So you’ve just purchased a Fixer-Upper?10 Top Tips to Renovating

Is extending necessary?

If your budget is tight, consider reconfiguring the space within the existing house before you decide on the big garden extension. You may not actually need to extend at all. Open up any pokey rooms to create one large open plan living space. Creating a feeling of extra space is very achievable with some minor and budget friendly alterations; Taking down internal walls creates an open plan flow and allows a darker room to borrow light from a brighter space. Replacing a small window with full height glazing will allow a greater relationship with the outdoors, maximise natural light as well as creating the feeling of more space.

Research Neighbouring Properties

Many people are not aware of the online planning permission platform available with most local councils. Any potential renovators can search their local area and view planning applications for neighbouring properties to gauge a better idea of what has been granted or refused permission in the past. This tip should be a minimum standard of due diligence for potential buyers before committing to a purchase.

Choosing an Interior Style

A lot of previous clients choosing to build/renovate/extend have a panic moment towards the end of the build when they have concentrated solely on the main elements without any real thought to interior finishes.

At this stage, my advice would be to think about previous experiences & places both home and away that stand out in your mind. For your main bedroom, think of hotels or accommodation you might have stayed in whilst on holidays that you loved. Similarly with dining areas, hospitality is a great source of inspiration for how to dress these spaces. Are there cafes or restaurants where you love the lighting or furniture? Don’t feel limited to the interior stores in your local area. If you are on a budget, there are tonnes of great online stores both Irish based and Overseas, where you can get great bang for you buck in terms of quirky interior finds.

Discuss your Proposal with Neighbours

Before submitting a planning application, I would always recommend meeting your neighbours to take them through the proposal. Bring along your architect too as they may have questions that you may not be able to answer. Not only will you explain the scheme to them more efficiently than if they viewed the plans alone but they will appreciate you taking the time to fill them in before they read about in the paper.

Appoint an Architect

Here comes the shameless plug for the architecture industry…. I have no shame in mentioning it because it is the truth! I can not stress enough the importance of hiring an architect from the beginning. To many, this seems like an additional cost that can be avoided. People who try to cut corners always end up paying twice, both with their time and their money.

Involving an architect early on in a project can actually save you money. They will offer you a range of options and discuss with you the most economic and appropriate design for your requirements. They will also push the boundaries and create something unique and special that stands out from the other properties in your area, thus increasing the value of your home overall.

What does your Budget allow for?

Does your budget reflect the extent of renovation works needed? Consider doing the renovation in a number of phases, each phase being prioritized on what is required immediately. Is an extra bedroom an urgent requirement, or can this wait so you can focus on the main living areas of the house. Figuring out your requirements and what you can’t you live without will help shape your decision making process from the beginning. If your budget is very tight, consider elements that can be reused or easily changed further down the line. For example, if you are putting in a new kitchen, the old kitchen can be temporarily reused in the utility room.

Think Bespoke

Before purchasing an off the shelf display unit or freestanding wardrobe, consider bespoke joinery. Going bespoke can actually be a lot more cost effective than people think. If there is an alcove you plan to locate a TV, consider a bespoke shelving unit, designed by your architect, to perfectly fit the width and height. Bespoke elements will not only make your home more user friendly and look great but it can again add further value to the property down the line.

Have Fun with Bathrooms

Bathroom spaces are the least lived in spaces in our homes so they are somewhere where you can go a little more extreme on colour or tiling without it necessarily needing to tie in with the rest of the interiors in your home. Show off your personality with a patterned floor tile, some bright coloured grouting, groovy palm tree wallpaper or a feature pendant over your bathtub for some added drama.

Think Tall

For lower ceiling heights, pick kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and shelving that are full height. Your eye line will be drawn upwards and it will give you a greater feeling of space and height. You will also gain additional shelving, it looks seamless and you will avoid visible clutter and dust gathering.

Embrace your Dark Side

This may be breaking an interiors golden rule but sometimes when you are stuck with a north facing dark room, embrace it! Paint the walls navy, add some colourful accessories, subtle moody lighting and you have yourself a perfect space for a Teenage boy, a Meditation space or a TV Den for some quiet time in front of the box.