What are the steps to planning a successful renovation? If you want to transform the interior of your home, we look at the required steps in the process.
Where to Start with House Renovation?
If you don't have any experience renovating a property, the task can seem a little daunting. However, the best way to make it easier for yourself is to create a schedule.
This way, you can plan out the project from start to finish, keeping track of your progress at all times. A fully detailed schedule will also help any contractors you bring in to track which stages they are working on.
A proper schedule will include every little job that needs doing to renovate your house.
You should order each of these steps appropriately to create an efficient process for everyone to work with. It will also detail who will work on which renovation element and how much that work will cost.
Naturally, different houses will require different home renovation work.
Renovating a simple two-up, two-down will be completely different to renovating a three-bedroom, detached house.
The extent of damage to the interior will also affect the type of renovation needed and the schedule involved. However, here is a typical schedule for renovation work on a property:
An initial survey of the property's condition.
Prevent any further decay.
Apply for any grants or tax concessions.
Arrange for any Statutory Approvals, such as Planning Permission and permits.
Arrange for any appropriate insurance.
Assess the stability of the existing structure.
Demolish what needs demolishing.
Treat any areas suffering from damp.
Assess and repair the drainage.
Create appropriate access to the site.
Carry out any major building work.
Weatherproof and cover any exposed areas.
Carry out any exterior work.
Carry out the first fix on the interior.
Install heating, plumbing and electrical systems.
Plaster the walls and fix the floors.
Carry out the second fix on the interior.
Fit internal doors and windows.
Decorate the property as you like it.
Clean the property.
Move in.
Snagging and small details.
Tips for Planning your Renovation
When planning your home's renovation, it can be tempting to skip ahead to the exciting part of choosing all your fittings, colour schemes and furniture. However, before you even reach this stage, there's plenty to fill your time with. Here are a few essential things to consider before you even begin renovating your home.
01
Decide on Your End Goal
Before you decide how extensive your renovation project will be, you need to determine the project's ultimate goal. For example, you need to decide whether you are renovating your house to improve its value before you sell or renovating it to make it more appealing for you to live in.
In the former case, you should consider the surrounding neighbourhood before planning any renovations. This way, you can determine which renovations will be worth the cost and help you from making any over-the-top improvements that either won't look appropriate or won't add value to your property.
02
Stick to a Budget
Your budget is one of the most important elements of your renovation project. Having a specific one in mind, and sticking to it like glue, is a serious priority. Naturally, you should include a certain amount for contingencies, as unexpected additional costs are bound to arise.
There are also initial costs that most people don't even consider. These could include catering costs for those renovating their kitchen who will be unable to cook for themselves, or accommodation costs if you have to move out for a couple of days while work is carried out.
03
Work with your Calendar
If you want to have your renovation work completed by a certain date, for example, if you want to be back in your home for Christmas, then it is best to take this date and arrange your project from there back to the beginning.
Naturally, you should give yourself a couple of weeks towards the end just in case your project runs over.
04
Do Your Research
If you know anyone who has undertaken a similar project, such as a family member or a friend, asking them about any challenges or issues they encountered and any references they can provide can better prepare you for what you might come across.
Again, information is one of the most important things you can have when carrying out a renovation, so learning from those who have been in your shoes is a great advantage.
05
Understand Your Limits
Choosing to DIY your renovation may help you save money or give you something to do in your spare time, but your project can quickly go downhill if you don't have the skills or technical know-how.
Understanding which tasks you can perform safely and which are best left to the professionals is the best way to organise your renovation project.
06
Choose a design professional
One of the best ways to start renovation work for those unfamiliar with the process is to hire a professional architect or interior designer to help you. However, whether you need a designer or an architect will differ depending on your needs.
Typically, interior designers won't help you with any structural work that needs to be done to your home. However, when it comes to interior decoration and design, they are the people you need. Similarly, asking an architect for help with the structural aspects of your project is perfect, but don't expect them to give you tips on your wallpaper choices.
Hiring a professional designer typically begins with an initial, in-person consultation. This stage can take a couple of weeks, depending on how many designers you want to talk to. At this point, you can get a good idea of what each designer can bring to the table and who can best create the vision you have in mind for your home.
How To Assess Renovation Potential
Not every property is fit for a remodel or renovation. Typically, some properties are too damaged or fragile to be brought up to current building regulations and standards. Additionally, these buildings can be incredibly expensive to renovate, meaning a renovation project is not right for everyone.
Here is a list of the considerations you need to make when finding the right property to renovate and if it has the potential to profit from a renovation:
Is there any space in the property to construct an extension, whether in the rear or at the sides of the property?
Is there space for a loft conversion or garage?
Check the neighbouring properties and see if they have successfully gained planning permission for any similar renovation projects. Is the property ideally located for you?
What extent of the renovation work will be aesthetic, and what will be structural?
What is the maximum value for other properties in the area?
Will your renovations increase the value of the property?
Should I Use an Architect for Renovating a house?
After you have assessed your property's potential for renovation and have conducted an initial structural assessment, it is time to create a design for what you want to do to the house and plans and technical drawings for any extensions you have in mind. Many people find that creating a renovation plan is much more difficult than planning a building from scratch.
Some people decide to forgo the process of hiring an architect or a designer to create a plan for their property. These people will indeed save a little money on their project, but they will find it incredibly difficult to create a structurally sound renovation plan without professional assistance.
If your extension or renovation plans are especially complicated or the building you are working on is listed, you will ultimately need professional advice and assistance.
Aside from architects, you may need to consult architectural designers, structural engineers and house designers to create the property you want and to overcome certain problems.
Suppose you need help applying for planning permission or creating plans and designs that create exactly what you want for the property. In that case, a professional designer is the best person to approach.
They can advise you on what renovation work local authorities are likely to approve and help you allocate an appropriate budget for the renovations you want.
Working With an Interior Designer
The role an interior designer will play in your renovation is not merely limited to aesthetic choices. While these designers specialise in providing creative advice about what will look best in your home, their expertise extends way beyond this. Alongside aesthetic or material considerations, interior designers can help you create the perfect space to live in.
Besides curtain fabrics and colour schemes, interior designers can help you through every stage of the renovation process. Bringing these professionals in from the start is the best way to create a truly harmonious living space. Rather than simply providing decoration to a single element of the home, they can design a plan that extends the space throughout the property to give it a real personality and feel.
Hull Interior Designer Services
Do you require interior design services for Hull and East Yorkshire? Contact us today to start the journey to your perfect interior designed by us.