TOP TIPS

> Live in it for a while before you make any plans. Your ideas change the more time you spend in a place.

> Shop around if you can find the time.

There’s always a bargain to be had somewhere. > Pinterest, scrapbook and take photos of anything you see that you like. It’s much easier to brief a supplier when you’ve got something to show them.

> If you can avoid it, don’t even attempt to live in the house while doing a major renovation with little ones around.

> Enjoying a wine while making all those renovation decisions definitely helps. •