4 things you need to make that renovation or self-build dream a reality

When it comes to a renovation or self-build, you want to know exactly what you will need. Unfortunately, what you will need for your build will be entirely dependent on the type of renovation or expansion you will be doing. Here is a list of some of the things that every kind of renovation or self-build will need, from planning software to possible future extensions. 

#1 You are going to need the right software

You are going to need to get the right software to ensure your planning is accurate and your goals are realistic. There are many different kinds of software you can use, either from a market leader or this list of competitors. After choosing the best one from this list, you will be free to have a look at what you are doing and experiment with your space to discover the look that you really want.

You can then narrow this down to a couple of strong ideas, then pick the best, which you can then put into action. This is a vital step as picking the best software can mean that you get the best plan for yourself and your home. Having a large and accurate plan of your home can cut out a lot of problems with inaccuracies later on and can make sure that everything works well with the space that you have given it.  In short, getting the right planning software is an absolute must-have at the start of any renovation or self-build project.

#2 You are going to need to think about your location

This is very important as it covers two areas: firstly, if you are renovating a house that you own already that you have enough space to allow the renovation to happen safely; secondly, if you have brought a bit of land with the purpose of building on it, that everything is going to work out. It’s one thing building onto a house that already has its foundations and plumbing in, even if you are ripping it all out and starting again. Starting completely from scratch is a different prospect entirely, and you will most likely need a lot of professional advice and input to make sure that you do pull it off well.

Of course, if you are already a highly trained professional, you probably don’t need a large number of second opinions, and you probably know exactly what you are doing. 

#3 You need to make sure that you get planning permission 

Making sure that you get planning permission is crucial to ensure that you get the go-ahead for your amazing new project. You need to make sure that your project meets all of your area’s zoning and building codes. This might make it sound difficult to do what you want to your home, but sometimes the area that you might purchase land on or own a house on will have very loose zoning codes to the point that as long as your building isn’t impending on another residents owner’s rights.

This might sound like a bit of a pain, but it can be one of the upsides if you purchase some land or if your property has a lot of space around it that you own, such as a very large yard. However, you have to make sure to go through with any changes with your local government or council before you start making any other plans or changes. 

#4 You need to take a look at what you already have

When it comes to making a renovation, there are one million things you can do to make your building project personal to you. Here is a very short list of just some of the things that you can consider doing to your home, inside and out.

• Going up into the roof. This is a large expansion that can done in different ways. Either you can go up into a little part of the roof, the whole roof, give yourself a rooftop garden, or even just make your attic space larger by lifting the roof a little.
• Making an outdoor entertainment area. This is really great if you are a big fan of hosting events. It can be anything from a simple fire pit to a huge covered decking space to enjoy some drinks in the summer. Alternatively, you might want to install a pool to help entertain your kids through summer and give you your own space to relax. It can also be a good space to practice one of your favorite sports if you enjoy swimming.
• Expanding over your garage. If your garage connects up to your house, you are probably going to want to extend over it. Not only does this use up potentially wasted space, but it also makes more room for another bedroom, an ensuite, or even just an extra room. This can be a great way to expand if you are thinking about growing your family or you just need an extra study if you are working from home. 

To wrap everything up

When it comes to thinking about doing your own self-build, you need to consider exactly what you will need. Firstly, you need to think about the kind of software you are going to use to plan your renovation precisely, meaning that you will have to make far fewer changes and costly alterations when it comes to doing the real thing.

You will also need to consider your location and how that affects zoning and building codes in your neighborhood, with restraints on what you can and can’t do. You also need to consider your own wish list, which means that you have a huge range of decisions to make in this renovation or the next. You can have a lot of fun when it comes to renovating your home, but you need to make sure that you are fully prepared to take on the task.