If you were renovating..

[Ohhawtdang]

We are about to embark on our “forever house”
(why does this term make me want to vomit?) It’s a real start from scratch type, so I’m trying to really think about smaller things that make all the difference. We don’t have endless money and need to prioritise a lot of boring bollocks to begin with… electrics, plumbing etc.

I was thinking of various things. Like how I need somewhere for a bigger bin (the small pull out has never cut the mustard) and dimmable lights in the bathroom- bright lights as I bathe has always upset me..)

but also… alternatives to radiators that are always a pain taking up wall space and dictating furniture positions. Hate tall rads, too modern. I don’t know the answer to this, still googling

so if you could start from scratch. What helpful, nice or life improving things would you do to make your house perfect for you?

it’s going to take us forever to do this house so I figure we might as well get serious about the small things that fine tune and make a house great.

If you’re in it for the long haul and everything needs doing then I would start with the bathroom and bedroom. You need somewhere you can retreat to, somewhere where you can be clean and escape from all the dirt and dust that renovating a house throws up. We’ve done it ourselves a few times, literally back to bricks and mortar and it can be hell.
It will be worth it in the end - good luck.

This.
Build for energy efficiency and you'll reap the rewards for years.
Light - large windows, ideally with views
Neutral decor as your tastes will change. Much easier to change soft furnishings etc
Think about future needs not just current ones

I'm starting renovation for my forever home as well! I've previously renovated my favourite house.

What I've learnt is do the bedrooms first even if it's just paint and carpet. Having a lovely bedroom has made the process less stressful and rushed. I'm having to do it slowly and I recently had new windows and a french door with triple glazing.

From my favourite house I would not get under cabinet lighting as I never used it or a roll top bath. I don't think I'm going to bother with a rainforest shower either. I'm not going to spend so much money.

But I'm having 2 bathrooms, a kitchen diner, a dishwasher and I hope to squeeze a washer in the second bathroom.

Definitely as much storage space as you can fit in. Clothes drying space for wintertime is really important as well, so the house doesn’t feel like a laundry.

Underfloor hearing in bathrooms only

Twin shower valves with overhead shower and also hand held arm

sockets - I recently renovated my office - it’s small (about 3.5m x2.5m) - and put in 20 plug sockets on advice. Was convinced it’d be too much but:

3 lamps
1 mini fridge
1 printer
2 lap tops
2 phone chargers
1 wireless charger
1 Alexa
1 shredder
1 diffuser

there’s always another 2-3 in use for charging ipads, power banks, portable straighteners etc and of course somewhere to plug the cleaning equipment.

These are so great!