Renovations can be very exciting projects that are meant to improve how you live, but they can also be the source of stress and headaches if not done correctly. Having worked in the renovation industry for many years, I have come across a lot of costly mistakes that clients have made when renovating, so I have put together a list of 5 common mistakes that you can avoid:
1 | Not doing your research
The first thing you should be doing when you decide to renovate your home is to do as much research as possible. I would suggest to at least research:
Designers and/or architects that work in your area - especially if you are planning a larger renovation or one that involves moving or changing walls
Builders that work in your area. I also have a post about selecting a builder that would be helpful to read at this stage - link below!
The value of houses in your area and how much is worth spending on your renovation
How much a renovation of your size and style should cost
How long a renovation of your size should take
If you need any planning/building permits
2 | Not having a budget or having an unrealistic budget
Having a budget and sticking to it is very important when it comes to renovations, as things can get out of control very quickly! We always suggest to decide on a budget early on, get an estimate from a builder to see how realistic the budget is and then add a buffer to it for any unexpected costs. Working with an architect or designer will also help you keep to a budget as we understand the costs of products and materials and are used to working within our client's budgets.
3 | Not understanding your needs and priorities
If you are planning to live in the home that you renovate, it is important to make sure that the design really suits your needs. You should ideally be spending some time thinking about how you live, what works/doesn't work in your home currently and what might change in your circumstances in the future. Not planning a renovation around you and your family's needs can lead to making costly mistakes and prioritising aesthetics over functionality.
4 | Leaving too many things to decide/select after construction begins
The best way to renovate is to make as many decisions as possible before the first day of the build. Having too many things to decide on site can lead to mistakes, miscommunication and having to make rushed decisions - all things that can be very costly.
This means that you should have the floor plan, design, materials, fixtures and fittings locked in and documented before demolition day. Depending on the size of your project, this can take months to plan and even longer if you are doing it yourself on top of your job and family commitments. This is why we always recommend to work with a designer, as they will take you step by step through the design process so that nothing is missed and then document this all for you ready for the builder.
5 | Selecting cheap fittings, fixtures and appliances
Selecting cheaper products might seem like a good idea in order to come within your budget. However, cheaper now might mean more expensive in the long run, when it all needs to be replaced a year later. Quality products that will last will make a huge difference to your renovation, and I have a blog post all about where it's worth splurging. You can access the blog post through the link below:
I hope this has been helpful for you! If you are planning a renovation project and want to get in touch with us, you can contact us through the link below:
Hope you have a wonderful week!
Nina xx