Make a house a home, the modern way. Making changes to your home can be a challenging task. Setting yourself a budget based on what you can afford is a great starting point for modernising your home. The most important thing is to stick to your budget, because if you spend more, you may not see the full value.
We are here to help you make sure your decisions are the right ones. Here’s our top 5 tips and some important things you need to know.
1. From the outside in
The kitchen is typically the centrepiece of most homes – it’s where you cook and all the family tend to come together. So why not freshen up your cupboards or declutter the work surfaces to really make the most of your space? In the bathroom, easy cosmetic tweaks to your fixtures and fittings as well as your tiles will give the room a real boost!
Out with the old, in with new – replacing old for new can be a great way to start making improvements around your home, but make sure you do your research and be as savvy as you can. Only replacing the things that you really need to will pay off in the long-run.
2. Space savers
Make the most of the space you have around your home by finding room for storage in the places you wouldn’t expect! Under the stairs can be a great way to utilise a void, especially if your staircase is in the living room. In the kitchen, organisers for your cupboards can help you make the most of what you have. When it comes to upstairs, you could consider a built-in wardrobe with bespoke hanging rails and shelves to suit your needs. Maybe even utilise the loft or if you want a bigger project you could consider transforming it into a completely new room.
When repurposing your loft space, it’s always best to consider the insulation, to ensure it remains a warm room. Consider insulating the sloping roof, between the rafters or leaving an adequate gap under any flooring you install. To find out more, read our article about Installing loft insulation.
3. Smarten up
A smarter home makes for a more modern one and it’s great for adding value to your property too! Smart devices not only make life easier, as they allow you to be in control of your home no matter where you are, but over time they can help save you money. Here are some popular gadgets for you to consider…
Lighting – smart bulbs connected via an app on your phone or through a smart hub means you can switch them on or off remotely, and even change the colours to match your mood!
Heating – control your home’s heating system with a smart thermostat. It’s a great way of making sure that your home is always the right temperature.
Security – doorbells with cameras that connect to your phone, mean you can keep an eye on your property 24/7 and see who’s knocking at your door.
Smart home devices allow you to connect to your home in many ways. Their main aim is to provide assistance and convenience to control your home in a way that will benefit you. To find out more, read our article on What is a smart home?
4. Kerb appeal
Enhance your home’s kerb appeal by making some changes to the front of the house. Here’s some ideas that will help make yours stand out from the crowd!
Cladding – From timber and laminate to metal and PVC, there’s a wide-range of materials to choose from that could completely transform the front of your home. If you choose to go down this route you’ll probably need planning permission, so make sure you check with your local authority.
Important information around Planning permission
Getting the right permission is crucial in all that you do to your home. Building something new, changing the use of your building or adding an extension are the main scenarios where permission would be required. Contacting your local authority through your local council will mean you get all the right information.
Front door – something that can really stand out when looking at your property is a new look for your front door. You could opt for something completely new – there are all types of styles to consider with a variety of shapes of glass to fit in with every style of home. Or, make the most of what you’ve already got – it’s amazing how a lick of paint can freshen things up.
You might be considering extending your property, so why not read our article Home extension ideas.
5. Garden enterprise
Whether you enjoy socialising at home or want a place for your whole family to make the most of, getting it right in the garden can have its benefits. Have a look around your local garden centre to get some inspiration and inject some colour and texture with new plants and flowers. Keeping up with maintenance will help it always look its best too.
Landscaping – if you’ve got a lot of space at the front of your house, why not consider putting your own spin on it? New paving, gravelled areas, a new lawn and even creating a focal point to catch the eye of passers by are just some of the things you can look into.
Looking to enhance other parts of your home? Read our article on 7 home improvement ideas on a budget.
FAQs
What comes first in home modernisation?
It’s always best to check if you’ll need any planning permission and then go from there. Having a good clear out and getting things organised, will really help you see what space you have to play with so you can get the most of every part of your home. Then comes the fun bit… get those paint brushes out and give your house a fresh feeling, inside and out.
How do you modernise a house with a smaller budget?
There are a number of ways you can upgrade your home on a smaller budget:
- Give it a deep clean
- Paint inside and out, including your front door and exterior walls
- Refinish fixtures and fittings
- Have a good clear out
- Get things organised
Is modernising a house worth it?
It can be hugely rewarding and beneficial, even adding value to your property. It can, however, be time-consuming and costly, and sometimes be more expensive than the value you can gain.
What home improvements add the most value?
- Kitchen improvements
- Bathroom improvements
- Lighting improvements
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Kerb appeal improvements
What do valuers look for when valuing a house?
The valuer will examine the size of your home, the condition, fittings, age, fixtures, layout and design. Other things they’ll take into consideration are ease of vehicle access, garages and outbuildings.
How do I apply for planning permission?
To apply for planning permission, contact your local planning authority through your local council. If your project needs planning permission and you do the work without getting it, you could risk being served an enforcement notice asking you to undo all the changes you’ve made. It’s illegal to ignore an enforcement notice, but you can appeal against it.
