Thinking of renovating this year? If so, statistics prove that you’re not alone: in 2021, almost half of UK residents spent money on home renovations. Despite rising costs from suppliers resulting from complications surrounding the invasion of Ukraine, it’s still possible to finally get started on that dream project.

If you’re ready to get going, just make sure you’ve had a look at our essential checklist to prepare for a hassle-free home renovation.

Before you renovate: The most important steps, in our view

  • Be realistic about timings

Of course, we know that you’ll want to be ambitious for your project. If you’ve been dreaming of panoramic windows, a spiral staircase, and top-of-the-range appliances, you’ll want to see your vision come to life sooner rather than later.

However, you need to remember that quality takes time. Plan ahead and try to note down realistic timeframes for each room, with a little bit of leeway if possible.

  • Expect something unexpected

In any home renovation project, there’s usually a little surprise that crops up along the way. Regardless of the issue that presents itself, you’ll need to approach it with a calm and proactive attitude to overcome any consequential setbacks or delays.

Occasionally, things go wrong that require a much more complicated and involved recovery. To prepare for this, comprehensive building renovation insurance could help to protect you in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

  • Consider several budgets

Setting a benchmark figure for the entire renovation might feel like a good idea before you start, but it could quickly diverge into chaos when something starts getting more expensive than you expected.

We’d suggest drafting a few budgets based on different parts of the overall project. Organising this would be at your discretion, but you could choose to plan costs by room, floor, materials, or even set a budget according to timescales – for example, no more than £5,000 per month.

  • Interview more than one contractor

It’s your investment, so you’ll need to make sure you do everything possible to make sure it ends up how you’d like it to. During the initial stages, it’s a sensible idea to speak to multiple contractors and get a feel for the type of people you’ll be working with.

It’s easy to find a contractor online, but even detailed customer reviews can’t always paint an accurate picture of the individual they describe. Always meet your builders and decide based on your own knowledge and intuition.

  • Do the kitchen first

Homeowners can be unsure where to start when it comes to renovating. Luckily, there’s a clear answer: it’s always best to start with the kitchen since these projects are the most valuable when it comes to the resale value of your home.

Furthermore, if your kitchen is already outdated, replacing and upgrading the tired-looking spaces will help you to make the most of your home while you’re still living in it. Features like kitchen islands, Belfast sinks, white stone counters and top-spec stovetops can all make a kitchen look immediately impressive – and thoroughly add to the experience of using it too.

Conclusion

Above all, you should try to be specific about your ideas. Don’t compromise on your original designs on the advice of a contractor you barely know – and don’t feel pressured into unnecessary extra work either. Be confident in your vision, but don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you’re in any doubt.