Why do people renovate properties?
There are three main reasons a person would renovate a property. Many simply want to update a property they have been living in for sometime, while others may want to take on a project for themselves or simply as an investment or business prospect. These reasons are all commonly seen by us as Grosvenor.
We help many adventurous purchasers who want to take on a project - those who relish the challenge of gutting, remodeling and redecorating to create the home of their dreams. We also advise buyers who come to us with investment in mind - on the hunt for neglected or unmodernised properties they can renovate and sell on, hopefully for a profit.
Whatever your reason for renovating, Grosvenor has the following advice:-
- Attend shows for inspiration: if you are renovating a house with no experience, you may find attending an exhibition or show a good starting point. The Ideal Home Show is probably the best known, and runs from 27th March to 13th April 2020, while The Housebuilding & Renovation Show is coming to Sandown Park in Surrey on 27th and 28th June 2020.
- Create a mood board: collating your ideas in one place will help you stick to your original vision. Gather together the physical - photos are torn out of magazines, brochures, samples and paint charts - and create a display on board. If you’re a digital magpie, use Pinterest to create a central place for project resources and inspiration.
- Use planning software: whether your renovation is a single room or an entire property, being able to make big decisions before expensive purchases are crucial. Luckily there are a number of software downloads that allow you to draw, customise and rearrange everything from wall positions to bathroom tiles. Try Sketch Up Make, Smart Draw or Planner 5D during your planning process.
- Try and source locally: the practice of ‘showrooming’ - visiting a store in order to examine a product before buying it online at a lower price - is quite widespread when it comes to home renovations and interior design. The act, however, is damaging to High Streets. If you find a product cheaper online, ask your local store if they will match the price as they commonly agree.
- Use trades that are personally recommended: many people ask Grosvenor ‘how do I find a contractor to remodel my house?’. Our advice is to use people who have been personally recommended by friends and family. You can substantiate your own findings by looking up companies or individuals on checkatrade.com, ratedpeople.com or trustatrader.com.
- Seek the relevant permissions: double-check with your local authority or get confirmation from a qualified surveyor to establish whether any work you have planned is covered under permitted development rules. Some works, such as extending a property, taking down internal walls or converting a loft, may need planning permission.
If you would like details of Surrey property for sale where there’s scope for renovation, contact Grosvenor - Claygate, Woking, Cobham, and Hinchley Wood estate agents.