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Writer's pictureSusan Van Meter

Prepare For a Successful New Year and Your New Home!


Are you preparing for a successful New Year and a new home?





Renovation involves careful planning, organization, and a clear vision of your goals, so let’s start the process now!


Preparation is fundamental and essential when considering any luxury residential renovation, from a single room to a complete apartment or house. You are about to invest a large sum of money and make important decisions that will impact how you live for a very long time. 


Whatever your vision: quiet luxurious or understated, classic, modern or minimal, we can create, design, and manage the whole process so you can continue your lifestyle and enjoy your Christmas and New Year celebrations.


So, if you’re looking to start that process, here is our comprehensive pre-New Year guide to help you get started and ready to go in January 2025!





The Team:

Always hire Professionals and don’t skimp on design.


The designer must be the first contact point to assemble the team. We save our clients’ money by planning and considering a space's technical aspects: moving walls, plumbing, electrical, floor, and joinery details, project management costs, and contractors. We document the process and deliver the final luxury residential interior renovation project on time and within budget, to continue with your lifestyle.


We only use trusted and reliable builders who we have worked with in the past and who understand our exacting standards. We ensure they follow the best practice criteria and meet all our conditions of excellence.  






Create the design

Clients often undervalue the importance of design.


This needs to be at the top of the process. The design of your project should include every aspect outlined in this list. The finished product must be realized first before any further action is taken to ensure that all elements of the design process are incorporated, so the goal is set to achieve an outstanding finish.


We help you to define your vision and identify what you want to achieve with your home renovation from functionality to aesthetics and enhanced energy efficiency. We prioritize projects by listing the areas you would like to renovate based on budget, urgency, and impact.


Remember, your new home is an extension of your personality. We work with you to achieve a design that suits your lifestyle and vision. We ensure the design scheme is balanced and beautifully curated incorporating your chosen personal belongings to enhance the finished scheme.







Budget:

We research the costs associated with each project, which include materials, labour, permits, and contingencies (typically 10-20% of the budget).


We work with you every step of the way to ensure you know the amount you are spending or any new costs that could arise within the project's lifetime.





Permits and Consents:

We explain the building consent required and the time constraints.


Older blocks of flats and buildings require freeholder or listed building consent. Establishing the consent you require before you start to avoid expensive mistakes is important. Plans and a Scope of Works will need to be submitted with the application which can take up to 8 weeks for approval.


Building consent is required for:

A Grade I listed - buildings of exceptional interest. 

A Grade II *listed - buildings of more than special interest, and are of particular importance.

A Grade II listed - buildings of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them. 






The Timeline:

After we have created the design and products have been agreed with you:


A construction package is assembled and sent to nominated contractors to obtain a price that meets your budget, known as a tender package. A renovation schedule is created. We work with the contractor to outline a realistic timeline for each project phase, factor in potential delays, and set milestones.



Prepare Your Home:

Declutter and Organize:


Clear out areas to be renovated, making it easier for contractors to work. If renovations are extensive you may need to move out while the work is being carried out or consider setting up a temporary living space in another part of your home. We will advise on the best course of action for the type of renovation. 





Project Management:

Communication and Tracking:


Managing the project is very time-consuming and a detailed part of its overall success. Good communication with the client and the contractor is paramount. Tracking progress and product and overseeing all installations are key. We maintain and monitor progress with weekly reports. If there are any changes within the scope, a Valuation of Works (an instruction and cost) is created and approved by you before the work is continued. We are there to keep the project on track and deal with any issues.





By following these steps, you can prepare for a successful New Year and your new renovation, ensuring a smooth and satisfying result; confident that the New Year will deliver your dream home!

Let's get ready!


Contact Susan Van Meter for a free consultation.




































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