Interior renovation: the complete guide

Embarking on a home renovation is exciting, but it can be expensive. Before you begin, plan how you are going to finance your project carefully.

Once you know your budget, you can confidently analyse quotes from contractors and discuss with them where cuts can be made without sacrificing quality. Set 20% of your budget aside to cover unforeseen circumstances. 

Creating a realistic interior renovation budget starts with a clear understanding of potential costs. To do this, make a list of all the work that needs to be done.

Closely monitor these costs:

• Renovation materials: Strike a balance between what is an essential material and what is a luxury to see where savings can be made. Shop around and take advantage of seasonal offers to satisfy your tastes and reduce costs.
• Specialist contractors: Some work, such as installing roof windows or designing and fitting stairs, requires highly skilled professionals. 
• Hiring tradespeople: Provide a detailed brief and obtain quotes from several highly recommended, reputable tradespeople and compare them. 
• You can ask an architect or interior designer to design and manage your project. They typically charge a percentage of the renovation cost, but some work on a fixed-fee basis.
• Investigate planning permission, building regulations and the costs of permits: An architect will tell you whether your project requires planning permission and must comply with building regulations; they will also be able to give you a rough idea of the costs for this. Factor in parking permits for contractors too.
• Unforeseen events: add 20% to your construction budget as a safety net for unforeseen events that may arise during your interior renovation work.

Direct your budget towards interior renovations that provide a wow factor, improve your home’s structure and increase its value:

• Prioritise: identify the aspects of your interior renovation that matter most. Do you want to make your kitchen more functional or to first concentrate on making your home warmer in winter?
• Bring natural light and ventilation into your home: allocate part of your budget to introducing more natural light and fresh air into your space to make it a healthier, brighter and more inviting environment, consider sun tunnels or roof windows. 
• Make your home more energy efficient: consider improvements that lead to energy savings, such as upgrading insulation or adding solar panels, these may be eligible for grants. 

Understand how to order tasks to streamline your renovation process and save time.

To avoid having to do any work twice, create a full interior renovation plan before beginning any work. You don’t want to have to install a plug socket for your coffee machine after you’ve tiled your kitchen’s backsplash, for example, or order a fridge and find that it won’t fit into the gap you have left for it.

If you’re in doubt, your chosen tradespeople can recommend the right schedule of works. 

Complete any structural work first, such as adding windows or removing walls.

Tip: now is the time to consider installing roof windows or sun tunnels to improve the supply of natural light and fresh air into your home.

After completing any structural changes, while your walls are open, it’s the optimum time to extend, upgrade or replace your electrics and plumbing - wiring, fuse boxes, pipe runs and heating. These are critical for your home’s safety and energy efficiency. 

Tip: this is also the time to do the ‘first fix’ for new light fixtures, switches or sockets.

With structural changes complete and wiring and plumbing in place, you're ready to install cabinetry and major appliances and to finish floors, walls and worktops. 

Ask your contractors for the best order of work to protect your new pieces.

The final step is to bring your space to life with your individual interior choices — the things that personalise your home and inspire you.

Add your furniture, window treatments, textiles, mirrors and artwork.

How do you combine quality, style, sustainability and budget when renovating your living space and ensure a profitable investment?

Follow these three tips:

If you need help with your home renovation costs, some financial assistance may be available.

You may, for example, be eligible for financial support for any insulation and heat-loss work. In England, Scotland or Wales, financial support may be available for insulation through the Great British Insulation Scheme (1). This government initiative is designed to help households cover the cost of insulation improvements that lower energy bills and make homes more sustainable. 

If your home is in Northern Ireland, you may qualify for a grant for insulation through the government Affordable Warmth Scheme. 

If you have some level of DIY experience, you could do some of your interior renovation work yourself.

Tackling painting and wallpapering, adding decorative finishes and putting together cabinetry are pretty straightforward tasks that can lead to significant cost savings.

The internet is full of how-to guides, trade video tutorials and community forums, where advice and encouragement are readily available to the ambitious DIYer.

If you need tools, some are available to rent by the day or you may be able to borrow from friends or family.

Where possible, adopt sustainable practices for your home renovation. This helps the environment and can bring financial benefits.

Local salvage yards, upcycling centres and charity shops are gold mines for unusual furniture. These are often in good condition and add character to your interior and they reduce waste and save you money.

Check out online marketplaces or used-kitchen retailers where you can purchase good quality, second-hand units and appliances. You get the quality and look of new products at a reduced price.

When you buy a used product, you’re contributing to the circular economy and reduce the impact of the extraction of raw materials on the planet. 

VELUX is sensitive to environmental issues and is committed to sustainable actions for the well-being of people and the planet.

Carrying out a complete home renovation can be expensive and requires extensive financial planning.

Study the different facets of your investment to see where you can save, here are some tips:

A complete renovation encompasses a variety of expenses:

• Structural modifications to your home might involve resizing or adding windows and installing features, like roof windows and walls. These involve a significant investment, but they should also add to the value of your property.
• Improving or bringing your heating, plumbing and wiring up to current regulatory standards can take up a large portion of your budget, but the latest energy efficient systems should deliver significant savings in the long term.
• The decorative elements of your renovation, such as flooring, paint and wallpaper, vary in price from reasonable to extravagant, keep within budget when selecting these.

If you fear your renovation project could overwhelm you, get expert advice from an architect, interior designer and trades people early in the planning process.

They will be able to give you an overall vision of your project and help you approach it calmly.

For peace of mind, ask for detailed quotes, transparent pricing and defined deadlines well in advance of carrying out your work. This will give you an understanding of what to expect.

Consider incorporating elements of nature into your home. When you add windows that overlook a green space or landscape your garden, your home is more connected with nature. This can make a valuable contribution to your well-being in your living space.

One, sometimes overlooked, renovation option that can positively influence the look and feel of your living space is the integration of natural light and fresh air.

The latest insulation and effective ventilation systems  are key to a successful renovation project.

Insulation in your walls, under your roof and on your floors keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.

Good ventilation is essential to maintain indoor air quality. Features, such as VELUX roof windows, can improve airflow and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Incorporating daylight into your home isn't just about style: it's scientifically proven to be good for you. Exposure to daylight can improve mood⁴ and sleep⁵.

Position any new VELUX roof windows to maximise the entry of natural light.

The view from roof windows allows you to blend the architecture of your home with its natural surroundings.

Living in a house that’s undergoing renovation work can be a challenge.

By planning and organising your home renovation, you can make the process less intrusive and maintain your daily routines.

Here are five tips to limit the inconveniences of renovation work:

The interior renovation of your living space can disrupt essential rooms, such as the kitchen or living room. Plan for this with alternate spaces.

For instance:

• Set up a temporary kitchen with basic appliances (like a microwave, air fryer and fridge), so you can continue preparing food at home. This will help you maintain some functionality during the renovation.
• Create one comfortable living areas in a quiet part of your home, isolated from the noise and mess of the work.

Dust and mess are inevitable when you renovate. To minimise dust transfer from one room to another, use plastic sheets to create dust walls between living and building areas.

Regularly clean your living areas to manage dust and keep your home comfortable during this period.

Renovation work requires constant coordination with your construction workers.

Stay connected with your renovation team by scheduling progress updates and any upcoming work that may affect you and your family.

Set working hours for contractors that respect your family and neighbours’ need for privacy and relaxation.

Excessive noise and lack of privacy in your home can be disruptive during renovations.

Use noise-cancelling headphones or ear protectors during high-decibel work to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

In the absence of walls, use curtains or room dividers to screen off your personal space from work areas.

Work delays and unforeseen events are common in interior renovation projects.

Stay flexible and anticipate changes in project schedules.

Take regular breaks from your renovation environment, spend a day outdoors or plan a short getaway to unwind.

Interior renovation is a challenging undertaking. It requires steady nerves, commitment to your goals, financial intelligence and diplomacy with contractors and neighbours.

The journey is exciting and difficult at times, but by following this guide, you should be ready to take your project on and see it through to completion.

Good luck and enjoy watching transform your home into your dream home.