Top Tips for Renovating Your Home: A Guide for Homeowners in Manchester

Taking on a home renovation is a big and time-consuming task that can take over your life. I know firsthand how much hard work goes into a renovation and the emotional and financial toll it can take. Below, I have outlined my top tips for renovating for those who are just about to embark on this journey. I hope they help you navigate this exciting yet challenging process.

1. Prioritise Your Roof

The roof should be your number one priority during a renovation. Without a structurally solid and waterproof roof, any other work you do will be at risk. A leaky roof can ruin even the nicest interiors and cost you significantly. Ensure your roof is in top condition before moving on to other projects.

2. Budget Wisely and Add a Contingency

Renovations always come with unexpected costs. Plan your budget carefully and add at least a 10% contingency to cover unforeseen expenses. Trust me, you will almost certainly use it.

Interior designer Cheshire — Top Tips for Renovating Your Home: A Guide for Homeowners.

3. Preserve Original Features

If you bought a period house or a home with unique features, don’t cover them up. Highlighting original features can add character and charm to your renovation. Embrace these elements and make them focal points in your design.

4. Expect It to Take Longer Than a New Build

Renovating an existing property often takes longer than building new. Be prepared for a longer timeline as you spend time and money stripping back and rebuilding. Patience is key.

Top Tips for Renovating Your Home: A Guide for Homeowners.

5. Prepare for Emotional Highs and Lows

Renovating is an emotional rollercoaster. There will be highs, like uncovering beautiful hidden features, and lows, like dealing with a roof leak during a storm. Be prepared for these ups and downs and try to stay focused on your end goal.

6. Keep the End Goal in Sight

Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve is crucial. Create vision boards or mood boards to help you stay focused and communicate your ideas clearly to builders and contractors. This will help minimise misunderstandings and keep your project on track.

7. Be Informed and Prepared

Do your homework early on. Know what kind of boiler, heating system, and kitchen layout you want. Early planning helps avoid delays and ensures you don’t keep tradespeople waiting for decisions.

8. Budget for Invisible Essentials

A significant portion of your budget will go toward elements you don’t see, such as foundations, insulation, drainage, and waterproofing. Skimping on these essentials can lead to long-term issues, so invest wisely in these critical areas.

9. Choose Enthusiastic Tradespeople

Select builders, plumbers, and electricians who are excited about your project. A good working relationship is beneficial for everyone. Research and choose tradespeople who fit your project's needs and share your vision. Also, create a positive work environment with regular breaks, snacks, and timely payments! Trust me these simple actions go a long way!!

10. Know Where to Save Money

If your budget is tight, look for areas where you can save without compromising quality. For instance, choose an affordable kitchen from places like Howdens or Ikea and upgrade with high-quality worktops like quartz. You can also save on sanitary ware by choosing basic options and enhancing them with stylish taps and lids. Focus your spending on items that get the most use and where quality matters most.

If you are embarking on your own renovation journey and would like some help to navigate your way through it then get in touch here or click the button below

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