Over recent months in lockdown, most of us have had plenty of time to reflect on our home-environment and which aspects we would like to improve. With a renewed appreciation for the importance of a pleasant living-space, it’s no small wonder that according to research by Future Fusion, 55% of homeowners are planning home-improvements, with kitchen and bathroom renovations at the top of the list.
It has never been more important to approach home-renovation projects carefully. Building companies have had to adapt to new health and safety requirements on job sites, but there are still some risks involved in undertaking building works during the ongoing pandemic. For more information on what you can do to mitigate these risks, check out our guidance for consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are considering undertaking building works in the months ahead, it is important to have a clear plan in place, to choose the right builder for the project, and to establish a good working relationship with them from the start. This is something we would all like to get right first time, which is why we’ve produced a series of guides aimed at helping homeowners to better understand the steps involved in planning home renovation projects.
How to choose the right builder
The first thing to focus on is how to choose the right builder. As building work is one of the largest investments you’re likely to make in your home, having quality, professional and reliable tradesmen deliver your renovation vision is essential. Our guide shows you how and where to start your search, what assurances to look for, what to include in a contract and how to address the topic of payment. Remember; never make full payment upfront and if a quote is too good to be true, it probably is!
Planning your kitchen renovation
If you are planning on renovating your kitchen, it’s important to remember that whilst no two projects are exactly the same, there are some common characteristics which indicate you would be best-placed to hire a professional to complete the job. These include instances where the new kitchen forms part of a larger extension, where the work will affect party walls shared by you and a neighbour, and where building regulations approval or compliance is required. In all these scenarios it is best to rely on the expertise of a good builder to ensure the work is completed in a timely fashion and to a high standard.
Our ultimate guide offers advice on all aspects of renovating your kitchen including planning, information on timeframes and costs, which installations and appliances are most suitable for your home and managing a productive relationship with your builder. Giving these key factors the consideration they deserve is the recipe for success in any kitchen renovation, so make sure to gather all the right ingredients in place!
Planning your bathroom renovation
Similar considerations must be made for bathroom renovations, with professional builders used to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our ultimate guide to bathroom renovations will help you avoid getting all washed up during the renovation process. We cover everything from choosing a layout and settling on sanitaryware, to setting an appropriate timeline for completion, dealing with planning regulations, installation costs and sourcing design inspiration. We also offer insight into common challenges encountered during bathroom renovations including structural calculations, waterproofing and drainage issues when constructing wet rooms, as well as fixtures and fittings requiring professional knowledge to fit.
Anything else we can help you with?
Remember; we can also offer comprehensive guidance on Planning Permission and Party Wall Agreements too – make sure you’re on the right side of the law and avoid the risking of paying out for projects that ultimately cannot be completed.
Look for the badge of quality
Regardless of your post-lockdown renovation aspirations we wish you every success and recommend using a Master Builder in your area to deliver the best for your home. All our members are independently inspected and professionally vetted prior to joining to ensure they are truly committed to building better.