Renovating a house in London: our step by step guide

Renovating a house in London: our step by step guideIf you have plans to renovate a property in London then you need to make sure that you cover everything to ensure that you get it right.

Consider the Location

London is a vast city and that means that the location can vary from one side of the city to the other. So, if you want to renovate a property, consider the location, keeping an eye out for the worst property on the street. The reality is that you can make the property look amazing but it will only be worth what the area says it is worth.

Check the Top Value of the Street

This ties in with the above point but there is no point in purchasing a property that is going to take more money than it will be worth in the end. Getting an idea of what properties are worth in the area will help you to determine what your return on investment will be.

What Work Will be Required

Homes that require renovation can really eat into your budget and the next thing you know, you have overspent and are watching your money dwindle away. Therefore, it is important that you gain an understanding of the work that is required. Will it need a new roof? If so, this could set you back thousands, if there are tiles then there is likely to be water damage. You really need to do your research here and find out what work needs doing.

Create a Design

If you have found the right property and understand what work is required, then you can begin to create a design. You will need to make sure that the design maximises the potential of the home and will help you to achieve the highest price. Focus on the rooms and where they are placed, try to use as much natural light as possible and even think about the views.

Consider the most important rooms in the home such as the kitchen, living room and bathrooms. Are they big enough? Are they in the right place in the house? All of these considerations can help you to make the right decisions.

Planning Permission

Depending on what you plan to do, you might have to apply for planning permission. If you plan to extend or add on a certain loft extension then you will need to submit an application.

Write a Schedule of Works

Renovating a property is a project and it has to be managed in the correct way. It is not a case of starting where you feel like because it has to become a process. Things such as plumbing and electrics will need to be considered before you fit a new kitchen or a bathroom. If you are knocking down walls then you will need to determine whether they are supporting walls and what impact that will have on other areas of the project.

Find the Right Contractors

If you are going to use contractors then you will need to use people you can trust. Therefore, carry out research, speak to people on the street who might have had work carried on their property and use recommended companies. You will be paying them a lot of money to do the work, so you will want it completed professionally and reliably.

Inform the Neighbours

Major works can be disruptive. The noise, deliveries and construction work is likely to cause problems for the neighbours. If they know about it, then it won’t become a surprise to them and it will keep them on your side.

If you would like some free planning advice, get in touch with us.

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