The New DIY: Online Renovation Courses

HomeNotes_ForestHill_05

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 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 Domestika courses that walk you through creating a design for a new extension and an internal refurbishment.
Nimtim-Architect

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.

 
Ofiice-SM

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!
Mob-GSArtboard 5@2x-100

ONLINE COURSE

Getting Started

Save time, money and stress by making a plan for your renovation with our signature Getting started course.

 
Mob-SSArtboard 5 copy 7@2x-100

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.
sophie-robinson-Cover

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.

 
AudreyWheelan

ONLINE COURSE

Designer’s Table: Kitchen Design Workshop

An evening of interior design, while learning how to solve your kitchen design dilemmas.

Kate-Watson-Smyth

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.

We have created a FREE Renovation Budget Guide that unpacks all the figures of a project – from building costs and professional fees to those extra expenses that no-one tells you about. This will put your construction budget in the context of the whole project’s costs and make sure you’re considering all those added extras from the outset.

How much will my extension cost in 2024?

It’s the all-important question for home renovators: how much is my extension really going to cost? Read on to find out!

Read More →
Natural-Plaster-Space-A-FR

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!

Read More →

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.

Read More →
Open-House-Festival-Front-Cover

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.

Read More →

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.

Read More →
Front

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!

Read More →
House-Buying-Checklist-Front

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!

Read More →
Dont-Move-Improve-Front

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!

Read More →

Viewing a property: The ultimate checklist

You’ve done your research! But when you’re in the actual property, remember to consider the following things…

Read More →

How much will my extension cost?

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!

Read More →
Trade-Shows-PoulsomMiddlehurst_Amhurst_External-Door

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!

Read More →

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.

Read More →

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.

Read More →

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.

Read More →
Little-Bishop-Front

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

Read More →

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.

Read More →

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.

Read More →
Ultimate-Guide-To-Extractor-Fans-Front-Cover

Your ultimate guide to extractor fans

Our complete guide answers all your extractor fan questions (even those you didn’t know you had!)

Read More →
EJ-Ryder-Interview-Front

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.

Read More →
The-Modern-House-Front

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.

Read More →

Coming soon . . .

Our membership is launching at the start of June.  Sign up to get notified when it goes live! 

Sign up for

HomeNotes news

Get monthly renovation articles, advice, news and offers to your inbox!