planning for home CHANGES

Many of us have spent a lot of time at home over the past year. Now is the time to assess how you and your family live in and interact with your home – and plan how you can make it better.

Being at home for longer periods, whether with bored teenagers, home schooling or remote working, makes it more obvious to what works and what could do with improvement. Space becomes a real issue, whether quiet space to work or study, a multi-functional space for the family to congregate, or maybe even a luxurious upgrade to the bathroom to give you a spa experience to escape to. So now is the time to direct your focus on what would work for you. There are plenty of our advertisers who are able to discuss ideas with you, either by phone or by arranged appointments. Remodel or Move

If you’ve realised your home really doesn’t work for you then the best bet is to start looking at what would work for you. Estate agents are now able to show you round potential properties, and you can still look at those available online with virtual viewings. Get an idea of the market and see if that really is the way to go. Sometimes though, it is cheaper and easier to look at how you could improve the home you are already in. You will have noticed by now where changes could be made. Knocking down internal walls, adding an extension or converting the loft are all ways to make the house flow better. Sketch out some ideas - you can do this on a piece of paper or there are plenty of downloads available to help you with designing a layout. This gives you a good start once you begin talking to an architect or builder about your ideas. Start a mood board too to help you visualise the end result.

Making space for a Home Office

If working from home is something you will be doing more of, then considering dedicating a space for this is important. Options are setting aside a room in the house, converting the loft or garage, or adding an extension or outbuilding specifically for this purpose. Make sure you consider how much office you will need. Do you need a big desk to spread out papers? Count how many monitors and pcs you have, and what charging points you will need.

Bathroom makeover

It sounds like an unneccessary luxury, but to have a beautiful bathroom to escape to at the end of the day is good for the soul. Push the boat out and get a jacuzzi bath too. Whether simply soaking by candle light or easing aches and pains, the jets in the bath gently massage you back to a state of calm. Floor level lighting and underfloor heating all add to the luxury experience.

Kitchen makeover

Take a good long hard look at your kitchen. What works and what could be improved on - that’s your starting point. Again, get the pencil and paper out and start jotting down different ideas. Check out designs and products available by searching online. If all that’s required are some upgraded doors or worktops then that’s a fairly easy fix. Most of our building tradespeople can supply and fit these. Your kitchen will look amazing! But if you really feel a completely new kitchen is required, then once you’ve got an idea of what you’re after then the same builders will be happy to talk with you to help you reach a fabulous design within your budget.

The End Result

And the best part of it all - as well as getting a home that really does work for you and your family, these improvements will also reflect on the value of your home when you do decide to sell up.

So really, it’s a win-win! Get busy designing and enjoy your ‘new’ home!