Good idea. But, while renovations are exciting and fulfilling, they can also be tricky. That’s why we’ve pulled together our top 10 tips to guide your next home makeover. And ensure your renovation doesn’t end in frustration.

Your house (and hip pocket) will thank you!

 

Before you pick up the tools   

Despite what TV’s most popular renovation shows would have you believe, the work starts well before your tradies even get on site.

Yep. Because the key to a stunning on-budget renovation is, in fact, systematic planning.

Let’s explore.

 

1. Decide on the end goal

Are you remodelling with your family’s future in mind? Or looking to sell the property and maximise the financial return on your efforts?

Your end goal will dictate the way you approach the renovation process.

If you’re staying: you’ll need to make the place work for you, your budget, and your evolving style and lifestyle.

If the plan is to sell: you’ll need to make the changes that’ll add the most value to the house – for the least amount of money.

 

2. Engage the experts

One of the biggest assets you can leverage on any project? Insider information.

And in home improvement, that person is your local property agent. Enlist them for an appraisal and you’ll unlock plenty of invaluable information from the minds of prospective buyers.

Your agent will also have their finger on the pulse with all the latest local market trends. And can offer guidance on where to spend your money – and how to maximise your investment.

 

3. Create a detailed budget – with a smidge of wiggle room

The key with your budget is to be clear and firm with how much you’re willing to spend.

As a rule of thumb though, allow 5 to 10 percent of the property’s value. (Which you now know because you got that appraisal…right?)

It’s also vital to have an emergency fund – especially for older properties. Damp, mould, asbestos, water damage: you can never be too sure what issues may arise.

Don’t get caught out mid-build with no contingency plan.

And if you’re renovating to put your home on the market, you’ll need to factor selling costs – including stamp duty, capital gains tax, transfer fees, and agent commission fees – into your budget.  

 

 

4. Make yourself an action plan

When you start to plan – consider the structural bones and layout of the property.

This means, where possible, keeping your electrics and plumbing in the same position. Or looking under the carpet to see if you can sand old floorboards or polish the concrete.

This mindset can save you thousands.

And remember: you don’t need to upgrade everything. Your home might look old and tired now. But you’ll be amazed at the difference new flooring, a fresh coat of paint, and some shiny new fixtures and fittings can make!

 

5. Choose your tradies wisely

One of the most important decisions in the ‘reno’ game is selecting the right builders and tradies.

So do your due diligence: taking into account, where possible, recommendations from people you know and trust.

And pick your builder based off their track record, not their pricing. The last thing you want is poor workmanship that could end up costing you more in the long run.

And to ensure healthy communication from the start, make it clear how involved you’d like to be.

 

6. Be guided by the guidelines

Every state of Australia has its own renovation rules and regulations – and it’s your responsibility to respect them.

That means understanding them – and for this, your local council is a great place to start. Local councils can tell you where to apply for any building or planning permits you may need before you begin work.

Regardless of the size of the work, always sign a contract with your builders and contractors – and get familiar with the warranties on their work. Make sure they provide all the relevant compliance certificates, too.

Now let’s begin the build  

With your paperwork and plans in hand, you’re ready to start renovating. Let’s go!

 

7. Consider your colour palette

When envisioning interiors, it’s best to start from the bottom up.  

Your flooring will likely be one of your larger financial outlays – so use it as the foundation for all your other colour choices. Then systematically move up through the skirting, cabinetry and walls.

Be mindful of the orientation of the property, too. North-facing living areas are filled with natural light, so there are more palettes to play with. But if you need to avoid a room feeling too small or dark, always choose lighter neutral tones.

 

 

8. Source your goods

To keep your project running on time and budget, order everything – from raw materials to fixtures and fittings – well in advance.

And be mindful: if you’re leaving the procurement solely up to your tradies, they’ll often use their preferred providers, rather than shopping around for the best price.

If you’d like to be involved in the acquisition of materials, chat with your builder before you sign the contract. To take over those responsibilities, you might need to become the official project manager – which could end up taking up a lot of your time and resources.

 

9. Reassess, reassess, reassess

As your renovation unfolds, be sure to regularly check in on timelines, costs, and how you’re tracking against your budget.

That way, you can mitigate any issues or potential cost blowouts before they spiral out of control. And keep the project smooth for all involved.

 

10. Consider help to set the stage

If you’re selling your freshly renovated home, a property stager can help ensure a good ROI.

These style gurus will choose the ideal on-trend furniture and décor to highlight your properties best features – and give potential buyers that must-have feeling.

A good property stager can drive up the number of listing views, incite interest in your property, and can increase sales prices by a significant amount. No-brainer, really!

 

 

Considering an upgrade to your home? For a detailed property appraisal and expert advice, contact our friendly team at Gary Peer & Associates, today.