When you are young and looking to get on the property ladder, it’s unlikely that you will be able to afford your dream home immediately. But don’t feel sad about this. Life is a journey and you will have plenty of opportunities to stamp your personality on a property in time.
Buying a run down property might not seem like a good idea but actually, transforming a rough diamond is often the perfect way to get exactly what you want on your budget. There are, however, a few rules to guide you through the process.
Check the Building Quality
If you are on a tight budget then you must first ensure that a building is sound before you do anything else. This means checking that the foundations are strong, the walls are well supported and you are not likely to suffer subsidence or any other issues. A structural analysis will confirm what you are dealing with and should be carried out before you buy.
Finding one of these problems doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t continue. A foundation repair contractor, Edens Structural Solutions could help you ensure that your foundations are strong enough. This is quite a big undertaking but is well worth the effort in the long run if you are particularly attached to the location of the property.
Get the Basics Right
In most cases, properties get run down because the owners simply don’t take proper care of them. Old decor is the most common problem but it is also the easiest to fix. While peeling wallpaper and old paint might not look attractive right now, you can easily steam clean your walls.
Getting the basics of any property right is essential. This means having clean walls (white is the best base), floors and windows. Spending a little extra on replastering is a really good plan where the walls are looking crumbled or have been damaged by water or mold. However, fixing cracks is a little easier and cheaper. Similarly, choosing a simple wood floor is a good way to ensure a clean finish that will go with any interior design.
Add Your Style
When you have a clean blank canvas, adding your personal style is really easy. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or you are an all-out fan of bright pink shades, interior design is about expressing your ideas and loves.
There are a few basic rules to follow when it comes to interior design. Creating a balance is perhaps the most important rule as this is what transforms chaos into curated design. Even moving one object a few centimetres can make all the difference! Similarly, ensuring a sense of proportion is important. For example, when you gather objects together to make a display, using the golden ratio guarantees a pleasing look.
No-one can dictate what ‘good’ style is. Instead, you have to trust your gut and go with what feels good. While fashions come and go, the best interior designs are those that speak to the basic rules of balance and proportions.
