What makes a good home design? Itβs an interesting question, because what works for some people would be a complete nightmare for others.
Living all on one floor in a flat or apartment with no outside space to maintain might work for one, while a house with a garden might be the only option for another.
Regular followers of the blog will know weβre a family of five living in a two-bedroom flat, and with baby number four due next month space is about to become even more of a premium.
I canβt tell you how many times people have said βI donβt know how you do itβ, and while itβs true that in an ideal world we could do with more space, it works for us and weβre willing to compromise on both indoor and outdoor space because of the location (itβs a seafront property with panoramic views of the English channel).
So, how can you make the best of what youβve got? In this collaborative post here are 5 things to consider when planning a home renovation to make sure your property is working for you!
5 things to consider when planning a home renovation
1. Is the timing right?
For example, a month before a new baby is due probably isnβt the best time to start ripping out an old kitchen. Similarly, if youβre about to start a new job or have other big events or upheavals going on in your life itβs probably best to put your renovation plans on hold until you can focus on them completely, without any other stresses or distractions.
2. Budget
Knowing how much β or little β you have available to spend before you start coming up with grand plans will help manage expectations and ensure youβre left feeling excited and optimistic β and not disappointed β with your home renovation plans. Having a budget in place will also help keep you on track when it comes to day to day spending and ensure the project is completed without going over budget.
3. Keep things simple
Donβt overcomplicate things. Experts agree that your design should be simple above all, because if itβs too complex you run the risk of ending up with an unpleasant place to live that doesnβt actually work for you. That said, keeping a design simple is easier said than done as anyone whoβs ever used a virtual room-designing service or app will tell you!
4. Seek professional advice
You might have a picture of exactly what it is you want to achieve in your head, but the chances are youβre going to need some professional help, either in the form of tradespeople or decent residential architects. Itβs important to find someone that you feel you can trust, gets what it is you want to achieve and who seems to know what they are doing. And donβt forget to check out their credentials and qualifications first!
5. Think about personal touches
Afterall, itβs no use being able to design or renovate your own home if you donβt really make it yours. For example, my dream has always been to have a bottle fridge in my kitchen separate from the main fridge and just for wine β a little extravagance just for me!
Do you have any home renovation plans in the pipeline? If you have any top tips Iβd love to hear what they are!
This is a collaborative post.
Remodeling can be a nightmare. Good tips! Stay healthy too! #MMBC
We have a few plans for our house but our biggest problem is having the money to carry them out.
I want to get the garden sorted before the summer but we’re going to need professional help for that. x
Oh fab tips! We have lots planned for our home this year, both inside and out. π x