The New DIY: Online Renovation Courses
Homeowners have always been drawn to DIY as a way to save costs on their renovations. Aspirations for our homes are ever increasing, but not everyone can afford a full design and management service from a range of consultants to achieve the look.
Professionals are passing on their tips and tricks via online renovation courses to show how they achieve the results they do. This supports people to be confident in their own projects, and democratises good design. This new move is being powered by technology that allows people to view “behind the scenes” of their process, in order to understand common opportunities and pitfalls!
From designing your renovation, to how to plan project manage your build, right through to creating an interior aesthetic, meet the companies who are teaching you how to do-it-yourself.
1. Design
You can’t afford an architect but don’t have the design skills or experience to draw up new layouts/ ideas . . .
Well, have no fear Office S&M architects and nimtim architects have both created online renovations courses with Domestika that walk you through producing a design for a new extension and an internal refurbishment.
ONLINE COURSE
Home Extension Design: Transform a Living Space
Discover how to reimagine existing living spaces and create a sustainable project plan with an original design.
ONLINE COURSE
Spatial Design: Create Interior Spaces That Tell A Story
Explore colour, materials, furniture, and lighting to design joyful spaces inspired by a personal narrative.
For a it more hand holding, it is well worth checking out The Two Architects.
If you’re looking to extend and renovate your home with confidence, you can get online architectural services in an online “Pay As You Meet” style.
Plus, it’s delivered by George and Ewald themselves, the directors of the multi-award winning architectural practice Bradley Van Der Straeten.
2. Management
Struggling to understand the processes required and steps you need to take to make your new dream home?
Well, here at HomeNotes we are all about helping you make a strategic plan for your project so that you can confidently take charge of your own renovation.
Learn how to stay on budget, avoid costly mistakes and get that dream home you set out to achieve!
We are so happy to offer courses and advice for homeowners new to the process. Check out our two most popular courses below!
ONLINE COURSE
Getting Started
Save time, money and stress by making a plan for your renovation with our signature Getting started course.
ONLINE COURSE
Site Survival
This practical course covers everything you need to know about working with a contractor – saving you time, money and stress.
3. Interiors
From creating a coherent vision for your space to communicating your design to others, finishing a interior can often be a real stumbling block for homeowners.
I mean, there’s just SO much choice out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
Never fear, here’s our top three favourites for you.
ONLINE COURSE
Be your own interior designer
A creative interior design course that helps you to design knock out room schemes with ease and inspiration.
ONLINE COURSE
Designer’s Table: Kitchen Design Workshop
An evening of interior design, while learning how to solve your kitchen design dilemmas.
ONLINE COURSE
How to be mad about your house
This down-to-earth, practical guide will help you tackle all the rooms in your home, encouraging you to express yourself through design no matter how big or small the project might be.
Our HomeNotes Journal is here to bring you clear and up-to-date information for homeowners renovating their homes. For more in-depth help we provide online courses to help you get started the right way!
Natural Plaster – and why we can’t get enough
Want a material that is beautiful, and works hard for you? Look no further than Natural Plaster. We explain why we can’t get enough of it!
Where NOT to scrimp on your renovation
Sometimes it’s tempting to cut corners and save a few pounds but it’s likely you’ll regret it in the long term. We share our top tips of where it doesn’t pay to scrimp in your dream home.
Open House Festival: 8th – 21st of September
For those who have decided THIS is the year that they’re going to bite the bullet and renovate, Open House London is a chance to go and see some projects up close and personal. Here’s our list of recommended projects to go visit.
Why do we still not have a national retrofit strategy?
We talk to Paul Testa of HEM Architecture about why we need a national retrofit strategy and why it needs to happen now.
How to prepare your house for builders: 10 things you must do
When getting ready to receive contractors into your home it’s important to prepare your property. Get started with these 10 must do tasks!
Our 10 top tips to buying a house
Buying a house is potentially the biggest financial commitment you will ever make, so take the time to prep with our tips!
Don’t move, Improve! 2022 Shortlist
Check out the 15 incredible London renovation projects shortlisted for this year’s Don’t Move, Improve! Awards and get inspired!
Viewing a property: The ultimate checklist
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How much will my extension cost in 2022?
When it comes to home-renovating this is the most common question we get asked. So let’s get right to it, how do you work out the REAL cost? Read on to find out!
How to make the most of a Trade Show
Returning to thoughts of renovating your home? Then jumpstart your project by attending a trade show. But first make sure you read our top tips on how to make the most of your visit!
Top tips for renovating from industry experts
We asked a range of architects and experts working in the residential sector to give us their top tip for homeowners who want to renovate.
Worried about increasing construction prices?
Everyone is concerned about increasing construction costs. We talk to BuildPartner about what measures home renovators can take to reduce risks for their projects.
Your handy guide to assessing builders
Linden from Weaver shares his a handy guide to assessing builders. So before a spade is in the ground, it’s worth taking a moment to prepare.
Product spotlight: Little Bishop Hook
A neat solution for pendant lighting; we take a look at the clean design and appealing simplicity of the Little Bishop Pendant Hook
The ‘Iron Triangle’ you should embrace
It may sound daunting, but knowing about the ‘Iron Triangle’ in advance can help you plan your project and set realistic expectations.
Making the most of your outdoor space
If you’re living in London, then chances are you’re severely lacking in one department: outdoor space. But even if you only have a small patch to play with, this space can do so much for you with a bit of care and forward planning.
Your ultimate guide to extractor fans
Our complete guide answers all your extractor fan questions (even those you didn’t know you had!)
EJ Ryder and the world of joinery
Edwin J Ryder and his team specialise in bold, creative design and impeccable workmanship in their joinery and interior finishes. We spoke with Edwin to find out how they work with clients on their property renovations.
Why well designed homes cost more
Good design isn’t just a luxury for those with the biggest budgets; it’s a sound financial decision for everyone. We take a look at The Modern House and their approach.
True or false: millennials are bad at managing money?
Research shows that millennials are the group most likely to overspend on their home improvements. Poor money management, or is there another explanation?
