We're in the season for home renovations, so it's a great time to hear from a company who sees a lot of clients in the midst of them. Marcin Markiewicz, who runs Removals & Storage Experts in London, shared 8 ways to prepare for your next big project.
By: Marcin Markiewicz
Renovating to sell? Book a valuation first to avoid unnecessary work.
Preparing for a home renovation is an exciting yet complex process. Proper planning can make the difference between a smooth, well-executed project and a stressful experience filled with unexpected issues.
This guide provides essential steps to help homeowners navigate the planning phase efficiently and avoid common renovation pitfalls.
Photo by Foxtons Specialist Video & Photography Team
1. Define your renovation goals
Before starting your home renovation, establish clear objectives. Are you looking to enhance functionality, increase property value, or update your home’s aesthetics? Consider whether you need minor upgrades or a full house renovation involving structural changes, such as:
• Kitchen renovation to improve layout and efficiency.
• Bathroom updates for better use of space.
• Loft conversion to add an extra room.
• Basement conversions for additional living or storage space.
• House extension to accommodate a growing family.
Consulting an architectural design expert can help refine your vision and ensure your renovation meets legal and structural requirements.
2. Set a realistic budget and timeline
Renovation costs vary widely, and having a renovation project budget in place is crucial. Consider the following:
• Basic renovation costs: Small projects (e.g., cosmetic updates) may cost between £5,000 and £20,000 (Source: Checkatrade), while a full house renovation can range from £50,000 to over £100,000 (Source: Homebuilding & Renovating).
• Contingency funds: Set aside at least 10–20% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
• Timeline planning: Understand the time commitment required for different house renovation projects. A kitchen renovation might take a few weeks, whereas a house extension could last several months.
Consulting project managers ensures that your timeline remains realistic and delays are minimised.
3. Managing your belongings: removals and storage solutions
Renovations often involve significant disruption to your living space. Planning what to do with your furniture and personal items is essential:
• Short-term solutions: Move items to another room if only a small area is affected.
• Long-term storage: For extensive renovations, consider removals & storage solutions to protect valuables from dust, damage, and theft.
• Secure off-site storage: Using professional renovation services that include storage options can ensure peace of mind while work is underway.
4. Hiring the right professionals
Choosing the right experts for your property renovation is key to achieving high-quality results. When selecting renovation work professionals, consider:
• Architects and designers: Help with planning and compliance.
• Contractors: Ensure they have experience with house renovation projects and are licensed.
• Project managers: Oversee the renovation from start to finish, handling logistics and schedules.
• Renovation services providers: Ensure they work to the highest standards and comply with UK building regulations.
Always request multiple quotes and check references before hiring a contractor.
5. Organising the renovation process
Renovating in the correct order prevents unnecessary delays and rework. Follow these key steps:
1. Structural work: Walls, foundation repairs, house extensions.
2. Utilities: Plumbing, electrical systems, and heating.
3. Insulation and walls: Plastering and painting.
4. Floors and fixtures: Flooring installation and final touches.
For a kitchen renovation, ensure cabinetry and appliances are installed in the right sequence to avoid delays. Similarly, loft conversions and basement conversions should be fully waterproofed before proceeding with interior design.
6. Living through a renovation: minimising disruptions
If you plan to stay in your home during renovations, prepare for noise, dust, and inconvenience. Key considerations include:
• Creating a temporary living space: Set up a functional area in an unaffected part of the home.
• Relocating if necessary: If work impacts multiple rooms, staying elsewhere might be more convenient.
• Using removals and storage experts: They can store and transport your items safely while work is in progress.
7. Decision-making & avoiding delays
Renovations require quick and informed decisions. As Clara Annesley, Construction Content Specialist at Proficiency Ltd. advises:
“Be prepared to make quick decisions. During a house renovation, your builder might call you and say, ‘Tomorrow, we’re painting the kid's bedroom. What colour do you want the room to be?’ If you need time to decide, think over it. The entire project gets delayed. And if you're renting another place to live while your home is being renovated, every delay means paying extra for your temporary home.”
Plan ahead by selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures early to avoid unnecessary hold-ups.
8. Final stages & finishing touches
As your house renovation project nears completion, focus on:
• Quality assurance: Walk through with your project managers to check for unfinished work.
• Interior design and décor: Select furniture, lighting, and accessories that enhance your newly renovated space.
• Final cleaning and move-in: Ensure all dust and debris are cleared before returning stored items.
Start your renovation project with a home property valuation today
A well-planned home renovation can transform your living space and add value to your property. By setting clear goals, hiring the right professionals, and efficiently managing removals and storage, you can ensure a smoother experience.
However, if you are renovating to sell, it's better to book a Foxtons valuation first. We'll help you assess how renovations might impact your home's resale potential and in getting the right timeline for your sale:
Source: This article was guest written by Marcin Markiewicz, who runs the removals and storage company Removals & Storage Experts, based in London. He is passionate about helping people make a new house a home and to do away with the stress of moving.
