CA
  
You are currently viewing the Canada version of the site.
Would you like to switch to your local site?
11 MIN READ TIME

13 tips for renovating your own home

Taking on a renovation is invariably exciting but daunting in equal measure —but don’t let that put you off ! Here’s how you can plan, budget and run a successful project from beginning to end
MICHELLE GUY Former deputy editor Michelle is a renovation expert.

You don’t want to move but the home you live in just isn’t working. The ground-floor space is disconnected, rooms are poky and natural light is lacking. Sound familiar? Then you’re possibly reading this because you’ve decided it’s time to resolve these problems once and for all. It’s time to renovate.

For many, renovating is a way to design a dream home; to unlock its potential by reimagining and reinvigorating the space so it works for all who live in it. But, taking on a renovation is a big deal. You’ll be investing money, time and emotions. There will be dust (and lots of it), decisions to be made, and it’ll take longer than you think. So be ready to commit.

Unlock this article and much more with
You can enjoy:
Enjoy this edition in full
Instant access to 600+ titles
Thousands of back issues
No contract or commitment
Try for $1.39
SUBSCRIBE NOW
30 day trial, then just $13.99 / month. Cancel anytime. New subscribers only.


Learn more
Pocketmags Plus
Pocketmags Plus

This article is from...


View Issues
Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
February 2024
VIEW IN STORE

Other Articles in this Issue


Homebuilding & Renovating
EDITOR’S LETTER
Editor Beth Murton has been a homes journalist and editor for over 20 years and has renovated two homes. She is currently planning her next project
CONTRIBUTORS
DEBBIE JEFFERY An award-winning journalist and property
Optimise your garage
Not just a bedroom for your car, this often underused property space can be turned into a highly organised and functional storage area if you plan it well
INSIGHT
Brits show overwhelming support for energy-efficient homes
A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events.
REAL PROJECT
Back to the future
Joe and Sally Locke’s sustainable self-build combines an advanced prefabricated building system, groundbreaking technology and 16th-century carpentry skills
Natural harmony
When the time came to downsize, Graham and Charlotte Thompson built their dream eco-friendly house in the garden of their New Forest home
Verdant Views
Christina and Richard Isaacs’ award-winning extension beautifully bridges the connection between their secluded family home and the lush green lawns that surround it
big Small space ideas
Hayley Gooding and family transformed their 19th-century bungalow in the Edinburgh suburb of Portobello into a spacious family home through innovative design and careful consideration of space
The hıgh lıfe
Turning a small and basic loft conversion into a light and spacious retreat has given Jo and Nick Liddell a whole new perspective
Cutting-edge Passivhaus homes
Energy efficient and impeccably designed, these futureproofed projects are leading the way in eco-friendly house design
EXPERT ADVICE
BUILDING BY TREES
Although beautiful to look at and an asset to many homes, trees can be problematic when it comes to extending or building your own home. Ian Rock advises on what you need to consider
A BUILDER’S VIEW
THE DOS AND DON’TS OF HOW AND WHEN TO PAY YOUR BUILDERS
HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE
PART EIGHT: BUILDING THE SUPERSTRUCTURE
LIME PLASTER
OLD HOUSE, NEW HOME
Self-build for beginners
PART SEVEN CREATING DRAWINGS FOR BUILDING REGULATIONS
NEXT MONTH
IMAGES: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ADAM CARTER; ADAM
BUILD COST CLINIC
How much do surveys and reports cost?
Building a new house or extending your existing one? There are key surveys and reports that you may need to commission. Tim Phillips advises on what they are and how much they’re likely to cost
GREEN ADVICE
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART NINE: THE POWER OF NATURAL LIGHT
EXTENSION MASTERCLASS
EXTENDING A BASEMENT
A cellar conversion or basement extension can add valuable extra room to your home without sacrificing valuable garden space. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about adding or enlarging your home at lower ground-floor level
PLANNING CLINIC
Buying land without planning permission
Is it ever a good idea to invest in a plot of land that doesn’t have planning consent for a house? Our planning expert Simon Rix offers his advice on this self-build dilemma
6 OF THE BEST
INDUCTION HOBS
Faster and safer than traditional gas or electric models, this energy-efficient style of hob means only the pan heats up while the rest of the cooktop remains cool
DESIGN MASTERCLASS
The contemporary home for 2024
What are the trends in building design and how are they going to shape our homes in 2024? We asked some leading architects and designers for their thoughts and here are their predictions
ASK THE EXPERTS
ASK THE EXPERTS
Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or renovation project that you need answering? Drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts
Build with confidence
If you’re about to embark on a house extension or conversion, make sure you’re protected by renovation insurance throughout the project —and beyond
GREEN CLINIC
Q How do you protect solar panels from birds?
Don’t let bird nests and droppings negatively impact the performance of your solar panels. David Hilton advises how to carry out your own bird-proofing measures for your property’s eco additions
ARCHITECTURAL MOODBOARD
10 bathroom innovations to splash out on
The latest designs can save water and energy, and are guaranteed to ensure that every moment spent in this room will feel like pure indulgence and relaxation
HOW GREEN IS YOUR HOME?
GREEN ROOFS
Verdant coverings look great and provide additional benefits for your home when specified correctly. Our experts look at the practicalities of planting your rooftop and how to make it thrive
AMAZING HOMES
Peak performance
Robert Hirschfield Architects designed this contemporary new-build family home in North London with a striking and dynamic take on Arts and Crafts architecture
WELCOME
CONTENTS
COVER IMAGE: ANNA STATHAKI; ABOVE IMAGE: VERONICA RODRIGUEZ
12 STEPS TO PLANNING YOUR NEW KITCHEN EXTENSION
12 steps to planning a kitchen extension
From formulating your design to hiring the best build team, these are the stages you need to consider to get your project on the right track
REAR EXTENSIONS
Rear extensions
A new addition at the back will increase your ground-floor living space and give you better access to the garden
SLIDING DOORS
SLIDING DOORS
Sleek, unobtrusive and space-saving, these contemporary styles will suit any project
SIDE RETURN EXTENSIONS
Side return extensions
Put this often-wasted space to good use with an infill
ROOFLIGHTS
ROOFLIGHTS
Bring more natural light into your home with one of these innovative designs
DOUBLE-HEIGHT EXTENSIONS
Double height extensions
If you’re planning to extend, you can gain even more square footage by opting for a multi-level design
BIFOLD DOORS
BIFOLD DOORS
Open up your kitchen extension to the garden with these contemporary options
WOW-FACTOR EXTENSION
OUT OF THE BLUE
IMAGE: FRENCH + TYE The owners of
Chat
X
Pocketmags Support