A Quick Guide to Your Home Renovation!
5 minute read.
Thinking of renovating your home, whether it’s to add value in advance of a sale or just enhance the space for you to enjoy and continue to live in? Starting a home renovation is exciting but can feel a little overwhelming. From budgeting to design, there’s a lot to consider when transforming your dream into reality. To help you get started, here’s a quick guide that breaks down the key stages of a home renovation and key considerations at each stage.
Stage 1. Planning and Design
A successful renovation begins with thorough planning. First, get really clear on your vision for the space: are you updating an outdated space, expanding for more room, or giving your home a complete makeover? Creating a clear vision will guide your every decision.
What to consider in this stage:
Budgeting: Set a realistic budget. Make sure it includes an emergency fund (usually around 10-20% of your total budget) for any unexpected costs or over runs.
Timeline: Be realistic about your timeline, especially if you’re living in the home during the renovation. Longer projects might require alternative living arrangements.
Research and Inspiration: Browse Pinterest, magazines, or social media platforms to pull together a mood board of design ideas. Appoint and consult with an interior designer to plan your space and get the most out of your renovation budget, making sure to keep you on track to nail the style that you want. Their experience means that they can prevent expensive mistakes!
Stage 2. Hiring the Right Team: Architects, Builders, Specialist Trades
Choosing the right professionals is essential. Whether you need an architect, builder, or specialist contractor, getting reputable and experienced professionals can make a world of difference.
Tips for selecting your team:
Get Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your network for referrals. Reviews and testimonials are a great way to get a feel for the quality of work they deliver.
Consider Multiple Options: Don’t settle on the first professional you meet. Meet with several to find the right match for your project’s vision, timeline, and budget.
Clear Communication: Make sure you have open communication from the start. Discuss your vision, concerns, and expectations clearly to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page from the get-go.
Stage 3. Preparation: Planning, Regulations and Ordering Materials
Before swinging a hammer, make sure everything is in place. Confirm that you have all necessary permissions, planning approvals and adherence to any regulations that affect your renovation. Skipping this stage could lead to delays further down the line and potential fines. Now is your time to order any necessary materials such as tiles, fixtures, custom furniture. Be mindful of lead times and how that looks against your project timeline.
Key things to remember in the preparation phase:
Permissions and Regulations: Ensure you have the right planning in place for the work and that you comply with any rules or regulations. If you're not sure, consult with your architect, contractor or building control.
Ordering Materials: Aim to order materials early, especially if they’re custom-made. This will reduce delays and keep your project on track.
Stage 4. Execution: Rip-Out Phase
Once you’ve completed planning and preparation, it’s time to bring your vision to life. This is the most important stage of the renovation process, and arguably the ‘messy-est’. This stage is all about getting the site ready and prepared, clearing the space and completely gutting the room. This stage may involve removing walls, stripping paint, ripping up old carpet or flooring, or for larger projects, you may even be moving around pipework!
How to navigate the construction phase:
Stick to the Plan: Avoid last-minute changes as much as possible, as they often add to costs and delay the timeline.
Regular Updates: Schedule regular check-ins with your contractor to stay updated on the project’s progress and address any questions promptly.
Be Flexible: Unexpected challenges may arise. Stay flexible and open to minor adjustments to keep things moving smoothly.
Stage 5. Execution: Construction
Once you have your ‘shell’, it’s now time to start rebuilding the space. Major things that happen in this stage are things like; plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, heating, floor preparation etc.
Our top tips for this stage:
Use Specific Tradespeople: Try to ensure each task is handled by the specialist for that job. E.g. the plumber for all plumbing works, the electrician for all electrical works etc.
Follow The Plan: Make sure your trades stick to the plan. E.g electrical plans, drainage plans etc.
Stage 6. The Finishing Touches
With construction complete, you’re on the home stretch. Now’s the time when you will really start to see your vision come to life. Any structural work should now be complete, flooring should be installed and levelled properly (tiles, carpet, hardwood), walls and ceilings should be painted or decorative finishes such as wallpaper added. All bespoke cabinetry such as kitchens and bathroom cabinets should now be installed and sealed, appliances should be in (sinks, showers, toilets, washer/dryers, white goods) and doors and windows should now be finished.
From there, you can get started with arguably the most exciting part… those accessories and final elements that really bring to life your style and vision.
Final steps for the perfect finish:
Walkthrough/Snagging List: Do a final inspection with your contractor to address any small details, like paint touch-ups or minor repairs.
Professional Clean: A thorough clean is essential to remove construction dust and debris, you want to ensure that your home feels fresh and new.
Furniture and Decor: Arrange furniture, add lighting, and style the room with artwork, rugs, and decor to create a cohesive and personalised space.
Now it’s time to enjoy! Renovating a home can be challenging, but with a clear plan, a reliable team, and a (lot!) of patience, it’s absolutely worth it.
At StyleSmith Interiors, we’re here to help you through every step of the process, from planning your renovation and managing all trades to working with you on the finishing touches to really make your house a home – we guide you, our client, at every step of the way. Contact us today using the form below if you would like our help with your upcoming project.