamy floors, lush fabrics and beautiful furniture for your home, is a true joy.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY
I think we would all like to try and be more hands on with renovations. When its all done, being able to sit and talk about your journey, how you problem solved different tasks and the blood sweat and tears that went into your dream space. However, let’s be honest we all have to fund these project some how, going to work, fitting it around the family and still managing to enjoy the whole process. There may be aspects you or a family member can do for you, to save money and add that personal touch but there may be some benefit in seeking help from a professional too.
DIY, can as I say save money. However, really assess your skill set and the final finish. Having a professional on board could just save money in the long run, not only through time but from making mistakes. Professional such as builders, contractors, electricians and interior designers spend their day to day researching the best methods and materials for the job. It could just be worth exploring their skill set, to help you achieve the best results.
Look at their work, see the finish they have achieved with previous clients. Looking at their portfolio or even taking recommendations from friends and family. Having a contractor on board, that you like is important too. You will be spending a lot of time in meetings and on calls discussing you project, so having someone you can have a strong rapport with, will just make the process more enjoyable overall. Tender out your job, requesting quotes, see what you are getting for your money, credibility, reviews and potential qualification for the intended job. See if there is any room for negotiation with your favourable contractors and then settle on a contract you are both happy with
I think we would all like to try and be more hands on with renovations. When its all done, being able to sit and talk about your journey, how you problem solved different tasks and the blood sweat and tears that went into your dream space. However, let’s be honest we all have to fund these project some how, going to work, fitting it around the family and still managing to enjoy the whole process. There may be aspects you or a family member can do for you, to save money and add that personal touch but there may be some benefit in seeking help from a professional too.
DIY, can as I say save money. However, really assess your skill set and the final finish. Having a professional on board could just save money in the long run, not only through time but from making mistakes. Professional such as builders, contractors, electricians and interior designers spend their day to day researching the best methods and materials for the job. It could just be worth exploring their skill set, to help you achieve the best results.
Look at their work, see the finish they have achieved with previous clients. Looking at their portfolio or even taking recommendations from friends and family. Having a contractor on board, that you like is important too. You will be spending a lot of time in meetings and on calls discussing you project, so having someone you can have a strong rapport with, will just make the process more enjoyable overall. Tender out your job, requesting quotes, see what you are getting for your money, credibility, reviews and potential qualification for the intended job. See if there is any room for negotiation with your favourable contractors and then settle on a contract you are both happy with.
Obtaining Necessary Permits and Approval
So as much as its fun to design and plan your renovation, there are some guidelines you need to follow. Each council will have their own set of guidelines, so seeking their advice in good time is the best way to avoid any expensive changes when the building is inspected after build. Notice I say “in good time” as some councils can take a number of weeks before approval, so ensure you account for this in your planning timeline.
Building regulations can be required for a number of things, such as if the extension is more than 15 sqm and includes sleeping accommodation. Is your building listed? As much as having a period property is dreamy for its authentic features, it can also restrict you from doing much to it, if its protected with a listed building tag! Addition of windows, chimneys and even more radiators can also be surplus to approvals.
All in all, it is good to work with a licensed professional such as a surveyor, architect of structural engineer, who can support you in getting all the right, green ticks from your local authority to cover any plumbing, gas, electrics, extensions and even fencing changes to your build. It is a key step which should and can’t be missed, as it has a financial and time impact on the overall project. So get searching for on your council website for planning permissions asap!
Creating a Timeline and Project Schedule
So let’s go back to this timeline. I personally use a Gantt chart when I project plan, its a clear way to list as task and create a duration for how long that task will take. You can see what tasks will overlap and which need completing before another begins. There is also, project planning apps and tools online, classic pen and paper or even an excel spreadsheet. Whatever the method, write it down and be realistic in how long you’re expecting the task to be.
When you are planning a project, my suggestion would be, pessimism. It is always easier to use spare time, vs chasing it. There will always be a delay, supply chain issues, the weather, personal circumstances or potential planning objections as discussed above. Time management and being realistic will of course help but when it doesn’t work out to your schedule, look for areas on how you can potentially save time and make up the delay. Seeking another supplier or changing the specification of an item to something similar to avoid delays on achieving the bigger picture.
Don’t forget, time is money. So be practical and savvy with design choices which overall bring the same look and feel without compromising on time.
Designing the Layout and Floor Plan
With the above considered, there are aspects of the renovation which I think are most definitely worth putting the time into. The layout and function of the space you are living in, is a building block to living happier. Working with an interior designer at this stage of the process and bringing them on board earlier can give an interior perspective as well as a structural and architectural point of view on your build.
It may seem trivial, but knowing how a room will look when the furniture is in makes sure it is the exact feel you want. Don’t underestimate the interiors, since its the indoors you will live in. How can a layout make the most of the natural light? Are there ways of sectioning a space with different furniture orientations? Is the layout promoting the best flow, allowing you to transition with ease and in the rooms with a set function, is that task being completed most efficiently?
Get your interior designer on board in the early planning stages, alongside the architect ideally. Giving two creatives the chance to comment and advise on the most ideal floor plan for your way of life.
Selecting Materials, Fixtures, and Finishes
My favourite part..drumroll please! When all the permissions are ticked, the structure is water tight and the floor plan has been nailed. The concepts of interiors can come to life. This isn’t to say they are planned this late down the line, because as mentioned we should know already where lighting and electrical fixtures are needed so they can be fitted at first fix.
Choosing durable and quality materials is always a good investment. With so much love this far down the line for this property, not finishing the Cake as it were, with the best fondant would overall ruin the taste. Take time to explore high spec materials for furniture and worktops. Investing in bathrooms and kitchens are important for adding value to your home, as always focus a good part of the budget on these rooms. There are so many gorgeous brands for flooring and fabrics to dress other rooms, elevating the standard of your home.
Flow is a word you hear a lot in Interior design, and creating a look with your designer that travels throughout the house makes the home feel as one. That isn’t to say all rooms need to be one colour, but creation of a tonal scheme, a cohesive palette creates a harmony.
Image credit: Tryféna Hildenbrant https://www.pinterest.co.uk/tryfenahildenbrant/materialenborden-studio-tryfenah/
Managing the Renovation Process
When it comes to project management in refurbishments and interior design, I do have to say- I think people take it for granted. It may be that you building contractor offers this, your interior designer has a bolt on service or you want to tackle it yourself. Whatever way you go about it, don’t underestimate the importance.
Project management includes all aspects of time, communication and expenses, tying in with the planning we discussed earlier- management of your project ensures you’re sticking to the plan and keeping on track with your expenditure.
My main tip, is to record everything. All communication with contractors and team members, should be clearly noted and also shared with the wider team, in the form of meeting minutes. This allows for clarity, and making sure everyone is on the same page. With so many moving parts, having everyone reading from the same book will really help the project move on more effectively.
There are a number of apps and spreadsheets that can help with tracking expenses and project progression. You don’t need anything fancy for this, a simple notepad and pen is sufficient, but having notes and proof of works allows any unexpected challenges like wrong material delivery, order discrepancies or miscommunications to be resolved. Handling issues on a project, is inevitable, expect something not to go to plan, and cause slight delays. Speaking with contractors and other professionals on the project, to help problem solve the issue which gives the best outcome in terms of finish and time.
Adding the Finishing Touches
The cherry on the big beautiful masterpiece cake you made! Pull through your personality with decor and accessories. Layering the rooms with cushions, throws, rugs and wall decor helps elevate the space making it feel more complete and personal to you. Styling the space is also a way to create a theme, to a potentially neutral base. Did you choose the cream sofa, wood floor and off white walls for a timeless feel? Perhaps you can move this, to a boho chic feel adding more rattan, crochet or wicker accessories or luxe the space with more deeper tone velvet cushions and gold mirror finishes.
Styling the space, not only dresses the room but allows you to experiment with different styles to make the space more personal and inviting. Styling can also be incredibly functional, such as a shoe bench by the front door or an oversize mirror in the hallway. These finishing touches, are something you can continue to do as you live and thrive in your home, add accessories, memorabilia or photos of a life you love, showcased in your home to make you feel present and safe in the space you created.
Conclusion
And… relax!! Good things come to those that are patient and well organised. The renovation of your home can be challenging, and there will be times you wonder why you even started this idea. But be patient, and remember when you’re done, the lifetime of joy ahead in a well planned space will improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Plan, plan, plan! Space plan the perfect floor plan for you, seek the right professionals and approvals for the build, look at the interior look before any walls are built to ensure it all works together. Stick to your budget and make worthy compromises for the overall look, communicate effectively with all team members and don’t let time get the better of you.
Home renovation is challenging in many ways, mainly the time it can take out of your everyday life. So, don’t be hesitant to seek professional support along the way. Invest in your build with the knowledge and expertise of design professionals, such as architects, surveyors and of course interior designers. Having someone by your side, designing, sourcing and procuring can take a huge weight off your shoulders, allowing you to enjoy the experience and ensure you’re making the best choices for your investment.
