If anything this pandemic has taught us is that the future is uncertain and we need to embrace life. Living in close quarters with other members of your family and spending more time at home now, this is the perfect time to revisit how you want to live. It is a great time to collect your design thoughts for your home revamp.

Is your dining table a makeshift office, classroom and craft room?

Here are 5 ideas to start your Design Dream of a Renovation Project.

Create a scrapbook/lookbook - these days collecting your ideas can be done on Pinterest, Houzz or another app. Having an area where you keep images you like can be a great starting place to refine what your style and design bent is.

By visualising your ideas you can start to see a new future

2. Decide on the amenity you need. As we face lockdowns and a new environment the home has taken on new functions. Deciding how you use your renovation space is an important step. While as an architect I can assist you with how the home functions and looks, you need to scope out what you really need. Understanding that is best done by creating a list of needs and rooms. This should take into account your family lifecycle and plan for the next 10-15 years. Will your kids still be living with you? Do you need to plan for the care of your parents? Are you likely to be working from home more in the future?

3. Get your original plans. Having your original plans from your local council is a great first step. It will assist you in knowing where the walls and boundaries of your property are and if there are any issues with the building envelope.

Ask your local council for your house plans

4. Inspiration is everywhere. Now is the time when we have more time at home to look for those little ideas that can change the way you live and make it easier. Looking on Instagram, Pinterest and housing magazines can create some new ideas and inspiration.

5. Set a realistic time frame and budget

Most renovation timeframes are over a year. The permits and approvals can take 6 months depending on your council and plans. It is good to have a realistic timeframe so you can plan your life and key events around the renovation. Setting a budget is more difficult and you may need to scope your project first and then get a quantity surveyor to price it.

So as you can see there is a lot you can start to do to plan your renovation. Use your time wisely and start the process today.