Things to consider for your home rennovations

In recent times, we have all been at home a little more than we are used to, making home renovation projects increasingly popular.

If you’re planning on renovating or extending your home, there are a few things you need to consider before starting your project.

Whether you’re looking to make a long-term investment and add value to your property, or just simply want to have a bigger kitchen, home improvements shouldn’t be taken lightly.

This is why we have put together our top tips on things to consider when renovating or extending your home so you can sleep soundly knowing you’ve made the right decision.

1. Make room for a home office

Do you work from home? Or do you spend most of your time in the office? Over the last year more people have spent the majority of time working from home. If you aren’t planning on returning full time to the office, then your home environment needs to be fit for purpose.

Home studies, garden offices, and separate work from home spaces are now in demand by most buyers to best separate work life from home life. So, if you’re thinking about extending or transforming an existing room, you should consider a space for home working.

Things to think about: Try to look for opportunities to use extra space. Clever design can be used to make cross functional spaces, such as a desk in a corner, or one that lifts out from the wall.

2. Kitchens are the heart of the home

Open plan living has been a popular trend in recent years, with open plan kitchen and dining areas being particularly sought after.

The kitchen is often the focal point of the home, so when it comes to renovating or extending, paying close attention to this part of the house can add serious value to your property. Updating a kitchen is no easy feat, so it is important to take your time designing your space.

Things to think about: A multi-purpose, spacious kitchen can add value to your home, and one that opens out onto an outdoor area is also a big tick for buyers. When planning your redesign, consider the balance between ensuring you have enough space for socialising, entertaining and relaxing whilst remaining functional for cooking and dining.

3. Make the most of your outside space

One renovation project high on the wish list for many homeowners is an extended, and improved, outdoor space.

There are lots of things you can do to transform an outdoor space, whether that’s laying decking and adding garden furniture, hanging garden lights, or even just potting a few extra plants.

Many people consider gardens an extension of their home, so when presented as beautifully as indoors, it will certainly help with kerb appeal. Don’t forget about your front garden too, if you have one, this will be the first thing potential buyers will see!

Things to think about: If you have any outside space at all, no matter how small, presenting it as a welcoming extension of your home will help you enjoy and make the most of your space. Your outdoor space can also improve your saleability and add value to your property, helping present your home as a desirable property to future homebuyers if you’re looking to sell.

4. Make your home more functional

A lot of focus in renovating or extending can be on the aesthetic side of things, but it’s also crucial to consider adding value to your home by updating the safety and efficiency of your home.

For example, upgrading your the central heating system or plumbing if necessary - a well-functioning insulated home will be of much more value in the long term. You might even want to consider eco-friendly additions like solar panels or a biomass boiler, as more environmentally friendly homes become a consideration for home buyers

Things to think about: We know they might not be the most glamourous of renovations, but sometimes prioritising substance over style can work wonders for improving your home’s value. So, which functional renovations add the most value to your home? Smart home technology, cavity insulation, solar panels, and double glazing all help improve your home’s energy efficiency rating which can save a lot of money, and add a lot of value, in the long run.

Needless to say, making sure there are no structural issues with your home is really important if you’re trying to add value to your home. Even if you’re not selling anytime soon, it’s probably a good idea to prioritise fixing structural issues before carrying out any home renovation project. After all, a beautiful open plan kitchen diner, and the best home gym in the world, won’t matter too much if the ceiling falls through…

5. Consider who you’re selling to

If you’re thinking of renovating or extending your home, it’s worth considering whether you’re increasing or decreasing the desirability of your home for the resale market. For example, if your area has lots of first time buyers, creating a spacious ‘family home’ could make the property too expensive for them to consider and then alienate this group entirely.

Things to think about: Every target market has different wants and needs – whether it’s for a young family, or a retired couple, and while these are generalisations, it’s useful to consider who is most likely to buy your property in the future. Take the time to consider how the whole home will be enjoyed by your potential resale market when you’re considering your renovation or extension. This will ensure that not only will you create a home you will love, but one that also a future owner will love too.

There we have it! Keep these top tips in mind ahead of any future renovation project and you won’t go far wrong. If you’d like to discuss any home renovation project, and how you can remortgage your property to afford the renovation, our team are always here to help. You can get in touch with us here.