With a whole new emphasis placed on staying indoors, there has never been a better time to re-connect with the spaces we call home. From city apartments and rural retreats to riverside houseboats and large semi-detached houses, London has a diverse range of property styles – but one thing remains constant throughout: the instinctive need for a place to call home. Providing security, control, belonging, identity, privacy, and much more, all the evidence shows us that a healthy home environment is closely linked to our over-all well-being. And whether we realise it or not, the need for a personal centre of relaxation, rejuvenation, and freedom is felt throughout many cultures across the world.

However, creating a comfortable space that is both functional and beautiful is not always as straight forward as it first appears. So, to make the process easier for you, we’ve compiled the top 5 crucial points to consider when planning future updates in the home.

1. Architectural research & restoration

Like most situations, research plays a significant role in the design process. So, to begin with, find out as much as possible about your property, e.g.

• When was it built?
• Are there are any period features; original windows, original fireplaces or original flooring?

Period features add immense character to a home but are often covered up or damaged over time. The best approach is to repair existing features; however, this often requires specialist expertise, so make sure you do your research on what to consider when doing so.

For further support, please see our checklist on restoring architectural detailing in your home.

If you’re tech-savvy, it’s worth exploring Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter for valuable inspiration too, as well as home and interior design magazines.

2. Remodelling financial viability

Whether you’re converting an existing space such as a garage or a loft, adding a rear extension or updating your kitchen or bathroom, it’s a good idea to work out the cost of your home renovation and make sure that it is financially viable. Create a budget that includes costs for each room, factoring in everything from structural work to finishing touches.

If you’re working with a contractor on your project, make sure they provide a clear quote and remember to include a budget for decorating and furnishing your home once the structural work is completed.

3. Renovation restrictions

It’s a legal requirement that any work carried out to a listed property is authorised, so it’s crucial to check if there are any restrictions to your home improvement plans – such as whether your property is listed.

You can find out if your home is listed at British Listed Buildings, and if it is, you will need to gain Listed Building Consent to carry out alterations.

4. Planning consent

Once you have the plans for your property upgrade, you must find out whether you need to apply for planning consent. There are different consents that you will need to address, so make sure that you are aware of which may apply to your renovation project – e.g.

• Is your property a listed building?
• Is it in a Conservation Area?
• Do you even need planning permission?

As of January 2006, new Building Regulations applications for extensions must include proposals to upgrade the thermal performance of the existing part of the house. So, even if you don’t need planning permission, you will almost certainly have to comply with Building Regulations. A party wall agreement with neighbours may also be required.

If you do require statutory consents for all or part of your proposed works, be sure to factor in the amount of time required to determine the application. Planning decisions are supposed to take eight weeks and a full Building Regulations Application five to six weeks. An interior architect can help with this process.

5. Design process

Finally, it’s time to breathe new life into your home! Take the time to develop the perfect design for your home, giving thought not only to how you want your space to function but also the way it looks and feels. Our talented design team can help with this process.

Take into consideration:

• How the changes will work with the original architectural details of the building – do you want any extensions to blend in with the existing property?
• Space planning and room layout
• Flooring
• Materials and finishes
• Storage solutions and joinery
• Lighting
• Furniture and fittings

In addition to creating a design for your home restoration, an interior designer and/or interior architect can also co-ordinate the entire process on your behalf, which involves creating a schedule of works to ensure that the process runs as smoothly and hassle-free as possible, as well as on time and to budget.

See your home in a whole new light with Roselind Wilson Design

With new research revealing that 2020 is the year for home renovation, contact us today to discuss your personal design requirements.