Give your pad a spring reboot
WEATHER patterns might be trying to trick us into thinking otherwise, but it is now officially spring – so what better time to cultivate your own domestic rebirth?
With house prices constantly rising, renovation is an increasingly common option for those seeking a significant change, without the immense expense or hassle of moving.
Step forward Kunle Barker, presenter of ITV’s Love Your Home And Garden with Alan Titchmarsh, expert on Renovate Don’t Relocate with Sarah Beeny, and host of Grand Designs Live with Kevin McCloud.
Here are his top tips...
Assemble your team carefully
Always hire the most skilled person. That means choosing an accredited architect who will not only be able to help you imagine your “grand design” but deliver it on time and to budget, without compromising on quality.
Choose a reliable builder with a track record you can trust. Ensure your builder provides you with an itemised quotation, and your architect with a schedule of work and full specifications (for materials and fittings). This will allow you to make a thorough assessment your pricing.
Set up clear boundaries
It’s imperative that you get the right contract established for the project. Your architect will be able to help you with this.
It will cost extra but it’s absolutely essential for establishing terms such as payment clauses.
Ideally, you should employ an independent project manager from a construction consultancy – it will end up saving you money in the long run and will help the programme to run to schedule.
Supervise – and look to cost-cut
Price check, negotiate and place bulk orders with suppliers where possible. For smaller items and sundries (screws, fixings, brackets, etc), shop around and split them from bulk orders if necessary, in order to get the best price. Control your budget carefully. Design hacks, such as better storage solutions (instead of an extension), lowering windows (instead of widening), changing materials and updating your kitchen can deliver amazing results at much lower cost.
Don’t underestimate the final touches
Final touches – like adding mirrors, flashes of colour, statement furniture and fabrics – can have transformative effects on your space. Don’t be afraid to play around with what you like and try to work creatively with what you have. Statement pieces mean you don’t need to get rid of your existing things to radically change the feel of a room.
And don’t forget the garden. They are often the most neglected parts of properties and offer a chance to add value to your home.
Visit granddesignslive.com.