Designing or renovating?
Designing and renovating your home can be daunting prospect. There are many things to consider, lots of decisions to make, and issues can sometimes happen. So how do you avoid mistakes?
Speaking to Atelier Lane’s interior designers, they shared some of their top tips when renovating:
Research & Plan
Before you begin, do your research, create a timeline, and set yourself a budget, with realistic goals and objectives. Research the materials and, supplies and the cost of labour in your area; prices have grown in the past few years, so it pays to have an idea of the costs before you start. Then set yourself a realistic timeline and budget; there are wide-spread delays on building materials, furniture, fixtures, and equipment so be sure to factor these set-backs into your plans.
Consider the space
If you don’t already, we recommend you live in the space you want to renovate to see what works and what doesn’t work. Then decide on your needs and wants, now and in 10-year times. Think about how you plan to use the space and what features you would like to add. This will help you to create a space that is tailored to your specific needs.
Move out
Living amongst demolition is not fun for anybody, so if you can we suggest you move out while renovating. Your trades will be on-site early and despite best efforts from even the tidiest of builders there will be a fine layer of dust throughout the home until the renovation is completed. On that note, factor a deep clean into the budget before you move back in.
Work with the experts
When it comes to designing and renovating the inside of your home do not underestimate how much an interior architect or interior designer can contribute to the success of your project. They have all the knowledge and experience that can make or break a renovation. They will compliment your ideas and enhance them. They’ll take the time to understand how you plan on living in the space and will suggest a layout that is practical while looking incredible.
Details matter
It’s hard to make decisions about all the finer details at the start of a renovation, especially if you can’t visualise your drawings in real life. But it’s the little details that can have the biggest impact and mistakes on a building site can be costly; imagine a light switch or power point is put in the wrong spot. An interior designer will draw these details into your plans, to the millimetre. They know where and how many switches are needed for specific rooms and can even hide your wiring in the walls and floors for discrete interior design.
Allow for contingencies
So often during a renovation, one small issue can cause a ripple effect that is often outside the scope. If you anticipate delays to your timeline and increases to the budget, you will be prepared for if and when they happen.
With some careful consideration and planning, you can create the home of your dreams.
