Tag: renovation

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating

Many of us get itchy feet at the beginning of a new year and think about moving, but then once  we have taken into consideration all the hidden costs of a house move, start to re-think and look at renovating or extending our current home. However, before embarking on a renovation or extension project it is worth considering some of the most common pitfalls:-

1.Don’t rush into a project. Think carefully about what you are hoping to achieve with your home improvement project and seek expert advice.

2. Avoid over-extending by adding on rooms that make the house too big for the plot.

3. Don’t overspend. Make sure that you have sufficient funds available to pay for all the work to be done to the highest standard possible.Budget for an extra 15 per cent to cover additional costs.

4. It is also vital to ensure that you have legally binding, well-written contracts to protect you, should costs rise, or if the work lasts much longer than expected.

5. Don’t ignore planning permission or building regulations.You can apply for planning permission quickly and easily online, but it is also worth phoning your local council, explaining what you’re planning and trying to establish if there’s anything you need to be aware of. If the work isn’t signed off and approved, future buyers could have difficulty obtaining a mortgage.

6. Plan the internal layout carefully. Avoid adding rooms that are shut off from the rest of the living space or unbalance the flow of the house.

7. Plan rooms for multi-purpose use e.g. the extra room you add could double up as an office and a guest bedroom.

8. Don’t add a bathroom at the expense of a bedroom. Always consider the potential re-sale value of your house, e.g. a 3 bedroom home with one bathroom may have a broader appeal and therefore a potentially higher re-sale value than a home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

9. Don’t get sucked in by fads and trends. Open plan living spaces maybe all the rage at the moment but is it practical for your requirements.

10. Only employ reputable builders who, preferably, have been recommended for the quality of their work.

At Live in Developments we specialise in: New builds, Extensions, Loft Conversions, Renovations, Conservatories & Orangeries.

For more advice on renovating or extending your home contact Live in Developments

Telephone: 0161 285 3559 Mobile: 07979 962 838  Email: [email protected]

Top Interior Design Trends in 2017

As we enter the New Year there are several materials which are gaining in popularity with designers, plus there is a resurgence in exotic colours and bold wall papers.

  • Terracotta –Terracotta tiles have been around for a long time but are gaining in popularity. Terracotta is a warm material that brings a sense of uniqueness to a modern interior, and a more grounded, elegant appeal.
  • Cork – this is a stylish material that adds texture to a room. It is a very versatile and a ‘green’ product which is why many designers are using it. Cork wall coverings, furniture and upholstery are growing in popularity. Cork is also waterproof so it can be used in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Cerused woods – also known as a limed-wax finish, adds colour and unusual graining to the wood. It is expected to be used for cabinets and flooring, especially in dramatic hues of black and dark grey.
  • Marble – marble surfaces are frequently found in cafes and restaurants but marble is set to be one of the biggest trends for 2017 in our homes. Not only will marble be used in bathrooms and kitchens but marble motifs will appear in wallpapers and fabrics
  • Statement headboards – the bigger the better. Use bold designs and luxury fabrics to create a dramatic focal point to the bedroom.
  • Shiny metal finishes -Swap out your current hardware for polished brass and bronze knobs and knockers.
  • Matte appliances – After years of stainless steel being the ultimate choice for stylish kitchens the latest trend for 2017 is matte-finish appliances in dark shades to bring an element of drama into the kitchen.

At Live in Developments we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of design and will be happy to discuss the use of any of these materials or ideas into your planned extension or renovation.

For more advice on renovating or extending your home get in touch with Live In Developments today.

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

What’s Involved in a Home Renovation?

You’ve decided to modify your home…

We understand that this is a big decision for any homeowner to make. Your home is your biggest asset and work can be intrusive and disruptive to daily life.

With so many issues to consider, having any type of work carried out is bound to seem daunting at first, and choosing a quality developer you can trust is the most important first step in designing your dream home.

With over a decade of experience, Live In Developments have built a strong reputation in the industry, providing our customers with a flexible, quality service they can rely on.

Project management

When you appoint us, we offer you the opportunity to be as involved as you’d like in your project.

We realise that everybody has a unique idea of the perfect home so we welcome you to work in partnership with the experts at Live In Developments to deliver your building project.

We aim to ensure our service is flexible and convenient for our clients, so whether you prefer daily meetings or concise monthly updates, we will collaborate with your schedule wherever possible.

Disruption

When you have any kind of work done on your house, it’s understandable that you will be concerned about disruption.

With this in mind, we treat your house as a home not a building site, putting every necessary provision in place to ensure it stays clean, tidy and liveable throughout.

Customer peace of mind is of the upmost importance to us so we will work with you to ensure you are able to carry on as normal with minimal disturbance.

If you’re thinking about a home improvement, Live in Developments can help. We aim to take all the stress and worry out of your project, delivering excellent quality builds whilst making the process as simple and enjoyable as possible. Let us take the stress, strains and inconvenience out of your development – you may be surprised at how little our work affects your daily life!