Are fixer uppers still worth it?

Whilst turn key properties that are ready to move into are still an attractive option, fixer uppers are undoubtedly still worth it if you don’t mind putting a little bit of tender love and care into a renovation project.

Taking the opportunity to restore a home is an effective work around to acquire a house in an area that may otherwise not be within the desired budget or location. Whilst the journey to restore an outdated house can be cumbersome, the end result still yields a number of benefits.

Be sure to consider the potential cost of a renovation project and subscribe to our mail list for more.

Our top 5 design mistakes

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new home or even completing a renovation that interior design then becomes an after thought. It’s also all too easy to become caught up in the latest styling trends that you become overwhelmed with choice.

The interior design element is arguably the most important part that should take careful consideration, so we’ve put together a list of our top 5 design mistakes to avoid when making a house a home:

1. Disproportionate furniture

Considering the size of the rooms when buying furniture and ensure to accurately measure the space that each piece will be placed is important. It’s easy for furniture that does not fit to scale to make a space look confusing.

2. Matching Colour scheme

Some times there is such thing as too much and that can be the case when choosing only one colour palette for the walls, furniture and decor. Choosing one colour to be matchy-matchy can seem like a safe option but rarely looks the part. Instead opt for the 60-30-10 rule - 60% main/dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour and then 10% an accent colour to give each room more vibrancy.

3. Wrong lighting

The wrong lighting in for a room can significantly change the ambiance or equally not utilising the natural lighting. Think about the function of the room and the kind of lighting that would be best suited.

4. Unappealing Wall art

Whilst sprucing up a room with some wall art can seem like a good idea, choosing pieces that are unappealing can dampen a room. In some instances it might even be better to opt for no art.

5. Clutter

Overdoing it with the decor can make a room look unclean and untidy. Instead, inspire your inner Marie Kondo and design your space with only select pieces that fit with the aesthetic.

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According to Gen Z and Millennials, buying a house is no longer within reach

Millennials and gen z have been in an endless debate with baby boomers. Those born between 1955 and 1964 cannot seem to fathom why there appears to be such a struggle to get on to the property ladder. The consensus in recent years is that becoming a home owner is no longer within reach for the younger generation

In the 1970s-1990s, boomers were doing a sweep stake and buying up houses at a fraction of the cost that it was today. According to gen z and millennial’s boomer counterparts, owning a home is still very much achievable given baby boomers ability to achieve home ownership.

Millennials and gen z have been branded as the lazy generation that no longer know how to work for the things they want. If all things being equal then that could be true but there are a number of contributing factors to consider that highlights a stark difference between buying a home as a boomer and buying one as a millennial or gen z. It simply comes down to, things have changed over time.

With that in mind, we have explored some of the potential contributing factors that are limiting gen z and millennial from buying their own home:

Landlords

Landlords hoarding the housing stock has been a long running debate. Despite the minority being single property landlords, there is still a significant amount of landlords holding onto a large supply of housing that is not accessible to the younger generations.

Increased inflation and interest rates

Current interest rates have been soaring and the cost of living crisis is showing no signs of easing. The average interest rate on a 2 year fixed deal is still floating just under 6% and the higher costs associated has made it harder for youngens to save money for a rainy day let alone a hefty deposit for a house.

Inflated house prices

A shortage of housing stock and an overwhelming demand has rampantly increased house prices over the years. Between boomers and gen z time periods, house prices have been on the rise with no clear signs of them decreasing by an impactful level.

Stagnant Wages

Coupled with rising house prices, stagnant wage growth has nearly crippled gen z and millennial prospects when it comes to home buying. Wages have not been able to keep up with house price growth therefore further pushing home ownership for gen z and millennials further out of reach.

There is an argument that homeownership is still very much within reach for gen z and millennials but the stark up hill battle and significant contributing factors associated with obtaining this goal are hard to ignore. Buying a home today is not the same journey as it once was and the complexity of achieving home ownership cannot fairly be compared between the different generations.

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Why adopting a minimalist decor style could be right for you

When people think of minimalism they might think of the popular decluttering methodology by MARIE KONDO. For those who may not be familiar or who have been living under a rock. Marie Kondo’s methodology of decluttering encourages individuals to create clear spaces by decluttering their homes by asking themselves whether an item “sparks joy”. Thus only keeping the items that do, resulting in only the items in your home that you cherish. It could be the case that there are still a lot of items remaining if you decide that they all spark joy.

Source: Marie Kondo Instagram

Whilst it could be argued that this philosophy is still minimalism to an extent, at the very least it is not pure minimalism. So what is ‘pure’ minimalism? Minimalism is about simplicity, attaining detailed pieces that complement each other and create a simplistic aesthetic that is the embodiment of “less is more”. Minimalism isn’t about suffering or sacrifice but having a decor that is still functional and interesting whilst minimising the amount of items you have.

So if your ultimate goal when decorating is to create calm spaces that optimise functionality and minimise the number of items, we have curated some of the positives from adopting a minimalistic decor style:

Less distractions

Adopting a minimalist style can push your productivity through the roof. Studies have shown that a clear space leads to lower stress levels. By eliminating incessant distractions and items that may subconsciously be causing visual stress, it can allow for focus and enable you to become to be more organised in other areas of your life.

Easier when moving

Moving is a pain. It is something that everyone has to deal with at some point in their life. The more items that you have, the more there is to move. And the less items there are to move, the more seamless the moving process will be. A minimalist decor style is optimal for anyone who intends to move home frequently.

Saves money

One of the biggest benefits of minimalism is the financial benefit. Less items means less money spent on the unnecessary and only spending on the necessary. Adopting a minimalist style for your home means you become very intentional with your spending and therefore make more cost beneficial decisions when it comes to your home.

Improved mental health

We all know mental health is important and becoming by more and more impart in modern times. A minimalistic decor style provides the ability to reduce anxiety and improve your mental health. Minimalism is a great catalyst for mindfulness by giving you room to tune out and self discover what is truly important.

Easier to clean

Having less items not only improves your mental health but your physical health too. Minimalistic style choices attract far less dirt and dust and therefore a simpler cleaning process. Nothing says health benefits than a home that is spic and span.

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Most important things to think about when designing a Kitchen

How hard can it be to design a kitchen? That’s probably what you are thinking. Well let us be the first to tell you, there’s more to think about than meets the eye.

We are in time where people value convenience and an improved workflow for their homes in order to get the most efficiency from a brand new kitchen. Designing a kitchen requires great thought in order to find the perfect intersection between aesthetically pleasing choices and a practically effective layout.

Here’s the most important things to think about when designing a kitchen:

Layout

Of course at top of the list is the actual layout. Kitchens can come in all sorts of layouts. From L-shape to gallery to peninsula. The type of layout you choose (or that comes with your house) will determine the best way to design the layout of the kitchen. The layout will impact how appliances can be easily accessed and how easily the placement of sockets are in comparison to safety regulations. The kitchen layout will heavily influence the workflow so it is best to choose a layout that will reduce and mange any kitchen traffic.

Usage

In parallel to the layout, consider the usage of appliances. What appliances in the kitchen are going to be used the most? This will typically be the oven/stove so it is always wise to place them in a location that has the most surrounding worktop space. For appliances that have less usage, it may be wise to place those in corners. Is there enough space to socialise in your kitchen? If so, then factoring in how to separate the kitchen element from the relaxing element is key.

Colour scheme

The kind of colours schemes that go together perfectly can turn a kitchen from an eye sore into a haven. Consider what’s appealing in the current market. That may be neutral tones which give a fresh, vibrant and calming feel. Also maximise the light where there is a lack of natural day light. Greens and Blues may also be an option for those who may want to go against the grain with their colours scheme. Combining bolder colour choices that can withstand the test of time whilst giving room for a unique stamp to stand out is also favourable.

Materials

Choosing the right materials can really go a long way. So it’s important to make sure whatever your choices are, they are long lasting. Kitchens develop the most wear and tear due to the every day usage so selecting durable materials that can weather the storm is a must. Countertop materials are one that come to mind. Whilst marble worktops are much pricier, they are highly durable and may be a more long lasting choice than other cost effective options.

Cost

And finally, the cost. It’s easy to lose track of the budget when designing a kitchen. Consider which choices are most cost effective and practical. That self cleaning oven may be aesthetically pleasing but it may not fit the budget. Some choices may not even be worth the price tag. Ultimately the kitchen design choices will be heavily influenced by the available budget so monitor fluctuating costs closely and make the necessary amendments.

Dream kitchens are a result of proper planning and preparation. Whilst there may be overwhelming moments, designing a well thought out kitchen is highly rewarding. Happy designing.

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The process of buying a house

Buying a house is a big commitment. When deciding to enter into any big commitment, it is important to have an understanding of the critical milestones in the buying process so that there are minimal surprises along the way. 

The home buying process can vary depending on the type of purchase and your own personal circumstances. The order and structure for buying a house is not definitive but these are some of the critical steps in the process:

Preparing your Finances 

Before finding a home, you will need to ensure that your finances are prepared. How will you fund the purchase? Using cash? If it is not going to be a cash purchase then you would require a lender. Are your finances in order? Lenders would likely complete a diagnosis of your financial position before issuing a decision in principle around lending you any money. If your finances are not in order then it may prove difficult to be taken seriously by estate agents. Having a decision in principle from a lender before finding the house will make you a more attractive buyer.

Finding the House

Once you feel prepared, the next step in the process is finding a compatible property. Sourcing the right house can be accomplished through many channels but the most popular options are real estate agents who typically advertise on major real estate portals like rightmove or zoopla. Even if there isn’t something immediately available on these channels, if you are able to form lasting relationships with estate agents, they will keep you in mind and contact you when the right deal comes to market. Or even before.

Putting in an Offer

After finding the right house, and you’ve considered 3 things before buying it’s time to make an offer. Typically there’s multiple offers on a property so do not be disheartened if your offer is not immediately accepted. Given it has been a sellers market for many years, negotiating can take time. Once the offer has been accepted it’s time to instruct your solicitor to complete the transaction. 

Conveyancing

The conveyancing process contains multiple legal activities that need to be completed in order to complete the transaction. Conveyancing includes checking survey results, conducting appropriate searches have been completed and ensuring all open enquiries on the house have been satisfied between the sellers solicitor and yours. It is crucial to complete this due diligence to make sure that you are protected in the purchase before getting the transaction to the point of exchanging contracts. Nearing the end of conveyancing, typically a deposit will be paid at exchange to guarantee the sale.

Key Collection

The final step in the process once exchange of contracts has been executed is to complete the purchase by transferring all the remaining funds to the seller through both parties solicitors. Once verification that funds have been received, the keys can be collected and the house is officially yours.

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How much does a renovation project cost?

Embarking on any renovation project poses many questions. How long will the project take, which builder should be chosen for the project, what are the project goals? A question that first springs to the mind of most novice renovators is - how much will a renovation project cost?

The cost of a renovation has a number of variables, making it is nearly impossible to gauge what the exact cost will be from project to project and from renovator to renovator. Ultimately, the cost will depend on the renovator and their requirements. With that, let’s take a look into the cost of a completed renovation of a 2 bedroom house in London’s zone 5 as a guide:

The original kitchen cost £16,000 to renovate.

The kitchen had an existing extension which had been modernised throughout. The boiler had been completely changed along with fresh floor tiling. Materials came in at £11,750 and The labour costs at an additional £4,250.

The bathroom of the house cost £7,720.

A relatively expensive bathroom renovation for a fairly modest bathroom size. The bathroom labour encompassed the majority of the renovation cost at £6,000. The bathroom suite and materials at £1,720.

The rest of the house cost £7,200.

The rest of the house included the hallways, the stairs, the front room and 2 double bedrooms. A relatively even split between the labour and materials cost for this section. The labour cost £4,000 and the materials came in at the remaining £3,200.

Taking this example renovation as a guide, a renovation project for a 2 bed house could cost over £30,000. A project with different requirements could cost upwards or downwards. 

The budget of any renovation project will depend on the preferences of the renovator. It is important to be mindful and tailor the project budget to that. With that being said, it does not mean you have to cut corners to achieve a successful renovation. Instead, consider reducing the scope or priority of features. Many renovation projects have been achieved for less.

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Considerations when finding the right builder for your first successful renovation project

Ask anyone who has gone through a renovation project, what is the most important part to get absolutely right and most would agree it is finding the right builder to partner up with. Choosing the right builder can really make or break a project if careful consideration is not taken upfront. 

The term ‘cowboy’ builder has become quite popular in the renovation realm. Novice renovators may not be familiar but a ‘cowboy’ builder is quite easy to spot - Glaring red flags like an inability to present a portfolio of work or recommendations on request, previous low quality work, unreliable habits or a reckless disregard for keeping up to date with the latest building and safety, regulations and controls.

Which is why the vetting process for a quality builder is important. Here’s a few top things to consider when finding a builder to partner with and make your renovation project a success.

Get a recommended builder

Having a builder recommended from a reputable source that you already trust provides a level of confidence in their capabilities and service before even seeing their work. 

Leverage an existing network if possible. Perhaps you had hired a trades professional for a different odd job and you liked their work. Even if they do not provide the service that you are looking for, perhaps they can recommend a builder who does. A reputable source is not just those within your immediate circle but reaching out to social media renovators whose results you’ve seen could be another avenue.

Shortlist and compare builders 

Whilst a recommended builder is a great place to start. Moving forward on the basis of a recommendation alone may not be wise. It could be best to take it one step further and benchmark any recommended candidate to others in the market to validate and compare their work or quotes with other builders. 

A great place to increase your candidate pool when searching for the right builder is on mybuilder.com. Mybuilder.com is a number 1 marketplace for trades professionals. Seamlessly post a job ad and immediately get matched to a compatible tradesman. There are online reviews and portfolios of previous work to reference.

Put everything in writing 

Once a builder has been selected it is important to note that a lot of builders work cash in hand for renovation projects. This could be beneficial for both parties as builders who accept cash potentially do so at a reduce rate. It is fairly normal to pay builders thousands of pounds in cash without receipts for work.

Whilst this is a perfectly legal practice it does come with associated risks. To mitigate any potential problems further down the line, write everything down and avoid paying in full and upfront. Reputable builders will typically begin work before payment. 

Remember, the chemistry that you have with a builder is critical to the success of a renovation project. Ultimately, the builders will have relatively unlimited access to your home. Even if they pass the initial considerations, being comfortable having them in your home is the main consideration. 

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Why Ikea Pax wardrobes are an affordable and innovative alternative to bespoke fitted wardrobes

Renovating a home is no small task. The list of things to consider is endless, making it fairly easy to gloss over necessities like fitted wardrobes. The endless myriad of options makes it even more difficult to prioritise. Fitted wardrobes are perfect for utilising space and giving a room a stylish look that provides a sleek floor to ceiling aesthetic but where can you get the best fitted wardrobes?

There’s plenty of options available when choosing a fitted wardrobe supplier but for the average person on a strict budget, the multitude of options may not be the most affordable. On top of that, scheduling a consultation with a designer to take measurements and conceptualise the bespoke wardrobes to your taste could escalate costs even further. Fitted wardrobe retailers like Sharps, could charge anywhere upwards of £2,000 for their their basic services.

So for those who are interested in more budget friendly solutions that can offer the same benefit, that’s where the Ikea Pax system comes into play. With so many combinations and choices, the Ikea Pax system may be able to provide a solution that perfectly meets your fitted wardrobe needs.

What is the Ikea Pax System

The Ikea Pax system is an innovative and affordable alternative to bespoke wardrobes. They give the feel and appeal of a bespoke design but without the price tag. The systems gives you the autonomy of being in complete control of the design process. The Ikea Pax Planner lets you design it all from the style, size, drawers, doors and interior organisers to help sort all of your belongings. The system is so seamless that it enables renovators to perfectly tailor their wardrobes to their tastes without the elongated process of hiring someone to come into their home and measure. 

Credit: Image from Ikea Pax system planner

The concept is simple, measure the space you’d like to place the wardrobes in your home and then head to the ikea planner to choose your features that fit your space and specify how to organise your storage. Everything can be ordered online so there is no need to step foot in the store. The wardrobe frames can be purchased from as little as £75 depending on the size that you choose. 

Once you’ve chosen the selection, you can then take it one step further and build them into the walls to create your unique fitted wardrobes look.  The fitted look can easily be achieved by filling in the perimeter of the wardrobes between the walls using measured and cut pieces of MDF wood. Once the gaps have been filled in to create the perfect look, finish off with your desired paint and caulk.

If you are starting a renovation project and you are not sure hiring bespoke wardrobe fitters is suitable for your project then the Ikea Pax system might be for you. 

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3 things to consider when buying a house

For many, home ownership is viewed as an aspirational goal that signifies success. For others it can simply be a desire for a place to call their own. Whatever the motivations for wanting to cross the threshold into home ownership, preparing for the process of buying is just as important as being prepared to maintain the home itself.

Buying a house can be frustrating especially when you’re not sure how to approach the process or where to start. Before jumping into your home buying search, here’s 3 things to consider when buying a house:

Don’t look for perfection

The perfect house does not exist. Even if you decide to build the house yourself there will always be compromises that need to be made or a goal post that needs to be moved. Holding out for the “perfect house” will only lead to decision paralysis and push you further away from buying a home.

Instead of looking for perfection, figure out what realistic features and qualities are most important from an ideal home and which ones are a ‘nice to have’. Once there is a clearly defined list of must have qualities, tailor the search for a home to that. Whilst there may be some compromises when buying the ideal home, at least the must haves will be met.

Be decisive not impulsive

The difference between being decisive and being impulsive is, one action is based on a predefined and well throughout process and the other is based on emotion. It’s easy to let emotion take over and impulsively land into bidding wars when you think you’ve found the “perfect house”. In reality impulsive decision making leads to paying more for a house than necessary or deviating from the “must have” qualities and a home that does not meet your needs.

Instead, make a decision to buy a house based on the predefined list of ‘must have’ features and qualities. This will guarantee that the decision to buy a house has been well thought out

Be prepared to walk away

Whilst a home may initially appear to meet the predefined list of must have features and qualities, as you move through the buying process it is possible that the desired house no long fits into that category. This could be in terms of higher offers being made that are outside of your budget or hidden dealbreakers coming to light further down the line.

Most people fail at negotiating because they are not prepared to walk away from a deal that no longer meets their needs. Buying a home is no different. Negotiating is an art and the art of negotiating is being prepared to walk away from a purchase that does not meet your ‘must have’ features and qualities yet being assured that another will come along.

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