Tag: renovation

Design and Inspiration

Renovation Projects That Can Increase Your House Value

7th August 20230

Renovating a home can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, especially when it comes to boosting your property’s value. While not all renovation projects are created equal in terms of return on investment (ROI), there are several strategic improvements that can make a substantial impact on your home’s overall worth. Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future or simply want to enhance your living space, here are some renovation projects that have been proven to increase house value.

Kitchen Renovation: The Heart of the Home

It’s no secret that the kitchen is often considered the heart of a home. A well-executed kitchen remodel can have a significant positive effect on your property’s value. Potential buyers are often drawn to updated kitchens with modern appliances, high-quality countertops, ample storage, and an open layout. When planning a kitchen renovation, consider incorporating energy-efficient appliances, contemporary fixtures, and a timeless design that can appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Bathroom Renovation: Luxury and Functionality

Bathrooms are another focal point for prospective buyers. Outdated or poorly maintained bathrooms can be a turn-off, so upgrading them can provide a substantial boost in house value. Consider adding features like a double vanity, a walk-in shower, or a soaking tub. High-quality materials, such as stone countertops and elegant tiling, can create a sense of luxury and enhance the overall appeal of the space.

Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and a strong first impression can greatly impact their perception of the property’s value. Enhance curb appeal by updating landscaping, repainting the front door, and repairing any visible signs of wear and tear. A well-maintained and attractive exterior can set the tone for the entire viewing experience and make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Energy-Efficient Improvements: Lower Bills, Higher Value

In today’s environmentally conscious world, energy-efficient features are highly desirable. Upgrading your home with energy-efficient windows, insulation, and HVAC systems can not only reduce utility bills but also increase your house value. Potential buyers appreciate the long-term cost savings associated with these improvements, making your property more appealing in a competitive market.

Finished Basement or Attic: Additional Living Space

Converting an underutilized basement or attic into a functional living space can significantly increase your home’s value. These areas can serve as additional bedrooms, home offices, or entertainment rooms, providing more usable square footage. A well-finished basement or attic can add versatility to your home and attract buyers who are looking for extra space.

Open Floor Plan: Modern Living at Its Best

Modern homebuyers often prefer open and spacious floor plans that encourage connectivity and natural light. Knocking down walls to create a more open layout between the kitchen, dining, and living areas can breathe new life into your home and make it more appealing to a contemporary audience.

Outdoor Living Spaces: Extending Your Home’s Reach

Outdoor living spaces, such as decks, patios, and gardens, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These areas provide an extension of the indoor living space and create opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. A well-designed outdoor area can enhance your home’s appeal and add value by offering an inviting space for social gatherings and leisure activities.

Smart Home Technology: The Future of Living

Integrating smart home technology can set your property apart and appeal to tech-savvy buyers. Smart thermostats, security systems, lighting controls, and other automated features can make your home more convenient, efficient, and attractive. Potential buyers may be willing to pay a premium for a home that offers the latest technological advancements.

Conclusion

When considering renovation projects to increase your house value, it’s important to carefully weigh the costs against the potential returns. Prioritize upgrades that align with current trends, offer practical benefits, and enhance the overall appeal of your home. While no renovation can guarantee a specific increase in value, these strategic improvements can certainly improve your property’s marketability and help you achieve a higher selling price in a competitive real estate market.

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Extensions

How much will a kitchen extension cost in 2022

12th April 20220

A kitchen extension is usually at the top of any homeowner’s wish list. Gaining more social space, while also having more room to be able to prepare meals for the family, is some people’s dream. However, one thing that puts some homeowners off the idea is the thought of the cost. So, the numbers that we are going to discuss for a kitchen extension can vary depending on the project.  

What you need to budget for when extending your kitchen –  

Your budget will need to vary depending on the extension you plan to achieve and the finishes you want to use. Furthermore, you need to think about the professional fees such as architects, contractors, etc, and build costs that you will need to budget for. In some cases, you also need to get planning permission and building regulations approval so keep these things in mind too.  

The build costs for the kitchen extension –  

For a small basic extension, the average cost in the UK is around £30,000. However, per square meter, you should be expecting to pay anything from £1500 to £3000. In some cases, you may need to make changes to the foundation of the house. A structural engineer can help you with estimating the foundation costs. 

How much will the professional fees cost –  

The designer will charge a 3 – 7% fee of the overall build cost. You will also need planning drawings for the planning permission which can cost around £2,400 to £3,600. You also need to pay for the survey of your house which will cost you between £500 to £1,500. 

Construction drawings are also required for the construction and building regulations approval. The cost of these drawings is the same as planning drawings. The fees of a structural engineer range from £500 to £1,000. You need one to design the roof, foundations, and any large span openings. 

Will the extension add value to your property –  

Maximum value will be added by improving the main living spaces such as the kitchen, dining, and living area. It has been found that a single-storey extension can add up to 11 – 23%.  

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House Renovation

The top rooms to renovate to increase the value of your house

29th March 20220

Are you looking for easy ways to increase your house value without extending it? Then read on for the best rooms to renovate, to bring up the value of your house.  

Kitchen renovations –  

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular projects to do. Every home buyer will always look out for how the kitchen looks because it is known to be the heart of the home. Nowadays, like most things, the modern style kitchens are most wanted. You can increase the value a little bit by working on cupboard doors making the kitchen look better. Having new sleek doors can open the place up and create a whole new atmosphere. However, you can increase the value by a big some by working on the worktops and tiling, or even adding new kitchen appliances. A kitchen renovation can raise the value up to 12%. However, before you begin make sure you have planned this correctly as this can take time and be expensive. 

Bathroom renovations –  

Another popular choice is to renovate your bathroom. Much like the kitchen, many people want to modernise the bathroom because they often come with outdated appliances. This can increase the value of your home to around 7-8% however if this is done incorrectly it can decrease the value of your home by a lot. When renovating a bathroom, you should take into consideration the trends people want. For example, wet rooms, marbled surfaces, or stream-lined storage. Little things like that can raise the value.  

Renovating the bedroom –  

After a long day, the bedroom is the only place people want to be. So, it is important to have a space where you feel comfortable and relaxed. This is why when it comes to renovating you want to make this room enjoyable. As well as, if you are planning to have an open house for potential buyers, they will most likely be more interested in the house if it is decorated nicely.  

img source: netdna-ssl.com

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House Renovation, Interior Design

The top bathroom renovation ideas

8th March 20220

So, you’ve decided your bathroom needs a little upgrade and remodel. However, if you’re not sure about what you want to change or what type of style you are interested in, then this blog can very informative for you. Some of these bathroom model ideas may give you major inspiration for your own home.  

Here is the list of bathroom renovation ideas:  

  • Relocating the bathtub  

With a simple shift in the tub and toilet, it can transform the entire space. It can turn a small bathroom into a room with more space to work with. However, relocating will result in more work which may cost you more. If you need to move the key elements, try to keep the toilet in the same place or close to it. So, you can connect it to the pipe and save you money.  

Walk In Shower with 2 Doors and Marble Chevron Tiles - Transitional - Bathroom
source: fox group construction 
  • New flooring  

By updating the flooring, it can turn the room into a show-stopper. If you replace plain tiles with ones that have a pattern it will bring more life into the room. Although, many people like the look of hardwood it is best to avoid this for bathrooms because of the water and steam. You can find great mimics of wood in different types of vinyl.  

Devonstyle Grey Pattern Wall and Floor Tile - Tiles from Tile Mountain
  • Paint that pops  

You can make a bold statement by brightening the bathroom with bright paint. Paring it with matte black accessories can add a modern sleek feel to the room. Also, using bright colours can make the room feel bigger without extending the space.  

32 Best Bathroom Paint Colors - Popular Ideas for Bathroom Wall Colors
Image: DAVID A. LAND
  • Having a statement mirror  

When you have a small bathroom having a large mirror can make the room feel lighter and more spacious. A mirror that covers the entire room is very effective, and a great way to renovate a space.  

7 Fantastic mirrors that will make your bathroom the star of your home - Daily Dream Decor
source: studio mcgee 
  • Stylish storage  

Instead of having your clutter on the show a way to remodel your bathroom is to add some storage. Some people like to have their product on shelves so staying organised is a must. You can also get cupboards and shelves that match the aesthetic of the room.  

Burford Bathroom Storage – Furnitureco

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House Renovation

Bathroom Renovations: Things to Consider

24th January 20220

Bathroom renovations gives you the chance to refresh your bathroom and make sure it’s perfect for you. A more efficient bathroom will save you money in the long run and reduce strain on the environment. 

Bathroom renovation cons 

The effect on your home.  

When renovating your bathroom, it will have a huge effect on your household. The process of remodelling can become a nightmare for you and anyone else in the household, especially if it goes wrong.  

Its costly  

Bathroom renovations are never cheap, especially bathrooms. If you’re wanting to completely remodel, you’ll need to know the costs if toilets, bathtubs, showers, sink and any other maintenance that will be needed. Other factors you will need to consider is tiling, mirrors, plumbing and painting expenses. Also, you will need to be aware of any outdated or broken pipes as you will need to replace them. Before you start renovating you should create a budget, and make sure it’s realistic.  

Time  

It doesn’t matter what you plan, the timeline to this project is out of your control. Sometimes small or large problems will appear that needs to be dealt with, the labourers may not be as punctual as you thought. Therefore, don’t expect your planned 2-week renovation to take the correct time as it will most likely take longer. 

Bathroom renovation Pros 

Increase hoe value  

Renovating your homes bathroom can add value by 5% of your homes buying price. Visitors that are looking to buy will appreciate a modern and contemporary appearance compared to an outdated design. Remember, newer features, pluming and design will attract more buyers if your wating to see your home. 

Your dream designs 

When remodelling you get to decide exactly what it will look like and everything that will go with it. For example, you get to have any style you like and add as many touches as you like, such as  

  • Storage space 
  • Energy saving features 
  • Heated towel rack  
  • Mirrors  

Many different styles  

  • Contemporary style 
  • Eclectic style 
  • Modern style  
  • Traditional style 
  • Asian style 
  • Beach style 
  • Craftsman style 
  • Farmhouse style  
Visualizer: Nataliya Yahela

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Extensions, Loft Conversion

What the options are for extending a terrace house?

12th January 20220

Terraced houses are one of the most common styles of homes in the UK, especially in busier towns and cities. Terrace houses offer a huge amount of potential; however, they can have small rooms that get very little natural light. The best way you get extra space is by extending the property.  

Find out here what some of the options are for extending a terraced house. 

Rear extension –  

One of the best options for adding space to this style of house is by adding a rear extension. If you have a nice-sized garden then this may be the option for you. By extending into your garden, you could add bi-fold doors to the property and create an indoor/ outdoor living environment.  

If you meet the permitted development requirements, you will be able to extend up to 6 meters, without applying for planning permission.  

Can you have a two-storey extension? 

Planning permission is usually required if you want to add a two-storey rear extension on a terraced house. In many cases, planning is rejected because a two-storey extension that close to the neighbours can cause harm to their living conditions. For example, through loss of privacy, overshadowing, and/ or dominance.  

Internal renovating/ reconfiguration –  

Terrace homes can often consist of small rooms and hallways. One way to open the space up is by knocking down the walls creating an open plan area. By creating an open-plan space it will make your home feel bigger and will brighten the place up because more natural light will flow.  

Terraced loft conversion –  

A great way to create extra bedrooms in a terrace house is by extending upwards instead of out. Before you even plan on a loft conversion you need to make sure you have enough head height. To be approved and to live comfortably you must have a minimum head height of 2.2 meters. It is important that you have enough headroom because you can’t remove and lift a terraced house roof.  

Terrace house side return –  

If you have a small garden and room in between your house and the neighbouring property, then a side return extension will work perfectly. A side return extension is one of the more cost-effective extension types, depending on where you’re from the prices can vary from £2,000 – £4,000 per square meter.

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Extensions

Everything you should know before building a Flat roof

1st December 20210

Flat roof extensions can provide a simple, cost-effective solution that ticks all of the right boxes. Especially for smaller extensions.  

What is a flat roof? 

A flat roof is a roof that is completely or almost level. However, whilst they are described as flat almost all flat roofs are laid to slope so that rainwater can run off to the lower side. The slope of the roof is properly known as its pitch. 

Where flat roofs originally from –  

Flat roofs are an ancient form mostly used in desert climates. Flat roofs exist all over the world, and each area has its own tradition or preference for the materials used. For hotter climates, where there is less rainfall many flat roofs are simply built out of masonry or concrete. This is because it is good at keeping the heat out, it is cheap and easy to build. Flat roofs are characteristic of the Egyptian, Persia, and Arabian styles of architecture.   

The main thing flat roofs are used for is extensions. They are exceedingly popular with those looking to create a cool, modern home. Flat roofs help to free up internal space and are often cheaper than a pitched roof. It is also easier to incorporate a green roof onto the structure if you want to go for an eco-friendly version.  

Pros and cons of flat roofs –  

Pros  

  • Installation & Maintenance – flat roofs are fairly easy to install. The maintenance is also easy because there is no fear of sliding off the roof when it comes to fixing it or cleaning the gutters.  
  • Price – the flat roof is generally a less expensive option. A flat roof requires less materials for the construction, and the materials are cheaper than tiles. They also take less tome to install.  
  • Internal space is not imposed on – the lack of pitch means that you don’t have to extend your property upwards, and maybe block some views. You can also put things on top of the roof and create a roof top garden  

Cons  

  • Temperature change – flat roofs absorb heat easier than flat roofs, because they are constantly absorbed by the sun. In the summer this can make your house very hot, however, in the winter it does the opposite and makes your house cold.  
  • Roof repairs – they are usually more expensive than a traditional pitched roof.  
  • Drainage – flat roof drainage is not as effective as pitched roofs and flooding can become an issue.  

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House Renovation, Interior Design

The Best Beginners Guide To Removing Internal Walls

25th October 20210

You can transform your home and save on the cost of an extension by knocking down the internal walls that separate your kitchen and your living room. 

If you want a spacious open-plan living space but fear the cost of an extension, removing internal walls is a great alternative. You could open up a dark room and create a fresh living space without the hassle of the expense and construction of an extension.  

Do you need planning permission? 

Usually, you don’t need to apply for planning permission for internal alterations, such as removing walls. However, if you live in a listed building, you would need listed building consent or any works, internal or external.  

Can you remove an internal wall yourself? 

 You can knock down a wall yourself, but you need to first make sure that the wall isn’t load-bearing.  

A load-bearing wall is an active structural element, which holds the weight of the elements above it, by conducting its weight to a foundation structure below it.  

If the wall is a load-bearing wall it is advised to seek out professional help otherwise the removal could have a major effect on your home. In contrast, a non-load-bearing wall doesn’t support anything above them. Which makes them easy to remove all it takes is a sledgehammer and some common sense.  

Removing an interior non-load-bearing wall is messy, dusty work, but it’s not a difficult job and most walls come out more cleanly than you might expect.  

How long does it take to remove internal walls?  

Removing internal walls can take between 2 and 5 days once the work starts. The removal of load-bearing walls usually takes the longest amount of time due to the need for additional work and the installation of the steel joist, plastering, skirting, and painting. Whereas, smaller non-load-bearing walls take as little as four hours of total labour to remove.  

How much removing the walls will cost  

The average cost of removing a load-bearing wall is in the region of £1,250 to £1,750. Whereas, a non-load-bearing wall will cost between £400 – £800, depending on the size of the removal. 

HLN Engineering | How to Identify a Load Bearing Wall

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Advice Center, House Renovation

Are New Build Houses Better Quality Than Old Houses?

17th September 20210

Many people say older homes are of better quality than new homes. This is because in an older home they are probably with plaster and lathe. Whereas, the modern newer homes are often made out of drywall which is a weaker material.   

What is the difference between a new builds and an old builds?  

New build houses are homes that have recently been build and have never had anyone live in them. Whereas, an older house has had at least one person living inside and has been built for a couple of years.  

There are many pros and cons for both types of houses for example:   

Pros for a new build:  

  • Energy efficient – newer and modern buildings have become super insulated, they have double glazing and have heating and cooling systems.  
  • Builder’s warranty – usually new builds have a warranty for around 10 years, and if anything goes wrong the builders will fix it.  
  • More personalisation – you get to have more of a say in the design element. For example, you can choose the carpets, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms. 
  • Everything is brand new – because everything is new it will all be less maintenance than an older home.   

Cons for a new build:  

  • Space – new homes are often a lot more crammed and they seem to suffer with parking.   
  • Smaller rooms – new builds are often smaller and you would need to think more about internal space.  
  • Premium prices – the houses are brand new which means everything is new so it will become more expensive.  
  • Build delays – if you buy the house before its actually built you can experience delays. It can also have a knock-on effect on your mortgage offer.  

Pros for an old build:  

  • Character – if character and history is important to you an old build is perfect. They often have decorative windows, fireplaces and flooring.  
  • Size – older houses tend to have more internal and external space. And houses that were built around 1920 – 1930 often have large gardens and high ceilings.  
  • See issues – with these houses’ problems are usually visible and if you are purchasing you can pull out of the deal if you like.  
  • Adds value – you are able to renovate the house to how you like and add on to it. However, it’s hard to add value to a new build because everything is new.  

Cons for and old build: 

  • High maintenance – the houses have been standing longer and could have had a lot of owners. You also need to keep it looking good and structurally sound.    
  • Poor energy efficiency – the energy bills may be higher because the houses are bigger and less insulated.  
  • Renovations costs – the houses are less likely to be suited to you and they could be run down from previous owners. It could cost you money to repair it.  

Deciding on which houses are better is completely down to people’s opinions and there is no right or wrong answer.  

Old house vs New house

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