With inflation and increasing material costs stifling the UK’s recent renovation boom, those of us who’ve managed to successfully complete affordable home renovation should count ourselves lucky – but what essential steps should you take once your renovation is finished?
1: Check over the renovated areas
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The first step you need to take upon completing renovation is a thorough check of your property, focusing on the areas where work has been done. Walk through your property and look out for any issues or problems, especially those related to structural integrity and electrical and heating systems. It’s essential for both your own safety and the long-term health of your property that you identify any potential issues as soon as possible – solving these could be extremely costly and time-consuming in the long run. You could even make a professional negligence claim against the contracting company used if you spot any problems, so ensure that you check and double-check newly renovated rooms, fixtures and appliances.
2: Payment plans
In order to save money when paying for your home renovation, consider options such as payment plans. Many companies offer payment plans to their clients, especially for large-scale jobs – this will enable you to pay a preferred amount each month, rather than a costly bulk sum. Discuss options with your contractor and ensure that you can meet any agreed payments before committing to a payment plan. If possible, investigate payment plans before renovation or discuss these with your contractor when getting an initial quote.
Depending on the scale and nature of the completed renovation (and the amount of remaining mess or debris), you may need to prioritise cleaning after renovation. This could mean deep-cleaning your home, including the walls, floors, windows and fixtures. If possible, it’s best to complete any deep-cleaning before items of furniture are introduced into the renovated space. If you have the budget, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to minimise stress and enable you to place focus elsewhere after renovation.
4: Redecorating the room
While it’s no secret that home renovation can significantly increase property value, you may not realise that simply re-decorating key rooms (such as kitchens, bedrooms and living areas) can have a direct impact on the price of your property, especially if you’re looking to sell in the future. Whether you choose to repaint, repurpose or rearrange, there are many cost-effective ways to spruce up your home after structural renovation.
5: Furnishing the room
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Furnishing newly-renovated rooms is a great way of adding value and personalising your home after a new renovation. If you don’t have space in your budget to purchase brand-new furniture, you can find used items or even repurpose and recycle existing pieces, often to stunning effect.
A conservatory can be a lovely feature and extra room to add to a home, giving you a way of being able to enjoy an outdoor space without having to be exposed to the elements. If you’re considering adding a conservatory to your home, then take a look at the following post. We’re going to be covering what you need to consider when adding a conservatory to your home and the best ways to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
How Much Value It Will Add?
One of the first things to consider when choosing to add a conservatory to your house is the value it could add. If you plan to move house at some point in the future, then this is an especially important consideration. Conservatories are a good option if you are looking to increase the value of your home and can be appealing to those looking for a new home on the market. Obviously, there is the cost of having the conservatory fitted that you need to consider, but this needs to be weighed against the potential value it could add. It could be worth seeking the advice of a local estate agent to help get an idea of what the valuation of your home currently is and what it could be with the addition of a conservatory, which will help you to make a more informed decision.
What Materials It Will Be Made From
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Another aspect of building a conservatory is choosing which kind of materials you would like it to be made from. There are a couple of different options for the materials that can be used to create your conservatory. UPVC is the most common material of choice, as it’s cheaper to buy than some of the other options available. Despite this, it can still make a beautiful conservatory and has the option to come in a range of colours and designs. It’s also easy to maintain, keep clean, and provides a high level of security to your home. The other option you could consider to build your conservatory is hardwood. This can be a more expensive option than UPVC, but the end result can be a higher-quality finish and can add more value to a property. It also works far better with the architecture of period properties and is more sympathetic to the original build. It can sometimes be a requirement with some listed buildings that any conservatories or orangeries that get added to a property are made from hardwood materials rather than UPVC as it works better with the original features of the building’s age. Corrugated roofing sheets make another good value but a high-strength option to consider for conservatories as they can help prevent rain build-up and damage, which can be a common issue with conservatories. Visit ClearAmber Shop to find out more.
The Size It Will Need To Be
An important aspect of the design of your conservatory is the size you will need it to be. Consider why you’re having it built in the first place, and what uses you need to get out of it as this will affect the size plan that will work best for you. You also need to consider whether the space will be practical. For example, if the purpose of your conservatory is to create more social space to entertain with friends and family, it might need to be bigger than if you designed a simple room for you to just relax in on your own.
Taking Up Garden Space
As well as considering the space you need, you should also consider how the conservatory will affect the space it’s being built on. If it will be built going out into your garden, this will mean you have to sacrifice garden space, depending on the size of the design. If you have a large garden, this might not be a concern. However, if you only have a small outdoor area it can mean the outdoor space you’re left with is no longer practical and will make it difficult to get any use out of it. This might not a major concern for you if you don’t really use your outdoor space, but it could affect the value of your home and make it difficult to sell in the future. It could also be a potential issue with your neighbours if they feel like the conservatory is too close to the boundaries lines and is affecting their privacy in their own homes.
Where It Will Be Located On The House
Credit: David Hughes / Shutterstock
The next thing you need to take time to think about is where on the house you want the conservatory to be located. For example, most people tend to think of them being added to the rear of a building, but this doesn’t have to be your only option. Depending on the land and space you have around your home, you could consider adding a conservatory to the front or side of your house instead. If you have a nice view or more open space at the front of your property, you may wish to make more out of it by choosing to have your conservatory located there rather than to the rear of the property. This can also mean you’re able to save space in your rear garden for other purposes as well. When planning the location of the conservatory in your home, think about how you will access it and how it will lead off from other rooms in your house. It can be common to have conservatories with a double-door entrance into them from another room in the house, so this will have an effect on the layout of other rooms in the house and how functional they are. A conservatory is one of the best ways to add extra space to your home. So, make sure you’ve got a design in place that is practical and will allow you to benefit from the extra space created with a conservatory, rather than making it more of an inconvenience.
Could A Conservatory Help Your Health?
One of the best reasons to have a conservatory is the benefits it can provide for your own or a loved one’s health. During the summer months, in particular, conservatories allow for a lot more light to enter the property and can be a fantastic little sun trap to enjoy. They are also quite effective at retaining heat as well as letting in more light. If you want to benefit from the increased availability of vitamin D without having to sit outside, then they make a great addition to your home and lifestyle. Conservatories are a particularly good choice if you have elderly family members in your home, as they are able to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to the wind, rain, and cooler temperatures. They are also a great addition to a home if you have young children that you want to be able to enjoy outdoor spaces more, whilst also being able to keep them safe and sound in a secured area. Being able to enjoy the greenery and nature of a garden area is proven to be beneficial for our health, so creating a room that allows you to enjoy the view of your garden more can be a great choice for your mental health as well as your physical health too.
When it comes to doing DIY, is it worth using a painting and decorating company? Home renovations are a big industry at the moment and, with the rise in online tutorials, DIY videos and how-to guides, many homeowners think they’re able to do everything by themselves.
However, a DIY renovation project can quickly become extremely expensive and time-consuming if you don’t know what you’re doing.
The easiest way that you can ensure a successful project and high-quality finish is by calling in the experts to help you complete the job.
A good painting and decorating company will have had years of experience working on home renovations, which will give them a range of knowledge and skills that they can apply to your home.
Most homeowners don’t know the ins and outs of decorating and may not know the industry trade secrets that can guarantee a high-quality finish.
These professionals are usually experts in their fields which means they know how to get a job completed quickly, effectively and without making a mess of your home.
If you have no idea what you’re doing when it comes to renovations, a professional decorator will become the key to executing your project successfully. Although they may come with a high cost, this is nothing compared to the costs of rectifying your mistakes.
2. They are excellent project managers
Because these painters have had so much experience working on projects, they have great project management skills.
From helping you to pick out the right paint colours to advising on how furniture can be best placed in your room, decorators will be invaluable to the planning process and can guarantee a job well done.
They can help you to plan out the work, keep everything on budget, and ensure that the project is completed by your deadlines. This is something you may not be able to do yourself if you’re not used to managing projects, or if you don’t have any prior experience in home renovations.
3. They have access to trade-only supplies and decor
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As a professional painter and decorator, you have access to a range of trade-only suppliers and retailers.
These places will often provide trade discounts or items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. This means that it may be easier to find unique pieces that can stand out in your home.
Your decorator may also know of businesses and retailers that you had never heard of. This knowledge may be the key factor in you completing a project that you’re truly proud of.
4. They are a cost-effective choice
You may see hiring a painter and decorator as an additional expense on top of everything else you’ll be spending money on however, this investment can actually save you plenty of money.
A professional decorator is far less likely to make mistakes during the project, which prevents the risk of any costly repairs or replacements. Plus, with the discounts they get on trade-only products, you could be saving yourself some serious money.
Besides that, you also have to consider the price of buying all the tools and supplies you would need if you’re planning to do everything yourself.
On top of the cost of buying paint, wallpaper and furniture, you’d also need to buy a range of tools – which can be pretty expensive. A professional decorator will already have these tools which save you from that one extra expense.
Finally, and maybe one of the most important things, is that when you have a professional decorator, you can do a bit more relaxing while the project takes shape.
Trying to do everything yourself can be an extremely stressful thing, especially when you have to juggle things like a full-time job or parenting on top of that.
Creating your dream home doesn’t have to be something you dread, it can be something that you enjoy when you have the right team of professionals there to help you at every step of the way.
Choosing to hire a painting and decorating company for your home renovation project may be one of the smartest, cost-saving and stress-relieving decisions you make – we definitely think it’s worth it.
While your tradesmen worry about all the different aspects of the renovation project, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to having the house of your dreams in no time.
Have you heard of an altbash, or have you been to one?
You can be forgiven if you’re in the dark, as we’ve only recently heard of an altbash ourselves. We think it’s a fab idea, though. ‘Altbashes’ are something dreamt up as a bit of light relief after so many of us had to cancel events of every kind during lockdown. Short for ‘alternative bashes’, the idea is that if you want to hold a small party, you just do it rather than waiting for an excuse such as a birthday. People are starting to celebrate things that haven’t up until now been considered cause for public jollity – purely for the sake of the party.
So if you’d like to hold a gathering, then just pick an excuse – dog’s birthday, your lemon drizzle cake came out brilliantly, you’ve finally finished War and Peace – and go for it. In the spirit of the altbash, we think the decor should be bright, colourful, exuberant and ever so slightly silly. We’ve put together some ideas for you below – happy partying!
Miko and friends altbash party candles, Rex London
Miko and friends party candles, Rex London
This cutesy set of six panda, rabbit and cat candles will grace any cake, small or large. Perfect for adding a little whimsical note to your celebration, they cost £3.95 for six from Rex London.
Pastels ombre three tier cake stand, Neonimo
Pastels ombre three tier cake stand, Neonimo
Printed using specialist techniques, the colours of this cake stand are punchy will make your baked goods stand out. We think it has a slightly 1950s vibe, and would look great paired with pastel cupcakes. £49, available from Neonimo.
Viva la fiesta bunting for an altbash, Ginger Ray
Viva la fiesta bunting, Ginger Ray
This shiny gold ‘Taco Bout A Party’ backdrop (above and main image) will bring a fun touch to fiesta celebrations. Part of the Viva la fiesta range, each pack contains 2 x 1.5m (L) backdrop , 20cm (H) with 15 letters. £7.99, available from Ginger Ray.
Gold and pink stripy disco ball, Rockett St George
Gold and pink stripy disco ball, Rockett St George
Get your groove on with this sparkly disco ball – no altbash celebration is complete without one! Measuring 25cm in diameter, it features a funky colourway of gold, pink and orange mirrored tiles. £53, available from Rockett St George.
Eastern delight cotton bunting, Wilko
Eastern delight cotton bunting, Wilko
Finish your decoration in style with this 2m Eastern Delight cotton bunting. The bright colours will add a cheerful note to your decor, inside or out. £10, available from Wilko.
Floral recyclable paper napkins, Talking Tables
Floral recyclable paper napkins, Talking Tables
These bright, cheerful napkins will help get your altbash guests in the party mood! They’re fully recyclable and will help make sure your table is dressed for success. £4.5 for a pack of 20, available from Talking Tables.
Fiesta festoon lights, Lights4Fun
Fiesta festoon lights, Lights4Fun
These brightly coloured lights should be on the top of your altbash party list. They have a deep intense colour in the darkness that’s sure to liven up your indoor or outdoor space. They’re lightweight and made from perspex so they’ll survive blustery days too. The string measures 7.25m of lights plus a 5m lead. Mains power required. £33.99, available from Lights4Fun.
Rainbow altbash party plates, Ginger Ray
Rainbow party plates, Ginger Ray
Add a pop of colour to your party food with these bright coloured paper plates. Each pack contains eight plates in rainbow colours flecked with gold, and costs £4.25 from Ginger Ray
Truly scrumptious paper table cover, Talking Tables
Truly scrumptious paper table cover, Talking Tables
This floral table cover is recyclable and features eye-catching bright flowers in pink, blue and red. Perfect for making an eye-catching statement at any altbash! Size: 180 cm x 120 cm (71″ x 47″). £7, available from Talking Tables.
Set of two irridescent champage glasses, BTFY
Set of two irridescent champage glasses, BTFY
Combining a traditional long-stemmed glass style with a modern iridescent finish, these champagne glasses are the perfect blend of classic and current. Perfect for fancy cocktail parties and …er.. because it’s Friday. £14.99 for a set of two, available from BTFY.
In the world of home improvement, there are common areas that people focus on, such as the kitchen, the bathroom, or the living room. However, there are many other areas of your home that you can remodel to create a new look and feel. Here are five unconventional areas to consider when planning your next home improvement project.
The Basement
The basement is often a storage area for holiday decorations and old furniture, but it can be an ideal space for a home improvement project. You can transform the basement into a playroom, study, or even an extra bedroom with some creative thinking. Basement remodeling projects can be relatively simple and inexpensive, making them an excellent option for homeowners on a budget.
In addition, basements tend to be cooler than the rest of the house, making them ideal for families with children or pets. If you’re looking for an unconventional area to remodel in your next home improvement project, consider the basement. With little effort, you can turn this often-overlooked space into a functional and stylish part of your home.
The attic can be a treasure trove of hidden potential. When most people think of attic space, they envision a dusty, dark, and cramped area only used for storage. However, you can change it into a cozy and inviting living space with some creativity. One way to do this is by adding windows to let in natural light.
You can also add insulation to help keep the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even add a skylight to create an open and airy feel. With little effort, you can change the attic from an unused storage space into a beautiful and unique living area.
The Laundry Room
The laundry room is often one of the most neglected rooms. However, a few simple changes can make it a much more pleasant and efficient space. Adding storage shelves and better lighting can help to cut down on clutter. And installing a clothesline or drying rack can save money on energy bills.
In addition, many laundry rooms are located in dark, cramped basements. Painting the walls a light colour and adding a window can help to brighten up the space. You can transform the laundry room from an eyesore into a stylish and functional space with a little effort.
The garage is often seen as a purely functional space, used for storing cars and tools or housing laundry appliances. However, there are many ways to remodel a garage to become a more versatile and inviting space. One option is to convert the garage into a home office. You can do this by adding insulation, soundproofing, lighting, and installing some basic furniture such as a desk and chair.
Another possibility is to create a playroom for children or a hobby room for adults. This could involve adding carpeting and shelving for toys or supplies. Whatever the purpose, remodeling the garage can add valuable extra space to any home.
If you’re looking for a home improvement project that can add value to your property, don’t overlook some of the more unconventional areas like the basement, garage, attic, or laundry area. By taking on one of these projects, you could see an increase in your home’s value and make living in it even more enjoyable.
Featured image credit: Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash
