Planning a Home Renovation in 2026 – Where to Start

If you’re thinking about improving your home in 2026, now is the ideal time to start planning. Whether you’re upgrading a tired bathroom, reworking your kitchen, knocking through internal walls or refreshing your outdoor space, good preparation is the key to a successful renovation. 

At Tony Adams Builds, we work with homeowners across Harpenden and Hertfordshire to deliver high-quality renovations that improve how homes look, feel and function. Here’s what to consider before you begin. 

Start With How You Use Your Home 

Before focusing on finishes or layouts, think about what isn’t working in your home right now. 

Is your kitchen cramped or poorly laid out? 

Does your bathroom need modernising? 

Would knocking through rooms improve flow and light? 

Is your garden underused or difficult to maintain? 

Clear priorities help shape the scope of work and ensure your investment makes a real difference to daily life. 

Decide What to Tackle First 

Renovation projects often include multiple elements, so it’s important to plan them in the right order. 

Common improvement projects include: 

New kitchens and bathrooms 

Internal knock-throughs and reconfigurations 

Full or partial refurbishments 

Landscaping and external improvements 

An experienced builder such as Tony Adams Builds, can help you understand what should be done together and what can be phased over time. 

Set a Realistic Budget 

A well-planned budget helps avoid surprises later. As well as the main building costs, allow for: 

Fixtures and finishes 

Structural or preparatory work 

Contingency for unforeseen issues 

Clear, honest discussions early on make it easier to balance quality, scope and cost. 

Plan Before Work Begins 

Rushing into a home renovation project can lead to delays and unnecessary changes. Good planning includes: 

Finalising layouts and specifications 

Confirming materials and finishes 

Understanding timescales and access requirements 

The more decisions made upfront, the smoother the build process will be. 

Choose the Right Builder 

A renovation is not just about the finished result - it’s about the experience throughout the project. 

Look for a builder who: 

Communicates clearly and regularly 

Takes pride in workmanship 

Respects your home and keeps the site tidy 

Has experience across a range of renovation work 

A professional approach makes all the difference. 

Thinking About Renovating in 2026? 

If you’re planning improvements this year, early conversations help shape better outcomes. Whether it’s a new bathroom, kitchen upgrade, knock-through or landscaping project, we’re always happy to offer guidance and discuss ideas. 

📞 Get in touch with Tony Adams Builds to start planning your renovation with confidence.