Child’s room is one of my favourite spaces to design. Here you get more freedom to create and play with colours. We all know how it’s important for a child to have personal space which helps him to grow joyful, curious and smart. Design should allow freedom to use own imagination and focus on own dreams. It’s important not to over-design the room! Although, small decorations are very welcome to make room more fun.
If you are looking for some original and fun decor to style your child’s room, check my TOP list, which you can find in Ireland this spring:
These decor is fun and playful. All of them can be a great additional to most of the colour schemes of your choice. So, make it fun and enjoy decorating.
If you would like to learn more how to design kids room, you definitely should read TIPs in previous Blog Post :
I will never forget a client who was making peanut butter sandwiches for her kids on a windowsill. Fridge was moved at the bay window in the sitting room and this small area became a form of canteen. Kids could play only in their bedroom and TV room was upstairs as well. Construction was going well but my client didn’t have clear vision of finished project with some changes made at last minute and that’s where I was invited to help.
Any type of renovation can be stressful but good planning and thinking ahead can save you a lot of time, money and you get your home back to normality rather sooner than later. There are many things to consider and here is my check-list of what you might forget:
#1 Research and Understand your Project
Make a good research on what will be involved in your project: how many different contractors you will need, what materials you will require, who are your suppliers, makers etc. What is the essential work needs to be considered to exclude any additional work in the future (at least in first 10 years): electric wiring, plumbing, drainage system, insolation etc. Do you plan to do some work yourself? Don’t assume that builder is your project manager. Think who is your project coordinator, especially if you use independent contractors.
Well-planned construction always shows great progress
#2 No Rubbish Plan
During construction you will have plenty rubbish and you need a plan for getting rid of it. Depends on a project scale, you might need a skip or check with your builder if he will sort it for you.
Organizing it yourself, don’t forget to include cost in your budget, where rates can vary: standard skip around 300-350 euro for 5 days, mini skip just about 160-180 euro for 3 days (rates in 2019, Midlands, Ireland).
#3 Budgeting
To know your expenses is crucial because nothing can beat money stress.
Quote different contractors, find out how much is labour, materials, finishing details. How much does it cost to bring house to a clean stage?
Make a provisional list of materials you will require during construction. Discuss it with your construction team and set a plan who /what and when is going to source various materials.
Don’t forget about small works such as furniture fitting, skirting boards, hanging pendants, putting shelves up etc. Small costs add up quicker than you imagine, don’t ignore it at early stage. If your calculation brings you over budget decide to save, to borrow or compromise on various solutions before you begin.
#4 Be ready for Unexpecting!
Talking about budget and project duration – Expect Unexpecting!
It doesn’t matter if it’s new build or existing building renovation, there is always a risk of hidden issues. Nobody can know in advance what might show up when the work commence, for example: lick, mold, electrical lines that need replacing, issue with insolation etc.
All these surprises can add unexpecting 10-20% over your budget. Make sure to include it in your budget. It means if you plan to spend 30 000 euro, your active budget you use for planning is 24 000 -27 000 euro. It’s better to have money left in your pocket than to be broke half way.
#5. Get a planner
Clear project vision is your written plan. When you include each contractor into your planner, renovation doesn’t seem endless and you can keep a track on progress. Builders usually have certain plan for various stages and sometimes only as far as to finish construction work.
You need to contact all other suppliers and fitters yourself to make your home livable again. Allow lead time about 6-12 weeks for tilers, makers and fitters. Don’t forget to organize deliveries (2-4 weeks) and you will have your sofa in time.
Project planning, technical drawings by AlenaCDesign
Life goes on even during renovation. Especially if you have children, you need to plan construction with minimum disturbance of your daily routine. Not everyone can afford to move out, so if you plan to stay during peak of renovation, prepare yourself to accept dust, mess, disorder of things for a certain number of days / weeks. The best advice is constantly keep thinking ahead!
Any home improvement project comes with its own surprises and challenges. Get a plan and be organized, your new living space will be ready in no time!
