Make sure the “done up” space in your home works; you don’t want to make everything pretty only to find the space still isn’t functional. If a space isn’t working, people often think “let’s extend”. It may be the house is big enough, but it’s just poorly configured.

Sometimes all it takes is to knock down a wall.

Consider opening up rooms to make larger living areas: join the kitchen and dining room, convert that little-used ‘sitting room’ into a larger more useful living space or make two smaller bedrooms that never get used into one large sunny living area.

Should you extend? Probably, but it’s about having as much detail as possible decided before we start any work on site. There would be little point to just adding square metres to your home if the new extension doesn’t flow well into the rest of the building. A good extension will connect the rooms you spend most time in, such as your kitchen, living and dining spaces, to make your home more livable.

Done properly by licenced, experienced renovations experts like ourselves, a well-thought-out extension is always welcome and, in most cases, will bring a return greater than the amount spent.

Storage is key. Do you have enough? Where are the problem areas and where does clutter accumulate?

We can get you organised by building customised storage areas.

Where possible, an extension should improve the access to the outside and capture light as much as possible. If designed well, a good renovation will give you a bright, comfortable space to live in that stays warm and dry the whole year around, making it healthy and efficient.

Part of clever renovation spending is getting more economical running costs for your home.

Upgrade the insulation of your house and you will get pay-back in terms of reduced heating costs. This also applies to windows. Windows are the most expensive part of the walls and they let most of the energy out. Replacing, double-glazing and ensuring windows are sealed properly is a great long-term investment in your comfort.