You might have thought that the right time to call us is after you've consulted with your architect and drawn up plans, but actually, the very best time to get us involved is right at the beginning, before you consult an architect and start making any plans. 

We’ve put together a list of seven benefits about why you should get REFURB involved as soon as possible in your renovation process, some of them might surprise you: 

• The functional layout of the property. This is probably the biggest reason. We'll look at the best location for the kitchen and living area, considering the best views, sunsets, access to outside space, bathroom layouts, and electrical plans. We'll consider how you plan to use the property and how you want it to feel. Do you entertain? Will you have guests to stay? Do you need flexible rooms that can become a TV snug for teenagers, [Burgh island]? Do you need to be able to work quietly somewhere? Is it a workout space or an extra bedroom for elderly parents? Will there be a need for a boot /sand room, [woodlands] outdoor shower, bath in the main bathroom etc.?We always will look to improve the space by making it suited to its purpose and achieving the right balance between functionality AND creating the wow factor. 

• Property use. We also consider whether the property will be primarily used as a second home or holiday let, as the provision of storage cupboards etc. can vary. For example, in a holiday let, owners will need ample storage for all the inventory items required for lettings, plus a lockable linen store and housekeeping cupboard. These things are much less important for a house that is not being let.

• Room layouts and correct furniture. Spatial awareness of how rooms will work to include optimal furniture layout. This can be especially important with open-plan living to successfully zone the space so that the different areas have the desired feel (cosy, elegant, welcoming, relaxing, fun etc). Quite often, our REFURB team go into a property and can see exactly what isn't working in a room and the best way to improve it, sometimes just by changing the furniture and layout of the room.

• Electrics and technical installations. Getting the right electrics at the right time for technical installations and gadgetry. E.g.ceiling speakers, electrical blinds and Velux windows, hot water taps, underfloor heating etc. What is useful to have, and what can be a little too complicated! 

• Window coverings and blinds. Practicalities of window films (for privacy or to stop fading) curtains, blinds and shutters etc. 

• Safety aspects of a property and its outside space ( particularly for letting).

• Coastal living. With the combined experience in the REFURB team for living and working in a coastal environment, we are in an ideal place to be able to advise on practical solutions - the best types of windows and doors (sliding patio doors instead of bi-folds in very windy locations) and outside living in coastal areas, which is especially relevant to choosing exterior furniture and fittings. Taking time to consider materials that won't go rusty, get damaged by UV, and stand up to the harsh coastal environment will mean that you get the right type of finish from day one.

We live and breathe property. We've been involved in many projects and seen so many different scenarios that we can't help but understand your end goals. We use our experience to design and manage your project through to its end use. 

If you'd like to know more about how we can help you with your project, look at our projects here. 

See what other clients have said about working with REFURB here.