HOW TO PLAN A HOME RENOVATION
Planning a complete home renovation is an opportunity to create the space that you’ve always dreamed of! As a general contractor in London, we understand the intricacies involved in transforming entire properties, and we’ve seen the incredible results that come from paying attention to each stage of this exciting process.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your living space, increase your property value, or simply refresh your home’s aesthetic, starting your project with a well-structured plan is a must. That’s exactly why we’ve created this checklist, helping to guide you through the stages of a full home renovation.
1. Setting goals for your home renovation project
Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve with your home renovation plans. There’s a lot to account for, so we’d suggest approaching it room-by-room initially, and set goals on this basis. Using the kitchen, living area and bedrooms as examples, think about some of the following questions:
- Are you looking to modernise your kitchen?
- Are you aiming to create more space?
- Would you like to design an open-plan living space?
- Are you moving your living space to elsewhere in the property?
- Are you going to add en-suites to existing bedrooms?
- Are you creating any new bedrooms?
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you’re refurbishing your space from top to bottom, but having a clear vision that you can break down in this way will guide your planning process.
Having some inspiration in mind will make this ideation easier, too - take a look at our residential projects, or gather home renovation ideas from magazines and social media platforms like Pinterest, or take a look at the We Love Build Instagram for some of our own recent works. Gathering as much reference material will help you visualise the end result better, and it’ll also make it easier to communicate your preferences to your contractor.
3. Create a detailed home renovation planner
While we provide a full project management service for your entire project, some of our clients choose to create their own planner. This can help to keep you in check with the timeframe and your budget.
When you choose We Love Build for your project, we act as your personal home renovation planner. We’re here to ensure your project is following a realistic timeline, and we’ll outline each phase of your home renovation clearly.
4. Hire the right professionals and prioritise transparency
Hiring a reliable, experienced general contractor is the best step to take if you’re committed to bringing your vision to life. Depending on the complexity of your renovation, you may need to hire specialised tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. As a general contractor in London, we can help coordinate these professionals, and we can also guide you toward choosing the right interior designer.
For complex, large home renovation projects, costs can amount and homeowners can often be left out of the loop by their contractors. We ensure transparency in this regard, outlining the scope of work and providing a detailed bill of quantity, which can be amended and adjusted once work begins. This way, you’ll have a clear view of the investment you’ve made in your home renovation.
5. Planning permission and space evaluation
In London, making alterations to your home requires obtaining planning permission, and you’ll also need to undertake a complete evaluation of the space to be renovated. The evaluation process will likely involve seeking a surveyor service, and they’ll raise anything that you should be aware of in relation to your renovation work.
Planning permission is the process of sharing your plans for the property with the local council, for them to approve or reject your application. This permission is required to ensure that the proposed changes suit the character of the borough/area that the property is in, and that it satisfies building rules.
Our home renovation services include managing things like Landlord Submission and Heritage Applications, allowing homeowners to focus on more appealing aspects of the transformation!
6. Design and layout
The value that you will experience day-in-day-out is within the interiors of your renovation in London. As mentioned, we can suggest specialist interior designers that will come up with concepts, palettes, and material choices that create the space you’ve hoped for.
You’ll also need to look at your lighting layout, pinpointing any areas where some rewiring will be needed - and in the same vein, your plumbing and other electrical fittings should also be assessed.
7. Source quality materials
Choose the materials for your home renovation wisely; as they will add to the ambience and functionality of your space. Selecting high-quality materials is vital for the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your renovation, so consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and cost when choosing materials.
You might also be inclined to explore sustainable and eco-friendly materials, reducing the environmental impact and improving the energy efficiency in your home.
8. Monitor progress and stay involved
It’s advisable to maintain regular communication with your contractor, and where possible, to visit the site occasionally to monitor progress. This will help you stay informed and address any issues promptly; and it’s built into our construction project and site management service.
9. Finishing touches and reviewing for snags
Once the renovation is complete, we conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything meets your expectations and complies with building standards. We don’t underestimate the importance of your experience once you’ve moved back into the property too, and we’ll ask you for feedback at this post-completion stage.
Planning a complete home renovation involves careful consideration, detailed planning, and collaboration with the right professionals. By following the guide that we’ve created, you can lay the foundations for a complete home renovation that completely transforms your space.
As a local London general contractor, we focus on super-prime, luxury residential properties and commercial hospitality renovations. Got a project in mind? Simply contact us today to start planning your dream renovation, or discover more about our method.
