Renovating your home offers the chance to transform your living space, whether you’re refreshing a single room or undertaking a major renovation. But it’s easy for renovations to become overwhelming without a solid plan in place. Smooth renovation planning is key—managing your budget, staying on schedule, and making smart decisions can all significantly impact the outcome of your project.
This guide is designed to help you navigate your home renovation from start to finish. We’ll cover all the crucial steps, from defining your goals to post-renovation cleanup, with practical advice that can save you time, money, and stress.
1. Define Your Renovation Goals and Vision
Before jumping into the renovation process, it’s crucial to define what you want to achieve. Having a clear vision ensures that you make decisions that align with your goals. Whether you’re upgrading for resale, improving functionality, or modernising your space, it’s important to establish the right goals early on.
Identify Your Essential Outcomes
The first question to ask yourself is: why are you renovating?
- For resale: Focus on upgrades that increase the return on investment (ROI), such as kitchen and bathroom renovations.
- For long-term living: Prioritise changes that improve your everyday life, like better storage or more open space.
Example:
In a project I worked on in Toorak, we focused on updating the kitchen and bathroom to increase the home’s appeal to buyers. Meanwhile, a family in Kew prioritised storage space and energy-efficient appliances as they planned to live in the home long-term.
Prioritise High-Impact Changes
Not all renovations carry the same weight. Address urgent structural issues, like fixing leaks or rewiring, before tackling cosmetic changes. These issues are critical to safety and functionality.
Example:
If you’re renovating the kitchen, make sure any plumbing issues are resolved before installing new cabinets or countertops. Otherwise, you risk costly changes later on.
Gather Inspiration
Visualising your dream home can be challenging without some inspiration. Create a mood board with ideas from magazines, Pinterest, or design apps. However, avoid chasing fleeting trends and focus on timeless styles that match your personality.
2. Set a Realistic Budget and Build in Contingency
A clear and realistic budget is essential to avoid financial stress later on. It’s easy for costs to add up quickly, especially with hidden expenses.
Break Down Your Budget into Categories
One of the best ways to manage your budget is to break it down into categories.
| Category | Description |
| Labour | The cost of hiring contractors and specialists. |
| Materials | Budget for the materials you’ll need, including tiles, paint, timber, etc. |
| Permits | Costs for obtaining necessary permits for major renovations. |
| Design Fees | If you’re hiring a designer, include this in your budget. |
Plan for Unexpected Costs
Even the best-laid plans can encounter surprises. A contingency fund of 10-20% of your total budget will help you deal with unexpected issues.
Example:
On a recent renovation in Richmond, we uncovered water damage behind the walls, which required additional repair work. Without a contingency fund, this would have delayed the project and added stress.
3. Hire the Right Professionals for Your Renovation
The success of your renovation is largely determined by the contractors and designers you choose. This step is critical to ensure quality work and that the project runs smoothly.
How to Choose the Best Contractors and Designers
Hiring the right team is key to a successful renovation. Here’s how to ensure you make the right choices:
- Get multiple estimates: Always get quotes from at least three contractors.
- Check experience: Ensure your contractor has experience in the type of work you’re planning.
- Verify credentials: Check if they are licensed and insured.
- Check references: Speak to previous clients and review their portfolio of past work.
Formalise Agreements with Contracts
Once you’ve selected your contractors, ensure all agreements are formalised in writing. This includes:
- A clear description of the work.
- A payment schedule.
- Estimated start and completion dates.
- Any guarantees or warranties provided.
4. Understand Renovation Permits and Legal Requirements
Some renovations, particularly structural changes or major plumbing and electrical work, require permits. It’s essential to understand the local regulations and obtain the necessary permits to avoid fines or delays.
Understand Permit Requirements
Each area has different permit requirements. Your contractor should be familiar with local council rules and can assist with the application process.
| Project Type | Permit Required? |
| Plumbing and electrical | Yes, if work involves altering the system. |
| Structural changes | Yes, for major additions or modifications. |
| Cosmetic changes | Typically no, unless involving structural elements. |
Risks of Skipping Permits
Skipping permits can lead to fines, project delays, or even the need to tear down completed work. Ensure all necessary permits are obtained to keep your renovation on track and compliant with building codes.
5. Create a Realistic Renovation Timeline
A renovation timeline helps you keep track of the project and ensures that things stay on schedule. However, you’ll need to remain flexible as delays are common in renovation work.
Break the Project into Phases
Divide the renovation into manageable stages such as demolition, framing, plumbing, and electrical work. Each stage should have target dates to keep the project on track.
Example:
In a recent project, we broke down the renovation into clear phases: demolition, framing, electrical, and plumbing, which helped streamline the process.
Prepare for Delays
Delays are inevitable, whether due to weather, material shortages, or contractor availability. It’s important to allow extra time for these issues and communicate any changes to your team.
6. Manage Disruptions and Temporary Living Arrangements
Renovations can disrupt your day-to-day life. From noise to dust, it’s essential to plan for these disruptions to reduce stress.
Protect Areas Not Under Renovation
To minimise mess, seal off areas that aren’t being renovated. Use plastic sheeting and heavy curtains to keep dust contained.
Create Livable Zones
Designate a room or area that is unaffected by renovations as your “safe zone”. This provides a space for rest and relaxation away from the chaos of the renovation.
Plan for Temporary Living Arrangements
If the work is extensive, like a kitchen or bathroom remodel, consider moving out temporarily. Alternatively, set up a small temporary kitchen or bathroom to avoid inconveniencing your family.
7. Prioritise Projects and Select Materials
Choosing the right materials and determining the order of operations can greatly affect the outcome of your renovation.
Order of Operations
Start with structural work, such as plumbing or electrical, before moving on to cosmetic upgrades like painting or installing new flooring. This order ensures that the basic functionality of your home is solid before focusing on aesthetics.
Choosing Materials Wisely
Quality materials often cost more upfront, but they offer greater value and durability in the long run. For example, investing in quality timber flooring will save you money on repairs in the future.
8. Stay Involved and Monitor Progress
Your active involvement is essential in ensuring the renovation stays on track. Regular communication with your contractor is key to a successful project.
Regular Communication with Your Contractor
Check in with your contractor regularly to monitor progress. This helps to resolve issues quickly and avoid misunderstandings.
Document Progress and Manage Change Orders
Keep a file with all contracts, invoices, and communication. If changes need to be made, ensure they are documented in a signed change order to avoid confusion.
9. Post-Renovation Cleanup and Final Review
Once your renovation is complete, the final steps—cleanup and inspection—are essential to ensuring everything meets your expectations.
Conduct a Final Walkthrough
Walk through your home with your contractor to ensure everything is completed to your satisfaction. Check for any defects or unfinished work.
Cleaning Up After Construction
Renovations create a lot of dust and debris, so plan for a thorough cleanup. You may want to hire a professional cleaner to ensure every corner of your home is spotless.
With careful planning, a clear budget, and the right team, your home renovation can be a rewarding experience that adds significant value to your property. Following these steps will help you manage the process from start to finish, keeping you on track and ensuring your project runs smoothly.
