Although the thought of undertaking a new home renovation project should be an exciting time in every homeowner’s plans, for many it can be quite the opposite – a stressful experience. Thankfully, we at Albion are here to tell you that there’s plenty of things you can consider to prevent the likelihood of this happening, factors and questions to ask yourself before starting out!
1. Consider your ambitions
Before starting out, it’s important to consider and ideally nail down exactly what you intend to achieve with your project. Are you seeking to add extra light, create extra space, or something else entirely? It’s important to stay focussed and consider your options from the very beginning of the process, keeping things understandable for your contractor and avoid disappointment later on down the line.
2. What products will best achieve these goals?
Believe it or not, different styles of home improvement products might excel at providing your home in terms of the basic enhancements (i.e. Retain heat, let light in, provide generous views), but there are many that impress in more areas than others – depending on what your needs may be. Composite doors for example add an extra layer of security, while bay windows illuminate your property from a 180° angle, choose products that will let you reach your home renovation goals.
3. What’s your home renovation budget?
An area of home renovation where it really is key to do your homework, while it’s tempting to splash out in order to fully realise your dream home, you may end up being surprised at what you can accomplish with a tightly managed budget. Agree prices with your contract from the offset and get it in writing with a schedule to avoid confusion, and we’d recommend tacking at least an extra 20% on top of your proposed budget for those inevitable issues that arise.
4. Where in the home do you want to renovate?
Once you have a clear idea of the desired effect you want to achieve, the next step is to consider the best area of the home in which to carry out the home renovation, ensuring that it has the best impact possible. Roof lanterns for example work best when fitted to a flat roof directly above the area you’d like to enhance.
5. Have you done all your research?
Very much tied into consideration #3 on this list but applicable elsewhere too, research is key to any home renovation project. Talk to friends in order to learn what did/didn’t work for them, flick through home magazines which might spark some creative inspiration within you, or surf the seas of the web to find that perfect something that will tie your home together. However intense you wish to carry out your research, it’s best not to simply start off blind.
6. Seek advice about aspects you’re not sure of
If there’s a particular area of home improvement that you’re considering but don’t have all the facts available to you, it can often be worthwhile to seek advice from either your chosen contractor or friends & family. They all have an interest in seeing your project succeed, so it makes sense to make use of the sources available to you and you might cut costs in the process.
7. What materials will suit your home stylistically and practically?
Windows, doors, and conservatories come readily available in three major materials: Timber, uPVC, and aluminium. Each material each bring their own bespoke benefits which may sway the choice you settle on ever so slightly. uPVC products are incredibly low maintenance and affordable, aluminium is inherently strong and sleek, while timber suits those craving a historic touch. Your choice of material will largely depend on whether they deliver stylistically, practically, or both.
8. Enjoy yourself!
For all of the stresses and worries that may sometimes arise when undertaking your proposed home renovation, remember that it should be a time to enjoy yourself and really get creative. Providing you take the time to consider the various factors we’ve mentioned, we’re confident that you’ll have a far easier and hassle-free time. It’s not all doom and gloom, and when the work is completed you’ll be able to fill your boots and enjoy it all.
Albion Windows provide the tools to set you off to a great start
At Albion Windows, we take extra special care to work with you in such a way that makes the home renovation process as exciting and hassle-free as possible. For more tips on how to best succeed or more information about our products and services, feel free to call us on 0500 344 028 or send us a message online today.
