The Lifestyle Jan - Feb 2023

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Renovation DO’S AND DON’TS wayfair.co.uk If you’ve ever taken on a renovation project, you’ll know that decision fatigue can set in quickly and mistakes can be made - here are some do’s and don’ts if you’re about to embark on a home renovation project... DO think about your family’s lifestyle When considering renovation, the best advice is to think about the people in your home and how you would like the spaces to function. The goal should be to increase your home’s efficiency and functionality—then, once you have that figured out, think about the aesthetics of the space. Dunelm SS 2023 Range DOn’t lose the forest for the trees It’s essential you approach a renovation as a whole, rather than zoning in on particular small projects. The first thing to do is to have a cohesive concept for the project before embarking on the renovation so that look and feel is carried out through the whole house.” Even if you’re tackling the project room-by-room to space out the expenses over time, begin with an overall design plan for the entire house so rooms don’t start to feel disjointed as the project continues. DO shop around for the right builder One of the hardest things about doing any renovation is finding the right builder who’s going to help you conceive your vision - or guide you a bit if you’re not sure what you could do. It’s essential to get at least three quotes before you start work. But most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you might have before making the decision. Especially if you’re renovating an entire house, you’ll be working with this person for several months (at least!) during what is typically a stressful transition for many families. Make sure you shop around for the best price, as well as the person who matches your work style and understands the overall vision for the space. The cheapest price isn’t always the best one, but nor is the most expensive - it’s most important that you get on with the builder and see eye to eye on ways of working. DON’T underestimate the cost On the whole, people really underestimate how much a renovation project costs - forgetting about the accessory works and especially in these times when materials are super expensive. During a time when the market is particularly volatile, the estimated project cost from six months ago may now look very different. It’s a good idea to budget for at least 20 percent above the estimated cost and check in regularly about changes to avoid surprises. If the works are large scale, make sure your builder is costing their quote in accordance with a quantity surveyor. DO work with what you’ve got The more you can work around the existing conditions, the better. Being flexible to come up with other creative ideas instead of trying to change the bones of the building can make renovating more cost-effective. DON’T just follow Instagram and Pinterest From magazines, to social media, to Pinterest, and elsewhere, there is so much ‘inspiration’ that can influence our design decisions, so when designing your home or defining your style, it’s
important to sometimes step away from external sources and find inspiration within yourself to ensure that you are curating something that looks and feels truly unique and special to you. If you’re not sure where to start, look at all the images that inspire you and try to find commonality amongst them - DO prioritise necessary projects Do the most necessary upgrades first, and then the least over time, that way, you can be sure the most necessary home updates are covered in time and before your budget runs out. Homeownership is a marathon not a sprint. DON’T go for style over substance It’s so easy to fall in love with a project you’ve seen but overlook your needs - if a space isn’t practical, it simply doesn’t work. Open kitchen units are beautiful - but not if you’ve got loads of kid’s cups and tupperware to house. Storage is the absolute key for family life. DON’T renovate if your heart isn’t in it While design shows make renovating look easy and glamorous, it’s not for everyone. If you have the budget and have fallen in love with a new, turn-key property, it’s probably not worth all the time, money, and energy required to renovate your current space. Brayer Design, brayerdesign.co.uk Do find reasons to celebrate every step of the way Davey Lighting from originalbtc.com Even if you’re in the midst of a two-year renovation process, it is essential to enjoy the process and celebrate the little victories along the way, even if it’s just completing the demo in a bathroom or re-tiling the kitchen floor. If you can, it’s important to preserve at least one room in your house—even if you’re renting somewhere—that is clean, well-styled, and comfortable for when you need to spend some time meeting with a contractor, or to simply retreat to at the end of the day. Especially in a world where we are still spending so much of our days at home, creating a beautiful haven in the midst of chaos is essential for one’s mental health and well-being. DON’T forget about the finishes It’s always worth spending extra time and sometimes money on those areas you will see and touch everyday - practical handles, soft close fixtures, thick carpet underlay, good lighting - and trying to save in other areas. www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 31
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