Eternally postponed, the house renovation works are scary and wrongly considered. However, these can not only allow you to make significant savings in the context of an energy renovation but also help you to appreciate your interior more. Besides, postponing this type of operation is not the best plan because the damage does not generally improve.
With inflation still on the rise in 2024, most people won’t be rushing to take on fully optional projects. Homeowners are more likely to focus on non-discretionary projects, like fixing a broken fence or repairing a burst pipe,” Christopher Micetich says
Energy updates, the main focus
Upgrades that improve a home’s energy efficiency are an emergency that must be taken into account in 2024.
The reason is twofold:
– First, these property improvements reduce energy consuming and cut utility bills – offering a much-needed protection during these times of high inflation.
– Second, there’s the legislation offering up GREEN HOMES GRANT of tax credits and other benefits for the British (Scottish) who go green. People will be searching to capitalize on these money-saving opportunities before they run out.
For those searching to improve and increase their house’s energy efficiency, the options are:
– better insulation,
–fitting better windows (double glazing),
– smart thermostats,
– installing heat pumps
Ready to tackle the construction site and improve your comfort of life? Here are our top 7 ideas for house renovation you won’t regret taking on.
What house renovation projects should you invest in?
With the real estate market still in crisis, more and more people have decided not to sell their homes. If you’ve chosen to stay put until things get better, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of that time to make some home improvements that will not only increase your comfort, but will also turn it into your dream home.
Many home renovation projects do not add value to your home in Edinburgh, especially in a declining market. In fact, some improvements can even hurt the sale price when you decide to sell. On the other hand, some projects can increase the value of your home.
There are many projects that can improve the quality of your family life. By working on these projects now, you can reap the benefits of these improvements, and if you are doing green work, you can also start recovering your investment through government or tax exemption schemes for energy efficiency improvements.
House renovation idea 1 – Kitchen remodeling
Most people see the kitchen as the heart of the home, and for this reason, refreshing this room is a good investment. Indeed, you can expect to recoup 60% to 120% of your investment in a kitchen remodel, as long as you don’t go too far. You should never make your kitchen more fancy than the rest of the house.
House renovation idea 2 – Adding a bathroom
If your home only has one, you can recoup a large chunk of your investment by adding another bathroom. You can recoup 80% to 130% of what you spend to add a bathroom during the sale.
When it comes to finding room in your home for an extra bathroom, take a look at extra rooms or underutilized spaces. Also consider other spaces, such as closets or areas under the stairs . If you want a half bathroom, you need at least 1.5-2m². If you want a full bathroom, including a standing shower, you need at least 3 square meters. If you want a bathtub, make sure you have at least 3.5m² for a bathroom addition.
Like any house refurbishment project, the cost of adding a bathroom largely depends on the types of additions and fixtures you want to use, and the cost of each of those items.
Looking for home improvement in Edinburgh?
House renovation idea 3 – Loft conversions
Adding more square footage to your home with a new room can be an incredibly expensive project. While you may get some of your investment back, between 50% and 83%, the costs of this project can quickly spiral out of control.
Reinvent the existing space in your home to save money while keeping the original features. How about a basement conversion? Or a loft conversion? Complete a basement or convert the attic into a bedroom. Many homeowners can also add small apartments in or above their garage with exterior access, which they can then rent out as a bedroom or studio for students or seasonal accommodation.
Before tearing down the walls and rafters, try to think about how you can use the space:
- Versatile pieces are more attractive.
- Basements often work well as second living rooms or playrooms. Many people also turn this space into a small apartment for an aging parent or tenant, which can go a long way to helping you pay for charges like water, electricity, or create additional income for you.
- Attics often work well for playrooms , especially if they have high ceilings. If you have kids, you can add swings and create a cool playroom just for them.
House renovation idea 4 – Addition of energy efficient windows
These days, home buyers seek homes with energy efficiency in mind. Old single-pane windows are a thing of the past, in favor of double-glazed windows, which provide sound and thermal insulation.
You can expect to recoup 60-90% of your costs by investing in energy efficient windows. You can also benefit from a tax credit. You may also be eligible for additional credits from the government, or utilities.
House renovation idea 5 – Add a terrace
The outdoor living spaces have become more desirable, especially as more people stay home for the holidays. If you make your patio and garden more attractive, your home will be more attractive to potential buyers when you decide to sell. Homeowners recover 65% to 90% of their investment by adding a terrace.
The cost of adding a patio to your home varies widely. It all depends on its size and how many bells and whistles you want to add, such as built-in seating, multiple stairs, built-in flowerpots, and the size of the patio.
As you can guess, if you have a property to renovate, you can save a lot of the cost, usually half, by doing the job yourself. Keep in mind, however, that building a patio is not easy. We advise you to check with a local planning company if you need any permits for this type of project.
If you decide to hire a craftsman or contractor, shop around before choosing someone to work with. Make sure you get at least three quotes, with details, from the contractors you solicit. Check contractors’ references carefully before accepting a quote, and watch out for scams.
House renovation idea 6 – Energy efficient insulation
If your home lacks basic insulation and has old doors that let in a lot of hot and cold air, home inspectors working with potential buyers will include it in their reports. Houses that have not been modified for energy efficiency are more expensive to live and maintain.
Doing energy conservation work in your home doesn’t have to be very expensive. You can save a lot of money every year just by making a few changes. For example, you can add additional insulation to your attic for £ 200 or less, and this small change can save you hundreds of pounds each year on your electricity.
- Seal cracks around the house to save even more money on energy costs.
You can often find areas that need more insulation in these places :
- Around doors and windows
- Around electrical outlets and light switches
- In recessed lighting
- Around the attic hatch
- In the basement
- Anywhere conduits or wires exit the house
If you need to replace your water heater, consider spending a little more on a high efficiency water heater. Savvy owners know that these water heaters can really lower their energy bills. If you use less than 300 liters of water each day in your home, a tankless water heater will save you 24% -34% on your water heating costs. If you use more, count on savings of 8% to 14%.
House renovation idea 7 – Standard improvements that make your home sparkle
Basic property maintenance adds more value to your home. Keep the paint fresh, fix the roof if there is a leak, replace rotting wood, and get rid of any mold you find. These types of stains keep your home from deteriorating over time. You want a healthy, strong, and secure home , and you need to do routine maintenance carefully.
You can replace the electrical wiring in your home, repaint the exterior and interior, or replace the plumbing. These projects keep your house in top condition.
In conclusion, certain continuous improvements to your home can greatly improve your living comfort and in the long term considerably increase the value of your property.
Remember to check with the local authority if you have the right to do work or need to apply for planning permission in order to avoid any problems later with the municipality and your neighborhood.
It is also essential to know how much is house renovation before starting the work, and this is far from easy. And for good reason, the cost of renovation work can vary enormously from one project to another!
It is obvious that a house of which electrical installation and plumbing are up to standard will be less expensive to refurbish.
For any questions relating to your home renovation work, do not hesitate to call us. You will benefit from personalized advice and receive a FREE quote adapted to your needs.
Trends in property improvement and Edinburgh renovations in 2024
A new season of property improvement and Edinburgh renovations is going to start. Kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, loft conversions, basement conversions will not escape the critical eye of the interior designers. Looking at the clues about how the house renovation will look in 2024, we also came up with some tips and ideas for you to have a comfortable life.
I will tell you what has changed, what remains and where to look in order to have a dream home, furnished according to trends.
Bonus, I will show you a collection of images from where you can get inspired.
For 2024, designers recommendations and trends are:
- keeping environmentally friendly items,
- unusual shapes,
- natural colors,
- practicality,
- functionality,
- attention to details.
Interior Design Ideas for property improve – 6 Trends of 2024
The world is constantly changing, and so are interior designs regarding property improvement.
Thus, the year 2024 will also bring a series of new trends in terms of furnishings. Here are the main 6 trends that will dominate next year.
1. Arches, rounded shapes
Arches and rounded shapes are once again making their place in interior design and property improvement. Arches, a pillar of Renaissance architecture, can be applied both in architecture, furniture design, and in decorative elements, such as mirrors. Arches and rounded shapes have made their way into interior design for some time.
Sofas, tulip chairs and circular carpets have returned to the center of attention, little by little. Meet the elongated mirrors, architectural details and mushroom-shaped lighting. Wardrobes, sideboards (Italian wardrobes in the style of the second half of the 1900s) and bedside tables also have a more rounded perspective in the future.
2. Instagrammable walls
An “instagrammable” photo is that photo that conquers with beauty and captures attention. In interior design, the instagrammable interior trend has appeared for several years and is still used mainly in cafes, bars, as well as other places visited by young people.
A trend that will dominate in 2024 is instagrammable walls. So, you have to choose either a photogenic decoration, or a wallpaper able of impressing through details. Even a wall covered with digitally printed glass having a spectacular graphic and impact.
3. Lavender tones
Violet, more precisely the color of lavender, will also remain in trend in 2024. This shade favors relaxation, calming the nervous system. In addition, in interior design, the lavender color has the ability to visually increase the volume of the room. The most recommended color combinations are white, gray, ivory, beige and sand.
Freedom and customizing in interior design come first. That means you can select the furniture according to your wants, needs and preferences.
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In the new season, ergonomic furniture – in which there is nothing superfluous – and oval or round shapes will be appreciated. Presenting their new collections, manufacturers focus on smooth curves and rounded shapes.
4. Monochrome
In interior design, monochrome does not strictly refer to black or white, but rather has the meaning of “one color”. But this does not mean such a strict approach either.
For beginners in interior design, a small space, such as a bathroom, can be an ideal starting point. If you want to highlight a certain element, you can opt for an art object or even a statement piece of furniture.
5. Natural light
One of the main advantages of glass is the fact that it has the ability to let natural light enter the rooms.
Thus, making them much brighter and more spacious.
In 2024, as well as in the future, natural light plays a key role in interior design.
In addition to glass, you can use white elements, as well as reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, to maximize the light in the rooms. Besides the practical aspects of interior design, natural light can help save money on electricity bills and can boost productivity and improve mood.
6. Parquet flooring on one of the walls
Another trend adopted last year and which will continue this year 2024 is the parquet flooring on one of the walls. You can use this design in the bedroom, living room, bathroom, hallway, kitchen.
. . . . . .
In general, it sticks to the wall with the bed. Here you have more ideas with parquet flooring on the wall.
Few tips and tricks for 2024 property improvement and Edinburgh renovations
For 2024 property improvement and Edinburgh renovations, we would suggest:
- Corner shelves and stands,
- round hangers in the hallway,
- artistic masks,
- flower pots with a wicker exterior,
- large floor vases. . .
- In the living room, corners can be tempered with footstools, soft, irregularly sized armchairs (so-called bean bags) and coffee tables. In the bedroom, place bedside tables, while the bed can be placed in a corner of the room, which will free up space and increase comfort.
A particularly relevant technique for small apartments is the use of every meter. You can make a corner library or a workstation (a desk), also on the corner, by placing the table near the window.
Unusual silhouettes of coffee tables give the living room a unique look.
Another trend in 2024 property improvement would be “Transformer furniture”
A European trend that is gradually entering our reality is foldable and easy-to-clean furniture. Small apartments, the desire to redecorate every now and then, require multifunctional furniture.
- A bed that can turn into a table with a single movement of the hand or that “leaves” in a closet or a podium,
- a modern TV that turns into a work area with just one or two manipulations.
Such trends will help to create a property improvement not only comfortable and free, but even more spacious.
Smart design for future gadgets
Smart applications are becoming more diverse, reliable and easy to use, adapting more and more precisely to people’s specific needs.
Lighting fixtures can serve as speakers,
- bedside tables are equipped with wireless charging stations for mobile phones,
- sofas “remember” individual preferences,
- beds are gently pushed into a different sleeping position when we snore.
Technology itself becomes an integral, discreet piece of furniture and a main trend in 2024.
If you want, you can equip any furniture with modern devices. Of course, there are always certain technical and design restrictions that can limit your creativity and, increase the total cost of such furniture.
Mix of styles
Modern trends in interior design allow more freedom and a mix of different stylistic approaches. You can combine a vintage wardrobe and minimalist chairs. Combination of trends from different times enlivens the ambience and emphasizes individuality.
Thus, the tastes of different generations are reflected in the scenery, offering the interior liveliness and originality.
Eclecticism in the interior takes first place in the trends of 2024.
Flexible solutions
Living conditions change rapidly today. People are looking for freedom from standard convention when it comes to housing. As the rooms “flow” into each other, there is a need for multifunctional furniture that marks or separates the living spaces from one another:
- tables that you can eat on, but which can also be used as desks for work,
- wardrobes in which you can store things, but which can also become delimiting space.
The kitchen and living room merge, while the bathroom remains a separate room or joins the bedroom.
With the exception of built-in wardrobes, such property improvement require separate pieces of furniture: in order not to deprive the interior of a sense of freedom, it is better to combine them than to use entire collections.
Some experts predict in the next two years a change of vector in the choice of furniture for home decoration. They strongly advise you to abandon furniture sets with a unitary design of all components. Such sets, in their opinion, form a boring space and leave the room without personality. Better to bet on eclecticism. And another trend that will gradually go out of fashion in the next two years is that of upholstered headboards, with complex upholstery patterns or apparent buttons.
Leather or bonded leather is now trending.
The trend of individualization in property improvement
The most important trend in property improvement and interior design for 2024 calls for ignoring all fashion vectors. The focus falls on adapting and customizing the interior of the house according to one’s own interests and tastes.
The demand for designer furniture and items that can be easily customized (mobile lamps, interchangeable shelves, modules, etc.) is increasing. But no matter what unusual solutions the market offers, you must remember: the interior is a comfortable space for its inhabitants. Even when their ideas of beauty contradict the annual trends.
- Combination of materials
A combination of different textures and colors is very fashionable. Metal inserts look harmonious next to glass on a piece of furniture. Wardrobes with sliding doors, chests of drawers and tables with a similar design will decorate a modern interior. Metal and glass are suitable for most interiors, but this combination looks especially good in high-tech style.
- Vintage is back in fashion
It is worth noting that furniture in the spirit of the 1950s is gradually coming back into fashion. The trend of furnishing using old furniture pieces is gaining momentum. The uniqueness of old pieces with history emphasizes individuality.
Color trends
In 2024, the following colors will become particularly popular.
– Terracotta
This brick shade mixed with orange, red and ocher looks impressive on furniture and accessories. It is widely used to decorate sofas, armchairs and coffee tables.
- Green mint
It will successfully replace traditional white tones in furniture. It looks great with sand, tan and ocher shades. If you like cold shades, it is worth adding emerald or gray-blue.
- Green glass
This color is often found in premium furniture design. It looks unusually smart and fresh and fits perfectly into minimalism and loft styles.
- Mustard
This warm hue is associated with earth and the sun. Its use in furniture upholstery gives the room an aristocratic air and originality. Gray, white or chocolate spots will help to reduce the brightness of the tone.
- Blue-grey
It visually enlarges the space, refreshes the interior and gives it brightness. The gray-blue color is combined with dark shades of wood or cool pink tones.
The new trends in 2024 regarding your property improvement
Darker colors are recommended for cabinets and modular furniture.
Furniture production is moving away from the pale and/or bleached shades of wood.
These, were extremely popular, due to the trend of recent years to use the Scandinavian style.
The new series of darker wood furniture brings back the charm of retro sophistication, offering a new vision of modern luxury.
Timeless wood is combined with glass and metal in original design solutions.
Metal handles and legs are the perfect finishing touches, adding a touch of vintage charm.
The combination of walnut, gold, brass and black marble lends sophistication to many pieces of furniture.
Oak is very popular. A wardrobe, a chest of drawers, a sideboard, a dark oak table give living rooms a luxurious appearance. In the new trends, wenge stands out as a pleasant, contrasting shade.
Light-colored (bleached) wood is no longer in fashion, and this year it will be replaced by the rustic simplicity of solid, dark colored wood.
Retro shapes, elegant dining room chairs will be a trend in great demand in 2024.
A perfect opportunity to improve your mood is through your property improvement and decorating your home.
If you plan to make some changes, our team is at your disposal with practical advice and creative ideas.
We are here to bring to life all your ideas and offer you inspiration. Your house renovation and home improvement in Edinburgh are our commitments.
Alpha Business Contractors stands for a different approach in house renovation and property improvement Edinburgh.