FADY’S RENOVATION

  In essence, FadyReno isn't just about renovations; it's about building dreams, brick by brick, stroke by stroke. With a promise of quality, a legacy of trust, and a future of transformative projects, FadyReno beckons those seeking spaces that tell stories, exude charm, and stand the test of time.

 It is important, when assessing a home for renovation to understand its potential — and this is where a renovation checklist can come in useful. When viewing a house, ask the following questions:

 Is there space to extend, whether that's a rear or side extension, or converting a loft, basement or garage?

 Look at neighbouring houses. Have they been successful in getting planning permission for renovations similar to what you have in mind?

 Are there any covenants or planning restrictions you are aware of that could prevent your planned extensions or alterations?

 Ask a builder or architect to take a look at the property and ask for their professional opinion.

 This beautiful Victorian house has been renovated throughout. A remodel has been made possible by the addition of a striking contemporary glass extension that now houses an open plan kitchen living space. (Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

 If you are aiming to renovate on a budget, this is a really important stage. Before buying a property to renovate, you should be aware that, apart from the usual house renovation costs, there are some additional fees you should factor in, including:

 Reconnection fees: It may be necessary to connect or re-connect a water supply. If there was one it may have been disconnected. Electricity will also be required for power tools or day-to-day living if you plan on staying on site.

 Professional fees: include planning permission and Building Regulations approval, a variety of surveys, structural engineer reports and any other professional fees (e.g. tree surveys) in your budget

 Contingency fund: make sure you have some extra cash on hand to deal with anything unexpected that may arise (and when renovating a house, it is absolutely to be expected)

 There are hidden fees to consider when buying a renovation property, which will add to your overall expenditure on the project. (Image credit: Future)

 The right building survey will ensure any potential issues are flagged up early. In fact, it is possible to arrange a survey before even putting in an offer on the property if the homeowner consents, but this is usually undertaken after an offer has been accepted.

 A building survey should highlight any areas of concern and give you an idea of any essential repairs that will be needed and what they might cost. You will be able to use the report to make a decision on whether to proceed with the transaction, or whether you may be able to barter money off the property based on the findings.

 A building report should reveal the construction methods that have been used in the house (sometimes these vary if the house has been extended over the years). This information can then be used during the house renovation in order that any new materials and techniques used are appropriate.

 Remember, most structural issues will have a solution. While these may well mean you need to increase your budget, finding them early on will allow you to plan better for this.

 You also need to consider that certain structural problems, such as subsidence, could affect your insurance options, as well as its eventual resale value.

 Carrying out a survey and calling in the services of a structural engineer should give you a clear idea of the kind of work you are likely to face when renovating a house. (Image credit: Rachael Smith)

 Aim to identify any structural problems with the property as early on in the project as possible — not only are they dangerous, but they could cause further damage. Subsidence, underpinning or piling work to the existing foundations can be a particular concern. If lateral spread has occurred in the walls and roof, steel ties might be needed. In some cases, the insertion of steel props, beams or scaffold will prevent further collapse.

 A measured building survey will give you a precise scale drawing of the layout of the existing building. These are often required when putting in a planning permission application for the likes of an extension.

Countertop Replacement

 Also think about a drainage survey — it offers peace of mind on a property's drain system and is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the cost of rectifying any drainage problems that are left unidentified after you've already bought the property.

 Once you exchange contracts on a renovation project you become responsible for the site and you must therefore have the right insurance in place. Renovation insurance covers your property while building work is taking place, and is also sometimes known as building work insurance, building renovation insurance and house refurbishment insurance.

 If you are taking out a mortgage to fund the project, your lender may not release any money without your warranty and proof of insurance being in place and should you experience issues such as flooding, theft or fire to the property, however, this tends to be based on standard home insurance. If you don't let your insurer know when you're conducting major renovations, your standard policy could be invalidated.

 When renovating a house, insurance should include public and employer’s liability, cover for building materials and works, plant, tools, temporary buildings, the existing structure, personal accident cover and legal expenses. Typical costs range from £500-1,500 depending on the project.

 Renovating a house can result in some of the most beautiful homes — however it is vital to take out the correct insurance to avoid costly delays. (Image credit: Simon Maxwell & Joe Traylen Photography)

 While house warranties are not always a requirement when renovating a house, they can be a good idea.

 A warranty is basically a policy which will cover your house against flaws in its design, materials or build quality — it will also cover any problems that occur as a result of these defects. They usually last for around 10 years.

 A warranty is basically a policy which will cover your house against flaws in its design, materials or build quality — it will also cover any problems that occur as a result of these defects. They usually last for around 10 years.

 If you are interested in a getting a warranty on your project, get in early as premiums are likely to increase the more you progress with your project.

 It pays (quite literally) when organising funding for your renovation, to check whether you are eligible for any grants that might apply to the house renovation work you are carrying out. You will need to apply for grants before starting work. Check with your local council and also at national level from Central Government via National Heritage.

 When it comes to VAT concessions, reduced rates may be offered on residential buildings that have been empty for two or more years. You can find more on this in VAT Notice 708.

 Once you have secured your renovation project and assessed its structural condition, the next task on your list will be to develop a design for your new home and any extensions you might have planned. Many people renovating a house find producing a design for an existing house trickier than starting from scratch.

 It is not always necessary to hire an architect or designer and obviously you may well have some great home renovation ideas of your own — plus you will save money by coming up with your own design.

 However, extension projects and larger-scale renovation projects, as well as those in sensitive areas or listed buildings, will almost always require professional advice.

 Your options when choose a design professional will include an architect, architectural designer, house designer or even a structural engineer who would be able to provide good solutions for specific problems.

 A professional designer will be able to talk you through the planning permission process, produce designs based on your brief, advise on what will or won’t be viewed favourably by the local planners (some works might fall under permitted development) and give you a good idea of how far your budget will stretch.

 Once you have a design you are happy with and which has been approved, you should create a schedule of works to ensure that you are carrying out improvements in a logical way to minimise disruption and duplication.