Renovation - what was worth the extra money

[isthistoonosy]

We are planning to start a renovation project soon, to live in long term rather than to flip, and wondering where it is worth spending extra money.

If you are going to live in it then spend the money on things that will make your life more comfortable and happy. Have the kitchen YOU want rather than maybe a super trendy one that would be better for selling. Build that extra storage everywhere (you'll probably never get around to it again).

We've done things like have oak skirting boards after walls were skimmed instead of having painted pine, matched window and door furniture to cabinet handles and fitted LED lighting.

Extra sockets.
USB sockets.
Chrome sockets and switches.
Nice door handles (sounds stupid but I really like the feel of the door handles every time I open a door)
Expensive mirror cabinet for the bathroom with toothbrush charger, good lights and de mister pads. Hello easy eye brow plucking after a shower.
Good shower.

I think I cheaper out on pretty much everything else TBH.

Even though its for you, not to make a profti on sale, Id still advise keeping an eye on the overall spend v value as you never know whats around the corner and your plans may change.

That said do things you love or need, not just because its fashionable or good value.

Bifold doors - just love the view we have (even though its only the back garden in surburbia!) even though lots of people don't like them. Make the whole renovation worthwhile.

Chrome lights and sockets, paying for extra electrics / internet cables etc (not sure I quite understand what we did in fact have) but all looks cable free and works well. Zoned lighting.

Quartz worktops in kitchen and bathrooms, side by side ovens, pocket door into utility, Solidor front door, engineered oak flooring.