What Most People Overlook When Planning a Home Renovation

Introduction

When planning a home renovation or extension, it’s natural to get excited about the big picture — open-plan living areas, sleek kitchens, or stylish bathrooms. However, many homeowners overlook practical but essential details that impact daily life once the build is complete.

Small planning gaps such as forgetting where bins will go, lacking adequate storage, or ignoring utility access can cause frustration and costly retrofitting. These functional areas don’t often feature in glossy home magazines but are crucial to a comfortable, organised, and efficient home.

This article highlights the practical spaces and details people commonly forget to plan during renovations, helping you design a home that not only looks great but works seamlessly for everyday living.

What Most People Overlook When Planning a Home Renovation

1. Storage Space — Not Just Cupboards

Storage is one of the most underestimated elements in home renovations. People often plan for a stylish kitchen or large living area but forget to include enough practical storage.

Think beyond wardrobes and kitchen cabinets to areas such as:

• Utility cupboards for cleaning supplies and tools
• Understairs storage for shoes, coats, or sports equipment
• Garage or outbuilding space for bulky items like bikes or garden tools
• Integrated storage solutions like built-in shelving or hidden compartments

Failing to plan sufficient storage leads to clutter, lost space, and ongoing frustration.

2. Bin and Recycling Areas

Waste management is a crucial but often neglected part of home design. Many homeowners forget to allocate a dedicated, accessible space for bins, recycling, and compost.

Considerations include:

• Indoor bin cupboards in kitchens or utility rooms to keep waste out of sight
• Outdoor bin storage close to the house but discreet enough not to spoil curb appeal
• Separate spaces for recycling and compost bins for efficient sorting
• Ease of access for rubbish collection days so bins can be taken out easily without hassle

Without planning bin storage, rubbish can clutter gardens, kitchens, or driveways.

3. Laundry and Utility Rooms

Laundry areas are often squeezed into corners or combined with other rooms, making them inefficient. Many renovations overlook the space needed for washing machines, dryers, ironing, and storage for detergents and cleaning supplies.

Practical design tips include:

• Dedicated laundry or utility rooms with counters for sorting and folding
• Good ventilation to prevent damp and mould
• Space for drying racks or clothes horses
• Provision for future appliances or technologies

A well-planned laundry space makes household chores easier and keeps other rooms tidy.

4. Parking and Vehicle Storage

For many, especially those adding extensions or converting garages, parking is overlooked.

Key factors to consider:

• Is there sufficient off-road parking?
• Can vehicles be easily accessed without blocking neighbours?
• Will you need covered or secure parking for bikes, motorcycles, or tools?
• Space for electric vehicle charging points

Poor planning can lead to parking on the street, neighbour disputes, or the need for costly retrofits.

5. Outdoor Spaces and Access

Outdoor areas are more than gardens — they include practical zones such as:

• Paths for bin collection and garden maintenance
• Secure, sheltered spaces for garden tools and equipment
• Clear access routes for deliveries and tradespeople
• Safe play areas or quiet corners

Ignoring these can disrupt day-to-day activities and increase wear and tear on your home’s exterior.

6. Utility and Service Access

Access to utilities like gas, electricity, water, and broadband is often an afterthought. Yet, poor planning can make maintenance difficult or require disruptive works later.

Plan for:

• Easily accessible meters and shut-off valves
• Space for boiler and heating system maintenance
• Concealed wiring ducts or cable trays for tidy installation
• Smart home system hubs

Proper utility planning reduces long-term headaches and future-proof your home.

7. Storage for Seasonal Items

Items used only occasionally—like holiday decorations, camping gear, or winter clothing—need dedicated storage to avoid clutter.

Options to consider:

• Loft conversions with easy access
• Garden sheds or outdoor storage boxes
• Under-bed storage or specially designed cabinetry

Failing to plan seasonal storage means these items take up valuable everyday space.

8. Pet Areas

For pet owners, planning for pet needs is often overlooked but can be essential for harmony.

Consider:

• Space for feeding stations
• Washing and grooming areas, ideally near outside doors
• Built-in sleeping or crate areas
• Easy-clean flooring

Thoughtful design minimises mess and keeps pets comfortable.

9. Wastewater and Drainage Planning

Although not glamorous, wastewater management must be planned carefully, especially in extensions.

Avoid problems by:

• Ensuring new drainage connects correctly to existing systems
• Planning for rainwater harvesting or sustainable drainage where possible
• Preventing blocked or overflowing drains with adequate capacity

Good drainage planning protects your home from damp and structural damage.

10. Future Flexibility

Homes need to adapt as life changes. Many miss opportunities to build flexibility into their renovation.

Examples:

• Rooms designed for multiple uses (guest room, home office, playroom)
• Walls that can be easily knocked down or added
• Extra electrical points for future tech
• Space to expand storage or living areas

Thinking ahead means your home works for you today—and tomorrow.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: How much storage space should I plan for in a renovation?

Aim to maximise storage in every room, including non-traditional spaces like under stairs, lofts, and utility rooms. A good starting point is at least 10-15% of your total floor area dedicated to storage.

Q2: Where should I place my bins and recycling area?

Bins should be easily accessible from the kitchen and outdoors, preferably hidden in cupboards inside and enclosed storage outside. Ensure easy access on collection days without disturbing neighbours.

Q3: Is it necessary to have a dedicated utility or laundry room?

If space allows, yes. A dedicated room improves household organisation, reduces noise, and keeps clutter out of living areas.

Q4: How can I plan for parking in a renovation?

Consider your current and future vehicle needs. Include space for parking, turning, and charging points for electric vehicles, ideally without blocking access or neighbours.

Q5: What should I consider for outdoor storage?

Plan for secure, weatherproof spaces for tools, bikes, and seasonal items. Easy access and proximity to gardens or driveways are important.

Q6: How do I ensure utility services are well integrated?

Work with qualified engineers to plan access points, cable routes, and system locations early in the design phase to avoid costly retrofits.

Conclusion

A successful home renovation blends aesthetics with practical living. Focusing only on visible finishes risks neglecting essential functional spaces like storage, bin areas, utility access, and parking.

By carefully planning these overlooked but vital elements, you’ll create a home that not only looks beautiful but supports everyday life smoothly. This approach saves time, money, and stress, resulting in a more comfortable and adaptable home for years to come.

Taking the time to consider these practical details before building ensures your renovation meets your lifestyle needs today and in the future.

If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or full home transformation, visit our website Milkov & Son Construction to explore our expert services and recent projects. Take the first step toward creating your dream space by contacting us online or calling +44 7951 625853.

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