Imagine standing in your living room, staring at that really small kitchen or the loft that is just used for storage, and wondering: “Can this house really become the home I want? Or is it time to move house?”
For many homeowners in the UK, this is the moment where you can reach a bit of a crossroads with your house. Renovations can be expensive, disruptive, and uncertain. Selling might seem easier, but how do you know if it’s the right choice?
What is the Stage 1 architectural process?
That’s where Stage 1 of the architectural process comes in. Known as the Preparation and Brief stage within the RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects) plan of work. It’s the phase where you explore your options without committing to anything. You get a clear picture of what’s possible, the costs and limitations involved, and whether investing in your home really makes sense.
Think of it as your own version of Phil and Kirsty’s TV show Love It or List It! You’re not on TV, but have a professional plan to guide your decision.
By the end of Stage 1, you’ll either see a path to making those home improvements and alterations or realise it might be smarter to test the market by listing it.
How can you do this initially? You can look to premarket your home discreetly and safely before making your next move.
Do I invest in home improvements?
Deciding whether to invest in home improvements or put your property on the market is a difficult decision to make. On one hand, you love your home and see potential. On the other, the cost, disruption, and uncertainty make you wonder if it’s time to move.
Stage 1 is the Preparation and Brief stage. Think of it as the “try before you buy” phase for your renovation plans to upgrade and make your house more functional for you. It helps you visualise what would need to be done before you commit significant time, energy, or money,
Stage 1 helps you explore what’s possible. More crucially, whether it’s worth it.
What does Stage 1 really mean to me?
Stage 1 is all about understanding your home, your needs, and the possibilities. It’s an early, exploratory, low-risk approach to seeing what you can do. At this stage, you and your architect or designer will:
- Review your current home layout and structure
- Identify what works well and what doesn’t
- Explore your goals and priorities (for example, this could be adding a new kitchen to creating more living space)
- Consider planning rules, restrictions, and feasibility
- Look at preliminary layouts or concept plans, often with multiple options
At this point, nothing is final. No major structural work has started, no planning applications are submitted, and no final budgets are fixed. Stage 1 is about vision and understanding, not commitment.
Why is Stage 1 is perfect to decide whether to “renovate or move on”?
This stage is the point where many homeowners ask themselves the big questions:
- Will this renovation really solve my space or lifestyle issues?
- Can I afford the disruption and costs?
- Is this the home I want to grow old in or would I be happier elsewhere?
Stage 1 is essentially your decision making toolkit. You get to visualise possibilities, explore options, and understand constraints without being locked in. It’s the moment where you can weigh emotional attachment against practicality. It’s your version of the TV show Love It or List It.
Is Stage 1 the best way to explore options without commitment?
One of the best things about Stage 1 is that it gives you clarity and confidence. Homeowners often discover one of three outcomes:
- Renovation is worth it: You see a plan that works for your needs and budget, and you feel inspired to move forward.
- Partial improvements make sense: Maybe a smaller investment in targeted changes will give the lifestyle boost you need.
- It’s time to sell: The renovation costs or practical limitations outweigh the benefits, making a move the smarter choice.
Whatever the outcome, Stage 1 ensures your decision is informed, not impulsive.
How can you make Stage 1 work for you?
To get the most out of Stage 1, you should:
- Be honest about your priorities
List the features you can’t compromise on and those you’d like to improve if possible. Think about lifestyle, not just aesthetics. - Understand the home’s limitations
Some properties are easier to extend or renovate than others. A professional at Stage 1 can identify constraints before you invest heavily. - Visualise multiple scenarios
Architects and designers can create initial sketches or concept layouts that show different options. Even rough floor plans help you “see” your future home. - Consider costs early
While Stage 1 isn’t about a detailed budget, having a ballpark figure for your ideas prevents surprises later. - Think long term
Ask yourself: Will these changes meet your needs for the next 5–10 years? Or are you likely to outgrow them quickly?
What about a discreet premarket house listing option?
Sometimes, Stage 1 clarifies that renovation isn’t the answer. Maybe your ideal improvements are too costly, your street restrictions too limiting, or your lifestyle is changing. That’s where a premarket houses option comes in.
We offer a service that allows homeowners to discreetly test the market, sharing just the basics. Your street name, first part of your postcode, and type of house. So really limited information without publicly listing the property. It’s a low-pressure way to see if moving could be the smarter choice.
This step complements Stage 1 perfectly. You can explore your dream renovation while quietly seeing if there would be interest if it was on the market.
What are the tips for homeowners at Stage 1?
- Keep an open mind: The process is about exploring options, not committing.
- Ask questions: Talk to professionals about timelines, potential costs, and planning constraints.
- Document everything: Taking notes or photos during this stage. This will help you make clear comparisons later.
- Balance emotion with practicality: Stage 1 is the moment to check whether your heart and your head are aligned.
What are the next steps after Stage 1?
After Stage 1, you have clarity to decide your next move:
- Stage 2 is the Concept Design: If you decide to renovate, Stage 2 develops the concepts into detailed designs, budgets, and planning applications.
- Discreetly premarket step: If you’re leaning toward selling, your initial research lets you test the market quietly and make an informed choice.
The key takeaway? Stage 1 isn’t just the start of a project, it’s the start of a smart decision making process.
Does Stage 1 really just explore the possibilities before committing?
Yes! Stage 1 is about exploring possibilities before committing. It gives homeowners a realistic understanding of their home’s potential, helping answer the crucial question: should I renovate or move on?
By taking the time to explore options, visualise outcomes, and consider practical constraints, you’re not just planning a renovation, you’re planning a better future. This could be transforming your current home or finding a new one.
If you’d like to explore both renovation possibilities and your home’s potential on the market, our discreet pre-market service allows you to test the waters safely, sharing only essential details like street, postcode, and house type. It’s the perfect complement to Stage 1 thinking.
In summary: The choice of renovating or moving house
Stage 1 isn’t about starting work; it’s about making informed choices. By exploring your home’s potential through initial plans, sketches, and professional advice. You also gain the clarity to decide whether to invest in renovations or decide to list it.
And if your research points toward selling, you don’t have to rush into the open market. A discreet premarket houses service like ours lets you test the waters, sharing only the essentials. These being your street, first part of your postcode, and type of house. You can see what initial interest it generates before choosing to advertise it for sale.
Whether you end up renovating or moving, Stage 1 ensures your decision is confident, informed, and tailored to your lifestyle.
