The Most Common Areas People Want To Change In New Home

It’s common for homeowners to have a mental list of changes they’d like to make. While every property and homeowner is unique, certain areas tend to crop up repeatedly as prime candidates for renovation or improvement.

The Kitchen: Heart of the Home

The kitchen often tops the list of areas new homeowners want to change. In the UK, where the trend towards open-plan living continues to grow, many people find older, closed-off kitchens restrictive and outdated.

Common changes include:

• Removing walls to create open-plan kitchen-diner spaces
• Updating appliances to more energy-efficient models
• Installing new worktops, with materials like quartz and granite being popular choices
• Refreshing cabinet fronts or replacing entire kitchen units
• Adding islands for additional workspace and casual dining

The National Home Improvement Council notes that a well-designed kitchen can add significant value to a property, making it a worthwhile investment. When planning kitchen renovations, it’s worth considering the property’s overall style to ensure the new kitchen complements the rest of the home.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathrooms are another area frequently earmarked for change in new homes. Outdated suites, poor lighting, and inadequate storage are common issues that new homeowners seek to address.

Popular bathroom improvements include:

• Replacing old sanitaryware with more modern, water-efficient models
• Installing power showers or updating to a more luxurious shower system
• Adding storage solutions like vanity units or recessed shelving
• Improving lighting with a combination of task and ambient options
• Updating tiles or opting for modern alternatives like waterproof wall panels

It’s crucial to consider ventilation to prevent issues with dampness and mould, which are common concerns in UK homes.

Flooring Updates

Flooring can dramatically impact the look and feel of a home, and it’s an area many new homeowners are keen to tackle. Worn carpets, dated tiles, or scuffed wooden floors are often high on the list for replacement.

Common flooring changes include:

• Replacing old carpets with new, plusher options in bedrooms
• Installing hardwood or high-quality laminate flooring in living areas
• Updating kitchen and bathroom floors with modern tile designs
• Adding underfloor heating for extra comfort, especially in bathrooms

Factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and suitability for the UK climate should be considered. The National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers offers advice on selecting appropriate flooring for different areas of the home.

Internal Doors

Many new homeowners find that updating internal doors can transform the feel of their living spaces.

Common changes to internal doors include:

• Replacing hollow-core doors with solid wood options for better sound insulation
• Updating to more modern designs that complement the home’s aesthetic
• Installing glazed doors to improve natural light flow between rooms
• Adding sliding or pocket doors to maximise space in smaller rooms

When selecting new internal doors, it’s important to consider factors like fire safety regulations, especially for doors leading to kitchens or connecting different levels of the house. You can find a collection of quality doors at Online Door Store. They have internal doors, bedroom doors and much more.

Enhancing Storage Solutions

Lack of storage is a common complaint among new homeowners, particularly in older properties that weren’t designed with modern storage needs in mind. Addressing this issue is often a priority.

Popular storage improvements include:

• Installing fitted wardrobes in bedrooms
• Adding built-in storage in living areas, such as bookshelves or media units
• Creating under-stairs storage solutions
• Maximising loft space with proper flooring and access

Clever storage solutions can significantly improve the functionality of a home and create a more organised living environment.

Upgrading Windows

Windows play a crucial role in a home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort. Many new homeowners, especially those moving into older properties, find that upgrading windows is a necessary improvement.

Common window upgrades include:

• Replacing single-glazed windows with double or triple-glazed options
• Updating to more energy-efficient frames, such as uPVC or composite materials
• Installing larger windows or adding skylights to increase natural light
• Adding secondary glazing in listed buildings where full replacement isn’t possible

The Energy Saving Trust provides information on the benefits of different window types and their impact on energy efficiency.

Creating Open-Plan Living Spaces

The trend towards open-plan living remains strong in the UK, and many new homeowners look to create more open, flowing living spaces. This often involves significant structural changes.

Popular open-plan modifications include:

• Removing walls between kitchens and dining rooms
• Opening up living and dining areas
• Creating kitchen-diner-living spaces

It’s crucial to consult with a structural engineer to ensure the changes are safe and comply with building regulations. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) can guide finding qualified professionals for such projects.

Improving Energy Efficiency

With increasing awareness of environmental issues and rising energy costs, many new homeowners prioritise improving their property’s energy efficiency.

Common energy-efficiency improvements include:

• Upgrading insulation in lofts, walls, and floors
• Installing a more efficient boiler or heating system
• Adding solar panels or other renewable energy sources
• Implementing smart home technology for better energy management

The UK government’s Simple Energy Advice service offers tailored recommendations for improving home energy efficiency.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.