Renovating your property can feel like the start of something exciting. Whether you’re updating a tired kitchen or knocking through walls to create space and light, there’s something satisfying about shaping your home to suit the way you live.
But behind every beautiful makeover sits a long list of decisions, each of them capable of nudging your project towards success – or disaster. The best results come when you put as much thought into the planning as the construction itself. Before you call in the builders or pick up a sledgehammer, it’s worth slowing down and making sure everything is in place.
Define your objectives and budget
Before you start comparing paint samples or browsing taps, work out exactly what you want from your remodel. Don’t just say you want a bigger kitchen – ask yourself why. Do you need more storage, better light, room for entertaining? When you understand your real objectives, you can make smarter choices about where to invest and where to hold back.
Once you’ve nailed down your goals, turn to your budget. Break it into categories: materials, labour, contingency and professional fees. Don’t rely on guesswork. Instead, research real costs in your area. For instance, a full bathroom renovation in the UK can range from around £5,000 to over £10,000, depending on specification.
Include a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses – hidden pipework, damp or supply chain delays can all take a bite out of your funds. If you skip this stage or keep things too vague, you risk running out of money halfway through the job.
Assess structural integrity and compliance
Even if you’re only making cosmetic changes, you should check whether your plans could affect the building’s structure. Remove a chimney breast or take out a wall without proper support and you might end up compromising the stability of the entire property. Don’t rely on a quick glance or instinct. Bring in a qualified structural engineer to assess load-bearing walls or unusual layouts.
In many cases, you’ll also need to secure permission. Planning consent might be necessary if you’re extending beyond permitted development rights or working on a listed building. Building regulations approval is separate and ensures your work meets national standards for safety, energy efficiency and accessibility.
Speak to your local authority building control or hire an approved inspector before you begin. Never assume your builder will handle this – if they miss something, you’re still legally responsible. Getting everything signed off properly also avoids issues when you come to sell the property later.
Review your home insurance coverage
A common mistake is to overlook your insurance until it’s too late. Standard home insurance often won’t cover major renovation work, especially if it involves structural changes or if the house will be empty for long periods. Contact your insurer before the work begins. Be clear about what you’re planning and ask them to confirm in writing whether your current policy still applies.
If your cover falls short, take out a renovation insurance policy. This should protect against damage to the existing structure, theft of materials and liability for accidents on site. The cost of this home insurance might seem off-putting, but it offers peace of mind and protection from expensive claims. Better to pay a little more upfront than face a five-figure bill if something goes wrong.
By taking the time to address these essential areas before the dust starts flying, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and give your project a much stronger foundation.