Get in here, best friends. Do you remember I told you we would talk about the renovation process and walk through every corner? Yes, I’m happy to share with you what we found out.

“Renovating not only restores the house but restores the story of the home and neighborhood.”.~Unknown

Before you begin to assess the design potential and structural condition of a property, there are a few basic questions to ask yourself:

Is it in a good location? This could mean that it is in an area known for its good schools or transport links, away from any main roads or next to land that is likely to be bought up by a developer.

The old saying goes that you should look for the worst house on the best street, and it is great advice for anyone looking for a renovation bargain. No matter how amazing you make the property, it can only be as good as the area it is in, so check local amenities, schools, and provision of green space. A Google Street View stroll down the street will give you a feel for the place and highlight anything untoward.

• Is there scope for off-road parking where there isn’t any?

If the house is not big enough for your needs, consider how you could change it to rectify that.

• Have neighboring properties recently been extended?

Will your planned changes be in keeping with the rest of the street? Have they made improvements to their homes that would work on yours? Finally, are the homes well maintained, showing that everyone takes pride in their properties?

Work Out the Cost of your House Renovation

When planning to renovate your home, it is imperative to consider the cost of renovations.

Projects differ. Some can be more costly than others. So it would be best if you considered various factors to estimate the costs. Below are tips to assess your home remodeling costs

1. Determine Your Needs and Goals
2. Analyse the Remodel Cost
3. Check Your Budget
4. Prioritise Your Renovation Needs
5. Ask for Bids from London construction

Check For Renovation Restrictions Before You Start

It must have been made obvious to you at the point of sale if your home is listed, but if you are unsure, you must check, as it is a criminal offense to carry out unauthorized work without a proper check. Many buildings built around 1840 or earlier are likely to be listed – and over half a million in the UK are. You can check if your home is listed at British Listed Buildings .

Apply for Planning Consent

Revamping an older or newer property, it is significant to recognize which features of your planned work require legal approval.

There are 2 main types of applications – applications for full planning permission and applications for outline planning permission.

What is an application for full planning permission?

An application for full planning permission results in a decision on the detailed proposals of how a site can be developed. If planning permission is granted, and subject to compliance with any planning conditions that are imposed, no further engagement with the local planning authority is required to proceed with the development granted permission, although other consents may be required.

What is an outline planning application?

An application for outline planning permission allows for a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed. Outline planning permission is granted subject to conditions requiring the subsequent approval of one or more ‘reserved matters.

Conduct a BAT Survey

If you are renovating, converting, or modifying an old building, you may need to conduct a bat survey. A bat survey will be required to check for the presence of bats within the building and should be undertaken if there is a ‘reasonable likelihood’ that bats are present. And yes It is a criminal offense to harm bats or disturb them when roosting.

This survey is expensive but the fines imposed for not taking precautions and disturbing bats are higher

THE BEST CONTRACTORS FOR YOUR RENOVATION

Just immediately after you have decided on the property, an valuation of the fundamental condition of the house is imperative not only in order to work out how much work is going to be required or whether it is even a worthwhile project, but also to give an idea of whether the asking price is a fair one.

Therefore, if you are considering buying an old house, London Building Contractors is an experienced renovator and is always here to serve you with the needed quotation and evaluation for your renovation projects and help you spot many structural defects. We will assist you in knowing what order you renovate in, and the sequence of house renovation works and will give you the best possible results.

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