There is nothing quite like owning an older home in London where the architecture is renowned worldwide. However, there are some features that need to be updated or replaced and the entirety of the work will take a major renovation effort. Unless you have ever gone through a largescale renovation project, you can’t begin to understand just how important the planning stages are.
From drawing up plans on what needs doing through applying for all those planning permissions, it seems like a never-ending series of tasks long before the actual work can begin. Perhaps the one thing you can be advised of at this early stage is that patience will be required if you want the job done well and according to regulations. One slip can set the entire project back by months, and that is no joke.
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The Benefits of an Expert Architecture Service
Do you know that certain renovations won’t require planning permissions? But if you intend to do any work that falls outside what Parliament deems as permitted development rights, you could be in for a world of trouble. What this means is that certain renovations will not require planning permissions so you can bypass that stage of planning, but unfortunately, knowing which are excluded can take a major amount of research.
However, this is where it gets a bit trickly. Even if those restrictions allow for renovations usually allowing for the bypass of planning permissions, there are some types of structures that will never qualify and will always need those permissions. For the most part, only single-family dwellings are entitled to bypass these planning permissions if the project itself meets specific requirements such as not facing a public street. Then, listed buildings are disqualified as are multi-family residential buildings.
The point being made is that this is a huge part of what architects do. They not only draw up plans for your renovation, but they can also help you determine if you need planning permissions. Consider an expert service like 24housing, a group of renowned architects in London. They can be involved in literally every stage of planning and can even recommend builders who excel at what they do. This is something you might spend months doing if left to your own devices.
Cost and Budgeting Once the Plans Are Drawn
Once the plans are drawn, you can begin calculating a cost range for completing your renovations. Not only are materials important to price but so too are any tools you might need if you are undergoing a DIY project. Then there are typically workers and craftsmen to be paid. Even DIY home renovation projects often require the services of professionals like plumbers, electricians, and brick masons.
In an effort to save money on major renovations, some homeowners combine the services of professional craftsmen with some of the things they are personally able to do. Quite often it is the finishing touches that DIYers leave for themselves such as painting and clean-up upon completion of work.
When choosing materials, opt for high-quality options like oak veneer internal doors as they not only offer a timeless and elegant look but also require less maintenance compared to other materials. Their durability means they withstand wear and tear, ensuring that your investment stands
the test of time.
Here again, architects can help you discover the best sources of materials and equipment you will need and can help by giving advice on how to cut costs whenever possible. This, after all, is their line of expertise and it could save you literally thousands of pounds. If you’re looking for expert residential architects with a wealth of experience there are services available that may give helpful advice and insights for your whole remodeling project.
You might also find some useful home renovation budgeting tips on Barclay’s website.
The Time Element
This is something else you must consider. If it’s a major renovation project, it will likely take a good bit of time to complete. The commencement of work needs to be timed appropriately if seasonal changes in the weather will affect the project.
One example would be reroofing your home. It wouldn’t do well to schedule that for cold and wet months and most likely, roofers wouldn’t take on a project at that time of year. Also, some projects will make much of your living area unusable during certain tasks. You can’t very well cook in a kitchen with no range and, of course, you can’t do dishes or take baths if the plumbing is disconnected for renovations.
These are things to consider in your budget. Talk to your craftsmen to get an estimate on the time factor so you can calculate in the expenses of staying in a hotel, for example. Time is a huge factor in a major renovation project and that, too, is something an architect can help you plan for. While there can be delays, most projects fall within average timeframes.
Don’t Forget the Why
At the end of the day, it is important to be honest with yourself. Exactly why are you investing in a major renovation project at this time? Perhaps parts of your home are in ill repair, and you simply want to update whilst repairing. Maybe the plumbing needs major upgrades such as hot water heaters that are inefficient. You’d like to take out the antiquated tank you are using currently to be replaced with an energy efficient on-demand tankless water heater.
However, if you are thinking to add to the value of your home so that you can list it for sale, that budget mentioned above becomes even more vitally important. You will want to know that your ROI is great enough to make all this effort worth the time and expense. Never start a project without having a clearcut goal of what you hope to accomplish.
With that said, London properties are at a premium and if you currently own one, you should count yourself lucky. The government has recognised the need for major development of homes and businesses and so they instituted “The London Plan 2021.” This is a strategy primarily focused on the need for a much greater need for housing based on population growth forecasts.
So then, do you really want to sell your home? You should think carefully about where you would find a new home if living in, or near, London is important. Why not make those major renovations and enjoy your home that will be a showcase piece you can be proud of in a city with too few homes to serve the population? That makes the most sense of all.
