LOCKDOWN - DO YOU FEEL SQUEEZED FOR SPACE ?

The recent lockdown has been a good time to bond with the family. And for children a good time to enjoy their house.  But lockdown has also meant a rationing of home space in the family.

Mom and Dad need a quiet undisturbed space with no kids or television blaring in the background, to do their office work or communicate with clients, staff or peers. Or just some time for themselves.

Kids too need to have space to do their studies undisturbed or play games or music without bringing the roof down.  Unfortunately our houses were not designed for lockdowns and forced long periods of isolation and confinement. Our limited domesticated spaces need to be looked at with a fresh professional view if we want to maximise their usage without breaking the bank.

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO RENOVATE OR EXTEND MY HOUSE?

The coronavirus has shaken the property market with predictions of a 10% fall in 2020/21. There is widespread uncertainties about the short to medium term future of the market.  However major agencies like Savills predict a 20.5% rise in property values in central London and 13.1% in the suburbs over the next five years.  But these predictions are based on a host of caveats - level of unemployment, future interest rates, government monetary policy etc so its a bit of a shot in the dark. Should one, in this environment, commit to a bigger property or indeed take larger exposure. Or consider the safer option of upgrading their existing property to accomodate the demands of a growing family and in the process achieve a bespoke product. Not only would it be a less costly option but would also be tuned to your family's unique needs.

And from an investment point of view when the market bounces back your property would be more desirable, perhaps even attracting a premium. You would have protected yourself against market volatility while having enjoyed a house upgraded to your specifications - and at a fraction of the cost of buying and refurbishing a new purchase.

SO WHAT WOULD I NEED TO DO?

At Aflux we spend a lot of time understanding our clients individual desires and preferences. While ensuite bathrooms may be one's preference another may opt for an open plan family friendly kitchen / diner.  Also families and demographics change. A nine year old boy's demands differ from a sixteen year old girl's specifications when it comes to interior design and mod cons. And then there may be scope to either extend vertically - perhaps utilise the loft or extend into the rear garden - a fabulous TV room for the  late night Netflix shows. The master bedroom could be linked to an ensuite bathroom and a spacious dressing area. The box room which had become a dumping room for unwanted paraphernalia could be a cosy study for the lady of the house.  

As you can appreciate there are enormous possibilities to customize your house.  Ideas that may have languished for a long time may be explored in consultation with our design team.

We appreciate that these are critical decisions and the process of refurbishing and/or extending a house is a major decision in terms of time and money. Our services start with understanding your needs, finalising the plans in conjunction with you, getting them approved by local authorities and then take the project through detailed design and its implementation. And all at a budget that you can comfortably afford.

Lets not lockdown impact our lives. Lets make our homes a haven of happiness and joy for years to come. Please feel free to contact us on the following numbers for a no- obligation chat and a preliminary consultations.