The projects that we love most are home renovations. There is something really quite special about being a part of creating your dream home. While you are modernising, installing and updating, the natural stone floor can be one of the constants that ties the old in with the new. Engaging with specialists at each stage is important. We asked a few of the companies that we work closely with to share their top tips for renovating your home.
Lauren Tonks is the Founder of Love Renovate a website dedicated to providing guidance and advice for home renovators.
“Spending time planning early in the process is so important as you don’t want to feel pressured to make any big decisions. The very first thing to do is to draw up a wish list of what you want to get out of your renovation, this is before speaking to any professionals. It might be that you really want a separate playroom next to the new kitchen or you have dreamt of a walk-in wardrobe in your bedroom. Having a clear idea of what you want will really help when speaking to an Architect and will also ensure you don’t miss out on any must-have features.”
Anthony Nicholls is the Managing Director of HNB Ltd who specialise in creating buildings of character from listed barns to contemporary new builds. His top tips for renovating your home are less about the ABC and more about 123.
“There are a few important factors to consider when embarking on a home renovation project but none more so than ‘knowing your numbers’. Knowing your numbers isn’t just knowing your budget i.e. what you can either afford to spend or are willing to spend. Knowing your numbers is all about eliminating as much uncertainty as possible when it comes to the actual costs to undertake the works. Cost certainty is key here.
Engaging with a reputable main building contractor as early as possible is the best way of getting a firm grip on these costs. Not only will they be able to advise on the buildability of the Architect’s drawings, but they will also be able to foresee potential issues that could crop up during the construction process. Giving due care, time and attention at the pre-start phase by working in a collaborative and open manner is by far and away the best approach to make any home renovation project a success for everyone involved in the scheme.”
Laura Millbourn, founding Director of Period Home Projects, specialises in co-ordinating project works to heritage properties (ones with solid walls!). Her top tips for renovating focus on energy efficiency and particularly window improvements. It might not sound sexy but making this a primary consideration, will impact the end transformation.
“Your renovation wish-list should also include opportunities for increased energy efficiency. Think sustainability, longevity and reduced reliance on fossil fuel use. This is particularly important in relation to traditionally constructed solid-wall homes which tend to be draughty with huge resultant heat loss. When extending an old property, don’t ignore your existing space. Your goal is likely to be about making it more useable, attractive, with practical accommodation. Simultaneously you should consider adding appropriate breathable (vapour permeable) insulation where possible as part of a carefully thought-through phased whole house plan (this requires specialist input). Try to include some budget for energy efficiency improvements to the existing building from the outset so that these can be planned and incorporated into your project.
Heritage windows are a first port of call due to their draughty and super high heat loss credentials, particularly if single glazed. Lovely old windows are therefore vulnerable but what can be done? There are many options for secondary glazing (some better than others) with varying price tags to suit every pocket and almost every window. The options tend to be significantly cheaper than replacing old windows as generally they can be easily repaired, draught proofed and/or secondarily glazed at the same time significantly improving their performance and keeping you warmer and healthier as a result. We recommend assessing each window (as some will require different solutions to others depending on location, use, orientation, and design) together with essential controlled ventilation requirements – finding the right solution is key.”
Laura and others are running a conference dedicated to this very topic in June supported by the SPAB. You can find out more and book tickets here.
For more top tips for renovating, keep an eye out for more in our series this year. If you have a natural stone floor and are considering restoring it as part of your project then get in touch.
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