Achieving an overhaul without going under

Achieving an overhaul without going under


Interior Design
Naoimh Tuohy

You might have been thinking about up-grading your home recently, but after nearly every builder and builders’ banker in the land has upped and left, turning off the lights behind them, is this the right time? What can you achieve on your lonesome?
Help is at hand. Time to take a step back and take a good look at what you have and most importantly, what can be done with it now to improve the quality of your life.
So, here you are, some tips on renovating your way to your dream home.
Having a clean slate with which to work with always helps you see both the space you already have and how to change it for the better. Google have a very clever application called Sketchup, which allows you to create a virtual 3D replica of your home. It’s surprisingly easy to use, and it’s free to download.
Make a list. Ask yourself some questions about what kind of a living space it is that you’re looking to create. Socialisers and entertainers will want large open spaces. If you work from home and need more privacy, then your floor plan will change accordingly. Families will want good storage and light. Getting it right at the beginning will save you time and money down the road.
Depending on the scale and type of renovation you’re undertaking, you may or may not need an architect and/or a project manager. If you intend to manage it yourself, you’ll need to be on site every day, be able to trouble shoot and come up with several  solutions to any given problem. Never assume that a builder will know the best location for a radiator or that an electrician will put every socket, switch and cable outlet exactly where you want it. If you have a busy lifestyle, money spent on a good project manager can be money very well spent.
Get several quotes. Given the current economic climate, you’re in a good position to get value for your money. Be prepared to open up your home to a stream of builders, carpenters, electricians, painters and plasterers in order to get enough information to make a decision. Don’t just pick the person who came in cheapest. Experience and knowledge is highly important. Don’t forget to ask for references and, if possible, try and see work done for previous customers. Talking to one or two happy clients can save a lot of heartache.
Ask your builder and contractors for a detailed schedule of works. Without a timeframe for each part of the project you’ll find it impossible to manage and complete. Each and every person involved in the renovation should be given a copy of this schedule so that everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet.
Be as environmentally aware as you can. It might cost a little more at the start to keep your house ‘green’, but it will save you money in the long run. Proper insulation and ventilation will allow you cut down on running costs.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and point things out if you’re not happy – remember, it’s your money, so don’t be shy.
Even the best-planned job in the world will change over time. It’s the nature of the beast. Prices change, materials go out of stock and mistakes will be made. It’s always prudent to accommodate such eventualities into your budget.
Develop a rapport with your builders. No one likes working in a stressful environment, and people will give more of themselves if they feel they are being treated fairly. Remember to have a pot of tea on the go at all times!
The last 10 per cent of any job is as important, if not more so, that the first 10 per cent. Don’t loose momentum. Give extra attention to detail – once the builder has been paid and has started his next job, you’re unlikely to ever see him darken your brand new Norwegian pine front door again.

Naoimh Tuohy is an interior designer based in Dublin and working countrywide. Originally coming from a property background, she made the jump from valuing buildings to redesigning their interiors. She has worked freelance for the last six years and specialises in show houses, home-owner renovations and investment-property fit-outs.
She can be contacted at 087 7625539.