Talk to anyone who has completed a house renovation, and this will be the first thing that they mention! Create a realistic budget, based on your personal situation and the current and projected house value, and have this number securely in your head at all times.
Once you have your builder’s final quote, sit down and discuss with them the key variables. Print off two A3 copies to have with you at the meeting. Highlight the variables on both copies, one for you, one for your builder. They will have given you a ballpark figure for the windows, for example. This will usually be based on a mid-range or basic option. If you want to upgrade to coloured windows for instance, this will instantly add to the cost. Get a strong idea of these additional costs as soon as possible (write down the worst-case option on the quote).
Electrics is another huge variable. The builder will usually quote for basic sockets and one pendant per room, with one spot per metre squared. Draw up an electrical plan, showing where you think sockets will be needed (don’t forget the Christmas tree), and any wall lights or picture lights, or LED features you might be wanting. This is where an Interior Designer can really help! Give this plan to the builder or electrician so that this part of the initial quote can be more accurate as early as possible.
Certain elements of the quote shouldn’t change. Highlight these so you know the absolute minimum final costs and make sure your builder is aligned with this. Be aware of potential inflation of building materials however, especially if you’re getting your quote way ahead of the building work taking place. Again, discuss this with the builder before the spade is in the ground.
Fundamentally, you need a safe, secure and functioning home! This will always have to be the priority and this is where patience may need to come in.
Invest on things that can’t be changed later on, like the electrics or bathrooms. Spend your money on trades that you know you absolutely can’t do yourself and will hugely impact the overall finish. You can add built in furniture or a sofa whenever, a staircase?? Not so much! Prioritise safety, functionality and things that will have the biggest impact and make you smile every time you walk through your front door. The little things will come in time. We invested in a bespoke front door and we are beyond over the moon with it. Yes, it cost more money than off the shelf, but it has a huge impact on the overall aesthetics of our home and we feel very safe behind it.
Mix high-end with timeless basics. If you find some tiles that you absolutely love but they are out of your budget, maybe get them on just the shower wall, or as a feature behind the vanity unit, then find some budget tiles to work around the rest of the space. Buy some simple, affordable wall lights and then add the dream shades.
Do your research on products, you will nearly always find a similar product for far less online. If you don’t have the full budget that you need to complete the space, then wait. Don’t waste money by buying something that will do for now. Just be patient and trust the process.
Social media is a great tool for getting ideas and helping you to visualise the end result, (so is working with an Interior Designer!). However, the problem with social media is that it can create unrealistic expectations. Yes, it’s your home, yes you want it to be perfect and feel proud to show it off, but nothing is worth putting yourself under the stress caused by huge financial pressure. You have to be patient and trust the process. You want to be able to truly enjoy the space you have created, not see it as a burden laced with regret.
If you can’t afford it, then don’t let yourself have it. There will often be a cheaper alternative or you simply have to wait. It’s so easy to get carried away and once the work is done, the trades person will be sending their invoice! Sure, wall lights look great, as do LEDs in niches and of course you want the sensors or the voice commands but what you don’t want is an unexpected ten grand bill! Is the stress and money worry really worth the social media likes?
Think about the 24 hour rule of impulse. If you see something and really want it, leave it 24 hours for your rational brain to kick in over impulsivity. Chances are, you will have changed your mind or found a cheaper alternative. If after a week, you still keep thinking about it then see if there’s a way to make it work.
You also have to be honest about your style of house and the needs of your current and future situation. Trends are great, but they come and go very quickly. Think about what’s in keeping with the property and your personal taste. Think about the end value of the property. If you over spend then you won’t get that back if you sell. If it’s your absolute forever home and you are fine with that, then go for it. But have these conversations, before the spade hits the ground!
