The project plan in steps
The first step in any successful renovation project is to develop a clear set of goals. You should be keeping several points in mind while you're setting out these goals:

• FORM - how do you want the renovation to look?
  
  
• FUNCTION - What do you want to do in the space you're creating or redesigning?
  
  
• COMPATIBILITY - Is the project going to blend in with the rest of your house or will the project look like an add-on?
  
  Consider structural factors such as load bearing walls or beams, together with existing locations of plumbing pipes and heating ducts that may put limitations on what you can do.

Forethought will save you money
Be prepared to take some time answering these questions. The extra days you put into planning at this stage could save you weeks or months later on. It will also make it easier to plan with Richard.