Planning the space

Planning the Space

As we get deeper into the planning process, there are additional considerations to be made.

Keeping Practicality in Mind

While I don't like to indulge in future proofing too much, when making costly changes to a property, it's always worth keeping in mind how these will impact when it's time to sell. Weigh up the importance of having enough bedrooms and bathrooms, but don't get too bogged down in predicting every eventuality.

If you have children, it may also be prudent to factor in how their wants and needs might change over the next 5-10 years, which could impact layout decisions now.

Employing a surveyor at an early stage in your renovation process is definitely a worthy investment, as this will provide you with the exact measurements and floor plans to work from. This can be done before you appoint an architect.

Luxury, Comfort and Space

Often from the small, awkward spaces come moments of fun, luxury or additional comfort - whether that's a bar, a cloakroom or a tiny spare bedroom for guests.

Your Assignment

Try to get hold of floor plans, and using tracing paper, map out a few different ideas for changing the layout, allowing yourself to be informed by the answers you gave to the questions in the lesson 'Planning how you want to live'.