We all have different tastes, styles, and opinions when it comes to renovating a home. But whether you’re a fan of the Scandi look or you’re more of a Maximalist at heart, there are some basic design principles that apply to all.

Here we offer some advice on the key things to consider – whether you are completely kitting out a new kitchen or simply redecorating a room after renovation work. Plus, we reveal why it pays to give the fixtures, fittings, and finishes that extra bit of thought.

Do your research

A full property renovation can leave many people feeling overwhelmed at the sheer amount of decisions that need to be made. But renovating can also present an exciting prospect too – the opportunity to put your own stamp on a place and make it truly yours by choosing elements that really appeal to your personal taste.

So start by thinking carefully about what overall look, feel and flow you are hoping to achieve. Look at Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration of what other people have achieved in similar spaces. Visit showrooms, take photos, cut up interiors magazines, and create a moodboard to pull all your ideas together and start to build up a picture.

Continuity is key

Regardless of whether you have extended a single room or effectively created a new wing to the house with the addition of a double storey extension, one common hurdle many renovating homeowners face is how to make it feel like it was always there.

The key here is continuity. Take elements from the existing spaces and blend them into the newly created rooms to create a natural flow. This can be achieved by laying the same flooring throughout, painting the walls to match, or simply by adding accessories with a consistent accent colour throughout.

There are, of course, homeowners who would prefer to make a feature of the newly extended areas by deliberately contrasting the look and feel of the new room. This can work particularly well if the extended property is a period property – the juxtaposition of old versus new can add real drama to a property.

Beware of fads and changing fashions

Bathroom fittings and kitchen units can be costly investments. So it is important to think about how the room will function further down the line to ensure your renovating money is well spent.

Opt for timeless fixtures but add contemporary finishing touches via the décor and light fittings, for example, as these can easily be switched up in the future as your taste evolves.

And it goes without saying that high quality fixtures and fittings will not only create a better impression, but last longer.

Make it truly yours

Whilst it is always wise to consider what impact any renovation or décor project will have on the overall value and future saleability of the property, it is important to make it your own. Create spaces that work for the way you live and surround yourself with the colours and objects you love, and the memories that really mean something to you. This can be achieved by making an heirloom piece of furniture the focal point of a room, or by creating a gallery wall of family photos, or with a display cabinet of objects you have collected on your travels, for example.

Design elements to look out for

Here at Revere Contracts, we have completed a wide range of renovations – from period property transformations to contemporary creations. Here are a few of our favourite design elements from recently completed projects:

• Industrial chic: Floor to ceiling glazed windows and crisp white walls contrasted with polished concrete floors to give a sleek and contemporary finish with an unexpectedly industrial edge.
• Period charm with a 21st century twist: Salvaged cast iron fireplaces painted in bold and bright colours to add a quirky modern twist to a period property.
• Inspired by nature: Wooden slat feature walls teamed with a display of houseplants and textured sheepskin rugs draped over chairs and floors to bring the outdoors in.

If you are currently planning a renovation project, call Revere Contracts on 0345 241 7010 or drop us a message via http://www.revere-contracts.co.uk/contact to arrange your free quote.

There is an old saying that when it comes to buying a property, the most sensible option is to ‘Buy the worst house on the best street’.

There is a lot of truth in this. If you make a considered choice to purchase and renovate a run-down property within a good location, you could potentially stand to make a decent return on investment.

But what makes a good location, and what key things should you consider before embarking on a renovation project? Read on as the property experts at Revere Contracts reveal all…

Location, location, location

The location of a property can have a huge impact on whether or not your time living there is enjoyable, or whether or not it ends up being a profitable investment. Of course, every homebuyer will have their own wishlist and priorities when it comes to deciding what makes a good location. Things such as:

• School catchment
• Transport links
• Access to local amenities
• Nearby green space
• The aesthetics of the local architecture and surrounding area
• Proximity to busy roads and traffic noise
• How much of a ‘buzz’ the area has
• Sense of community spirit

The benefits of buying the ‘worst’ house

There are many positive sides to buying a property that needs work. For a start, many buyers may be put off at the thought of having to do extensive renovation work, which means less competition when it comes to purchasing a fixer-upper property. This is a particularly big plus-point given the current market where properties are selling extremely quickly.

The current market is also seeing many properties selling for a significant amount over the Home Report value. You may be able to negotiate a good price for a property that requires extensive work.

Finally, a property that needs renovating throughout effectively provides you with a blank canvas. We recently worked with a homeowner who had moved into a property where the kitchen hasn’t been to her taste, however she couldn’t bring herself to replace it as it was relatively new, in good condition and worth a lot of money. A house that needs to be completely gutted enables you to start from scratch, put your own stamp on things, and make it truly yours.

Things to consider before purchasing the worst house on the best street

Taking on a renovation project is a big commitment in terms of money, time and effort. So before you snap up a doer-upper, ask yourself these key questions:

• How big is the project? Is it just a case of modernising the house with a décor update? Or is it a full-scale renovation involving structural work such as knocking down and adding an extension?
• Check the Home Report for information on any major issues that may need addressed ASAP, for example damp, subsidence, or drainage issues.
• Have any of the neighbours done similar work? If so, it may be worth having a conversation with them about planning permission and possibilities.
• What is the ceiling price for properties in the area? Will your renovations add value to the property?
• Do you have the budget to complete the renovation? Does it all need to be done at once, or could you break up the project into phases?
• Do you have the time to commit to a renovation project? Even if you hire a Project Manager, you will still be required to make countless decisions.
• Do you have somewhere else you can live whilst the renovation is being completed, or do you plan to live in the property during the work?
• Are there any planning restrictions that may limit what you are allowed to do to the property?

Want to talk?

If you are currently planning a renovation project, call Revere Contracts on 0345 241 7010 or drop us a message via http://www.revere-contracts.co.uk/contact to arrange your free quote. With our knowledge, expertise and experience, we can transform the ‘worst house’ into the best!

 

 

Desperate to create some extra space at home but daunted by the process of designing and building an extension? It’s understandable, especially as no two home extension projects are the same. However, whether you’re creating a relatively simple side extension or embarking on a more complex two-storey project, there are some fundamental things you should keep in mind. Here, the construction experts at Revere Contracts explain all in this simple step by step guide to home extensions.

 

Be flexible

The repercussions of Brexit and the pandemic are still having a major impact on the construction industry. Materials, labour and HGV driver shortages, coupled with delivery delays and a surge in demand are all continuing to have a knock-on effect. A degree of flexibility is therefore required with regards to timescales and costs, and it’s important to acknowledge this right from the get-go.

 

Think carefully about your budget

Before starting any project, it is important to have a clear idea of your budget. It is easy to get carried away at the thought of designing your dream home, but think carefully about what you can realistically afford and how much of a return on investment the extension is likely to give you.

Consider how you will fund the project, for example through savings, a personal loan, home improvement loan, or re-mortgaging your property. Factor in potential additional costs, such as renting elsewhere while the building work is being completed. And crucially, remember to set aside a contingency fund to cover any unforeseen circumstances, particularly if the extension is for a period property as these can often throw up unpredictable challenges. 20% is generally the recommended amount for a sensible contingency fund.

 

Choose your architect wisely

A good architect will be able to get to the root of what currently does and does not work for your property – which spaces are overcrowded or under-utilised, for example. This key information will inform their brief and give you a realistic expectation of what can be achieved with the addition of a home extension.

As well as being responsible for the design, architects can liaise with various consultants on your behalf. They can consult with the structural engineers who will produce drawings and calculations for Building Regulation purposes, as well the party wall surveyors, and the Building Control Officer, for example.

Finally, the architect can guide you through the planning process and ensure all relevant authorities are appropriately notified.

 

Keep in contact with your main contractor throughout the project

A trusted, experienced main contractor can make all the difference to the success of a building project. For full peace of mind from the offset, ask for references and details of previously completed projects, agree payment terms before commencing, and sign a contract.

The main contractor can then be entrusted to project manage the entire build – from the laying of the foundations right through to the final finishes. They can organise the tradesmen, hire building equipment and machinery, and ensure the project runs according to plan. The key is to keep in contact so they can communicate openly about the progress of the project.

1. First up, the foundations will be laid before being approved by the Building Control Officer from your local planning authority.
2. Reinforcement, pipework and drainage will then be laid, concrete poured, and the Building Control Officer will return to sign off this work.
3. Next is the creation of the superstructure – whether that be with bricks or blockwork, plus the cavity wall insulation.
4. Internal walls will then be constructed.
5. The roof will then be added, followed by windows, doors, guttering and downpipes.
6. All first fix carpentry, plumbing, and electrics will be completed next, and any stud walls finished.
7. The plastering will follow, plus second fix electrics and plumbing.
8. The flooring will be installed, followed by any fixings and units.
9. Then it’s over to you to complete the project with the decoration and styling of the interiors.

 

Find out more

If you are considering adding an extension to your home, call Revere Contracts on 0345 241 7010 or drop us a message via www.revere-contracts.co.uk/contact to arrange your free quote.

 

It is fair to say the property market in 2021 was fast-paced. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics the average house price in the UK reached £271,000 in November 2021 – that’s £25,000 higher and an increase of 10% on the previous year. And whilst many are predicting the housing market could slow down in 2022, there is still a great deal of pent-up demand resulting from the pandemic restrictions.

For many people keen to get moving, renovating their current property is the best way to ensure it sells quickly and at the best possible price when it hits the market. For others, the sheer speed at which properties are selling, and the amount over the asking price at which they are selling, is enough to convince them to stay put but redesign their home to make it a more workable space.

So, whether you are renovating to sell or stay, here are a few of the home renovation projects that we expect to be big news in 2022.

The open-plan kitchen, diner and entertainment room

If the past couple of years has taught homeowners anything, it’s just how valuable space is. One of the best ways to create extra space in your property is to knock down internal walls to connect smaller compartmentalised rooms into one larger living area.

Top of many of our clients’ wishlist this year is an Instagram-worthy kitchen featuring an island for cooking and preparation, plus a dining area, as well as room for a sofa and chairs where family and friends can relax whilst dinner is being prepared – three distinct zones, all seamlessly flowing into each other.

Having created many open-plan kitchen, diner and entertainment rooms, we have found it can completely transform the way families use their home and spend time together, and it really does become the heart of the home. In fact, many of our clients have reported they spend the biggest percentage of their time in this newly created area – with parents cooking in the kitchen zone while the kids do their homework at the dining table or relax on the sofa with a book, for example.

The key to making this space a success is to maximise all available natural light – whether that be through skylights, large bi-fold doors or walls of glazing. This will add to the sense of space and openness in the property.

The snug

Whilst an open-plan kitchen, diner and entertainment room provides a fantastic space for families to come together and connect, we’re finding more and more clients are requesting an additional, separate room to be used as a snug for relaxing. For some, this becomes the TV room, and for others it becomes the ‘grown-up’ room where parents can retreat after the kids’ bedtime to enjoy a glass of wine and a good book.

The key to creating the perfect snug is to invest in good quality comfy chairs and soft furnishings to make it more conducive to relaxing and unwinding. And in contrast to other rooms where the rule is generally to maximise space and light, a snug is all about enveloping yourself in cosiness. Therefore, the current décor trend for snug rooms is to opt for darker colours, particularly deep blues and greens, which effectively close in the space.

The home office

Despite restrictions easing, many businesses have recognised the benefits of working remotely – the reduction in overheads and the greater work / life balance it creates for employees, for example. And so the home office continues to top requests when it comes to property renovations.

Knowing that working from home, or at least hybrid office working is now a long-term option, our clients are investing in good quality set-ups – high-end desks and chairs that provide comfort and support and are built to last.

The hobby room

Thanks to furlough, the pandemic gave many people time to explore new hobbies – from mindful yoga to creative crafts. Having reaped the benefits of these newfound past-times, many people are now looking to create a permanent dedicated space where they can enjoy these hobbies on a regular basis.

To get the most out any hobby room, it’s worth investing in good storage. From shelves and units, to clearly labelled stacked boxes – this means everything is safe and secure, yet accessible whenever you need it. Having everything organised in this way will help to de-clutter your mind and keeping floor space clear will help to create a sense of space, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in your hobby without distraction.

Transform your home

If you are considering a home renovation project this year, call Revere Contracts on 0345 241 7010 or drop us a message via the website at http://www.revere-contracts.co.uk/contact to arrange your free quote.

 

 

The New Year traditionally signals new beginnings – a time when we set out our intentions to better ourselves in the months ahead. It is therefore unsurprising that we receive such a high volume of house renovation enquiries in the New Year from homeowners looking to improve their properties and, in turn, their lives and the lives of their families in the coming year.

A time to reflect
Enjoying hard-earned time off work during the festive period can provide some people with a chance to reflect on what matters most to them. For many, it is the happiness of their family that is paramount, and providing them with a warm and happy home that fulfils all their needs and enables them to live life to the fullest. For others, having extended family and friends come to stay over the holiday season can really ‘hit home’ (excuse the pun!) how desperate they are for additional space!

Planning for the future
With the family all under one roof throughout the Christmas holidays, it can often kickstart conversations about future plans and whether or not that includes any new additions to the family. Incidentally, Christmas is the most popular time of the year for couples to conceive, which might go some way to explaining why we at Revere Contracts see an increase in home extension and home renovation enquiries in the subsequent months!

Investing in the future
The New Year is also a time many people assess their finances and consider where best to invest. For this reason, a house renovation, extension or other such home improvement may prove to be a sensible way to ensure a decent return on investment.

The answer to the winter blues
With the excitement of Christmas over and with months of cold, dark weather still ahead before spring arrives, a house renovation project can offer homeowners a much-needed positive focus. Designing rooms and choosing fixtures, fittings, colour schemes and soft furnishings offers a great opportunity to get creative.

Looking forward to better weather
Whilst the building and construction experts at Revere Contracts can work on projects in virtually any weather, the spring summer months are more conducive to certain tasks than the harsh winter months. External work, for example, is best planned for the summer months, as jobs such as bricklaying is best carried out in dry conditions. Planning home improvement projects can often take time, so it pays to get the ball rolling at the start of the year so work can be carried out in the warmer, drier summer months if possible.

Preparation is key

If your New Year’s resolution involves a new house renovation project, here are a few things to consider:

• Work out your budget: How do you plan to finance the project – savings, loan, credit card, for example?
• Get the most bang for your buck: Think about what changes you and your family would most benefit from. For example, do you need extra room to cook and dine with a rear kitchen extension? Or perhaps you could do with an extra bedroom, en-suite and home office thanks to an attic conversion?
• Ask permission: Check if you will need Planning Permission and Building Regulations Consent, bearing in mind that Planning Permission can takes up to several months to be granted.
• Call in the experts: When looking for architects, structural engineers, builders, joiners and electricians, ask around for recommendations from neighbours, local friends and families. Obtain more than one quote for comparison, take a look at the company’s previous work on their website or social media to get an idea of their skills and standards, and check out online reviews and testimonials on sites such as Houzz and Bark.

If you are currently picturing how different your life could be this time next year and you are interested in building, renovating or improving your home in the coming months, speak to the building and construction experts at Revere Contracts. Simply call us on 0345 241 7010 to arrange a free, no-obligation appointment.

With more and more people becoming aware of the impact of climate change and the need to take urgent action, sustainability is a hot topic of conversation. When it comes to fighting global warming, going green begins at home. So whether you’re building an eco-home from scratch or you’re retrofitting an existing property to reduce its carbon footprint, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider when planning any eco-friendly home renovations projects.

Increase the insulation

Insulation, or the lack of it, can have a huge effect on the overall efficiency of a property, creating both an economic and an environmental problem. The answer is to insulate the loft – ideally with 300mm or more of insulation – and fill the cavity walls. Where this is not possible, for example in period properties with solid walls, alternatives include internal thermal lining or the application of external insulation.

Opt for double or triple glazed windows

Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass to create a vacuum. This acts as an insulator, reducing heat loss by convection. By opting for triple glazing, the conduction, convection and subsequent heat loss is reduced even further, meaning the heat stays in the room rather than radiating outside. If you’re happy to spend a bit more on your eco-friendly home renovations, look out for argon-filled glazed windows or low-emissivity glass which will help to reflect heat back into the property, therefore saving you money in the long-run.

Fight the draughts

Whilst old wooden floorboards might add much-wanted character to a room, they can often create unwanted draughts. Seal all gaps and add insulation under the floorboards to help minimise heat loss. Add draught excluder strips to the bottom of doors and fill air leakage paths around pipe entries.

Get the right light

For those still in the planning stage of a build, think carefully about the positioning of windows to maximise natural light. Fit low energy lighting throughout – compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LEDs, for example. And be diligent about switching off all lights when not in use.

Upgrade your heating system

Upgrading your existing gas central heating system to a modern condensing gas boiler will increase the energy efficiency of your home, especially when combined with a boiler controller, smart heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) controls, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves. However, those looking to fully commit to the eco cause could consider a ground-source heat pump or a biomass boiler and combine with photovoltaic panels to generate electricity.

Incorporate reclaimed materials

Keeping materials in use and out of landfill is better for the environment so ‘make do and mend’ and head to local salvage yards to find suitable reclaimed materials for your eco-friendly home renovations.

Pick the appropriate appliances

Pick water efficient taps, low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads to reduce water usage. Check the energy efficiency rating of all white goods and electrical appliances. These are things you will be using day in, day out, so any small savings in energy here will soon add up.

Go for an eco-friendly finish

When it comes to painting and decorating, water-soluble eco-paints made from natural pigments have lower levels of volatile organic chemicals making them much kinder to the environment.

If you’re keen to explore the prospect of an eco-friendly home renovations project, speak to the building and construction experts at Revere Contracts. Simply call us on 0345 241 7010 to arrange a free, no-obligation appointment.

A major new study has revealed that Edinburgh is the second top UK city for residential property investment. The findings, courtesy of international commercial property advisers, Colliers, show Edinburgh just pipped to the top spot by Cambridge, with Bristol and London surprisingly behind in third and fourth place respectively.

The reason for the Scottish capital’s strong position is due to a combination of factors including its solid record of house price growth, growing economy, highly educated workforce, growing population, range of quality universities, and impressive cultural heritage. All this, combined with its relatively compact size which makes it easy to navigate, means Edinburgh is a greatly desirable place to live, study, and work – which in turn makes it an appealing prospect for property investors.

It is therefore no surprise that property prices in Edinburgh have soared by a staggering 17 per cent since the pandemic hit in March 2020. In fact, the current average sale price of a home in the city is around £275,000 – up 5.5 per cent compared to last year.

Edinburgh – a city for everyone

Edinburgh offers great potential to investors because of its diverse appeal. Thanks to the city’s reputation within the world of finance, tech, tourism, and retail, it has an enduring appeal for professionals. The world-class education available at the leading universities means it will always appeal to students. And because of the range of top-quality schools and reliable public transport links, it’s the perfect choice for families too.

Unlocking the potential within Edinburgh properties

Revere Contracts was established in Edinburgh in 2018 and since then we have completed numerous residential renovations for property investors. We therefore have a thorough understanding of the importance of good quality materials and workmanship built to last, but always with careful consideration of our clients’ budgets to ensure they get the maximum return on their investment. Our most commonly requested renovations include:

• Creating an extra bedroom: Given the generous proportions of traditional Edinburgh tenements, we have reconfigured the internal layouts of several investment properties by splitting one large bedroom into two, to effectively double the potential income for landlords. We have also transformed kitchens into multi-use cooking, dining, and living areas, enabling living rooms to be changed into an additional bedroom.
• Creating an open-plan layout: As well as putting up walls, we’ve also done our fair share of taking down walls too! Creating a more open-plan layout is much more conducive to the modern way of living, therefore top of many property investors’ wishlists.
• Sympathetically modernising period properties: So many of Edinburgh’s properties are full of Georgian and Victorian charm, with stunning original features. We have experience in complete interior renovations, modernising period properties whilst retaining as much of the character as possible.
• Extending to create extra space: Whilst the nature of some of Edinburgh’s traditional period properties present their own unique challenges when it comes to extending, in many cases it is perfectly possible to extend to the side, rear, or convert a garage or attic to create more living space.

Revere Contracts – trusted by property investors throughout Edinburgh and beyond

If you would like to discuss the renovation of an investment property, speak to the experts at Revere Contracts. Simply call us on 0345 241 7010 to arrange a free, no-obligation appointment.

 

For anyone currently undertaking a home renovation or building project, you will no doubt have heard about the major shortage of construction products and materials. From builders and roofers to plasterers and painters – tradespeople of every kind have been affected and, according to industry experts, the shortages look set to continue for the rest of the year. So what is the reason for the shortages and what knock-on effect is this having on companies like Revere Contracts and our clients? Read on to find out.

 

Building in a pandemic

Earlier this year we wrote a blog which addressed the impact of Brexit on the construction industry and discussed the changes and challenges resulting from the UK’s decision to leave the EU. A shortage of labour, supply issues with building materials, and uncertainty over changes to laws, regulations, and standards were the key factors having an impact on construction companies. These negative effects are still being felt but unfortunately the problems have been further exacerbated by the pandemic. Factories affected by lockdowns are still working their way through months of backlogs, and the NHS Covid app ‘pingdemic’ has resulted in yet more time lost as thousands of tradespeople and lorry drivers have been forced to self-isolate.

 

Unprecedented demand

It’s fair to say the demand for home improvement has boomed in 2021. In fact, according to the June Construction PMI from IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), construction output reached a 24-year high in June 2021 – the fastest rise in construction activity since 1997. It makes sense that after months stuck in lockdown and working from home, many homeowners are keen to extend, convert, and renovate their property. But this dramatic rise in demand is only adding further strain to the construction industry, with many smaller businesses struggling to keep up.

 

Shortage of materials

A marked shortage of timber has been causing problems since March 2020. Since then, a warmer winter than usual has further affected timber production in Scandinavia, causing even more problems. Similarly, the cold winter weather in Texas has affected the production of chemicals, plastics, and polymer.

The steel industry has also been faring badly; The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association reported that a dramatic reduction in steel production in early 2020 had caused a worldwide shortage. In fact, many steel manufacturers have stopped taking orders as they are worried that panic buying will result in extremely low stock, and British Steel has stopped taking orders on structural steel sections due to “extreme demand”.

It’s a similar case when it comes to roof tiles, aggregates, cement, concrete, electrical components, plaster, plasterboard, paints, and sealants – all of which have been affected by shortages and delays which are expected to continue for the remainder of 2021.

 

Rising costs

The shortage of materials, together with the shortage of shipping containers and rising shipping costs has led to a dramatic increase in costs. In fact, the cost of materials increased by 15.6% between June 2020 and June 2021, according to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy‘s Monthly Statistics of Building Materials and Components report for July.

 

How is this affecting building projects?

Every construction company is feeling the effects. The production of materials in some EU factories has slowed significantly because of the ongoing effects of the pandemic, suppliers are still dealing with backlogs from lockdown, materials are in short supply, global supply chains are stretched, delivery times have been lengthened due to Brexit and the ‘pingdemic’, costs continue to rise, and demand continues to grow. In short, it is inevitable that most building projects are currently suffering some sort of setback, whether that be a time delay or an increase in cost. And unfortunately it is likely these effects will continue to be felt for the rest of 2021.

 

Our response

We understand how frustrating it is when a project is unavoidably delayed or costs rise beyond our control. We would like to assure all clients that we are continuing to work closely with our suppliers and partners to ensure we secure quality materials as soon as they become available. We are also committed to staying in constant contact with all clients, and we will continue to provide regular updates.

If you would like how the current global situation may potentially impact your project, please call us on 0345 241 7010  or email revere-contracts.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

 

For all their charm and character, there is often one minor downside to purchasing a period property – not enough bathrooms! The way we live and the way we utilise our homes has evolved a great deal in recent times. Even within the past 18 months alone we’ve witnessed a huge change in how much time we’re all spending at home – working remotely, exercising, and home schooling for example.

So it follows that many homeowners have come to the realisation that their current set-up needs a little tweaking and one of the most common enquiries we’re receiving is about adding an extra bathroom.

Adding a good quality bathroom is a great way of ensuring a period property, or any home for that matter, is optimised for modern family life. No more waiting around in the morning, working out a schedule to ensure everyone gets their allotted time in the one and only family bathroom. Think how many arguments could be avoided! For our top reasons why it pays to add an extra bathroom and how to do it right, read on…

 

Money talks

First and foremost, the number one factor to consider before making any major changes to your home is to weigh up the return on investment. Recent figures from Nationwide Building Society show that an extra bathroom could add around 5% to the value of a home in the UK. It’s also likely to make the property more sellable, should you decide to put it on the market immediately after renovation or at some stage in the future.

 

Location, location, location

Those already considering having work done to their home, for example by adding a bedroom in the attic or extending a kitchen into the back garden, adding an additional bathroom at the same time is well worth looking into. Other places to consider include converting a garage or adding a smaller sized WC under the stairs.

Whatever the location, if you’re able to place your new fixtures close to existing water and waste lines, you can keep construction and plumbing costs down. Ventilation is also an important thing to consider – to meet building regulations and to avoid any potential damp issues, the new bathroom will need a window or at least a fan.

 

Weigh up your options

For those considering adding a bathroom within an attic conversion, it’s essential your floor joists can handle the weight of all the fixtures, which can weigh up to 20 pounds per square foot.

 

Use the space wisely

If space is an issue, there are plenty of clever hacks to consider. For example, opt for a door that swings out, rather than in, or choose a sliding door in order to maximize the available space for fixtures.

If you have a sloping roof within your attic conversion, a bath and hand shower combination is ideal. And wall lights either side of the mirror instead of a ceiling light are great alternatives.

Finally, for an under-stair toilet, a corner sink or a combination toilet and basin unit is a particularly good space-saving solution.

 

Quality finish is everything

We’re seeing a shift in people’s perceptions of bathrooms, they’re no longer a purely functional space, but a luxurious haven of self-care. As a result, people are spending more on top quality fixtures, fittings, and finishes – and rightly so! Gone are the old wet boards and in are the floor to ceiling metro tiles, extra deep roll top baths, crittall shower screens, and black taps – it all adds up to create a sumptuously high-end look. And size doesn’t matter, even the smallest of under-stair WCs can still make an impact with wood panelled walls or statement wallpaper.

 

Trust the experts

Here at Revere Contracts, we’ve completed countless beautiful bathrooms as part of wider renovation projects. You can check out our 5-star reviews online such as Bark and Houzz or browse examples of our work on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

If you’d like to chat to an expert about adding an extra bathroom to your home, call us on 0345 241 7010 to arrange a free, no-obligation appointment.