Thinking of renovating? Congratulations! You’ve officially signed up for a rollercoaster of decisions, design ideas and plenty of dust! But don’t worry – Joe shares his ten tried and tested tips to get your renovation started on the right foot.

1. Set your renovation goal

Before you rip out a single tile, ask yourself: Why am I renovating? Is it for resale? More space? An extra bedroom or simple upgrades? The most important part is to be clear about what you want to achieve. 

2. Check your local Council rules

Before you draw up plans, check if your renovation needs approval (DA or CDC) or falls under exempt development. Decide which path you want to take that matches your desired renovation. And allow time to do this, some DAs can take a year going through Council processes and approvals. Councils vary across Sydney, so talk to some experts about what to expect. 

3. Align your budget with your expectations

With any project, your budget is a significant determinant of what you can achieve. Have a realistic idea of how much you want to spend, and allow 10–20% extra for the surprises (like rotten floorboards or tastefully hidden asbestos).

4. Get your team appointed early

Engage your architects, builders and consultants early in the piece. Expert advice backed with experience can save you lots of time and money. Plus, you can choose who you can work best with. 

5. Make a wishlist

Be sure of what you can and can’t compromise on. This is really important for decision-making. Often our clients see their bathroom and kitchen areas as a non-compromising upgrade, then their efforts and focus need to be on those areas – and making sure enough budget is allocated to their must-have items. Often it means other areas are designed or built more simply to accommodate budget being diverted to other areas on the wishlist.

6. Create a realistic timeline 

Most people who renovate will tell you, it took longer. However, it could be a misalignment between actual project timelines and reality. Talk to your builder about a realistic timeline so you can be prepared. Often, a considerable cost is living elsewhere while you renovate, so knowing the real facts is essential.

7. Talk to your neighbours

If you’re going to cause a temporary disruption to your street, talking to your neighbours beforehand is an essential step in maintaining good communication with them throughout the build. Often, Sydney builds are done on narrow blocks, so a good relationship with your builder and neighbours will be critical.

8. Be close

If you have to move elsewhere, it’s imperative to be close by for important builder meetings and monitor your build’s progress. It’s the most enjoyable part, seeing your home come to life!

9. Use online resources

Homeowners have so many resources now to help them make decisions, from Pinterest to online shopping websites, there will be info out there to make decision-making easier.

10. Celebrate the wins

Celebrate the small wins – the first wall going up, the day of lock up, when the kitchen goes in and the fact you’re still married. Joe insists,  “At some point, pop that bottle. You earned it.”

Renovating isn’t easy, but with some planning and flexibility, you’ll get the home you want. And hey – when it’s all done, you’ll have a beautiful space you can call home.

Thinking about a reno? Let’s chat. We offer honest advice from someone who’s seen it all! Give us a call on 0411 525 984.