Homeowners who have their heart set on a new open-plan kitchen-diner or an extension might be disappointed to tame their grand designs. However, limiting structural alterations, re-using old units, and keeping utilities in the same place could save them considerably on their renovation project.
Laura Crombie, brand development director for Real Homes, gave her top tips on how to cut the budget when updating your home, without compromising on the finished project.
She suggested re-using materials where possible, such as cupboard carcasses or countertops, or selling materials, from floorboards to radiators.
“It’s true that one person’s trash is another one’s treasure,” Ms Crombie stated, adding: “It’s much better for the environment than things going to landfill.”
The design expert also recommended retaining part of existing walls as this will help reduce the size of any steel beams, and lower costs. While doing major structural work might make your home appear larger and allow you to achieve the open-plan dream, it can be much more costly.
Similarly, moving plumbing, electricity and gas points is difficult and expensive, so it is wise to keep them in the same places and adjust your design accordingly.
“Unless it is an essential to radically alter the orientation or usability of a kitchen, try to keep the sink, dishwasher and cooker in the same position,” renovator Jason Orme told the publication.
Metro also recommended buying things second-hand, including the kitchen; not scrimping on tradesmen and opt for ones that have been recommended; helping with the messy preparation to save fitters time; investing in the right tools; shopping around for the best prices on materials; and making sure you pick the right paints by using testers first.
Costs are going to cripple many households especially those that live in old housing stock and now is the time to upgrade and improve the existing thermal envelope of the home. Bounce can offer a range of consultation services that help identify and mitigate these rising fuel costs with the strategic deployment of insulation, reduce cold bridging and ensure that your investment actually has a lasting positive impact with energy costs, thermal performance and intrinsic equity with better performance and more efficient EPC ratings.
For more help on your renovation project, contact our architectural services in Nottingham today.