Steps to planning a successful renovation

The most crucial part of any renovation is the planning process. It may seem obvious, but most renovation budget blowouts occur as a result of poor planning. Speak to as many experts as you can before you start, and make sure they’re all qualified and insured before you consider using them in your project, and you’ll have the best chance of completing your renovation on time, on budget and without too much stress.

Here are the key steps to planning a successful renovation:

• Evaluate your current home – Make a list of all the things you love about your home, and all the features you don’t like. What do you want to change? What improvements are you trying to make? Also enlist in a professional to help you determine whether there are any structural issues that need fixing, especially if you notice any cracking or rotting.
• Make a wish list – In an ideal world, what do you want to achieve? Be it structural, functional or style related, work out what the must haves are and prioritise your list. This will not only help you formulate your renovation plan, it will also help you draw up your budget.
• Get advice on the building requirements in your area – There may be building restrictions or certain laws that will affect the way you plan your renovation, so it’s important to know what these are at the beginning of the process so you don’t waste any time or money doing something you may have to change. Ask your local council’s planning officers for some information so you know what to expect.
• Find an expert – This is particularly important if you’re planning a major renovation. For big projects, enlisting the help of a professional designer, architect or draftsperson may add huge value and experience to your renovation. Ask for references and examples of their previous work.
• Find your builder – Approach a range of builders and obtain quotes from them all. It’s not only important to find a builder who can deliver the project within budget, but also one that you trust, and that you feel shares your vision for the renovation. Consider whether you want the builder to manage the project for you, including things like booking electricians, plumbers and other tradies, or whether you need a separate project manager for this job.
• Getting permits – Every state and territory has different permit requirements when it comes to building and renovating. This is a crucial part of the renovating process, because any delays you encounter during the permit process may translate to project costs that will upset your budget. You can ask your local council for information about these permits, and if you’re having difficultly with the process, you may wish to seek advice from professionals like a planning lawyer or building surveyors.
• Lock in your finances – As well as drawing up a solid budget, it’s important to do your homework when it comes to financing your project so you can be sure you’re managing it in the most cost effective way. You may wish to refinance your current home loan using the equity in your home, or make an appointment with your local lending expert to discuss the best option for you.
• Live in or rent out – While you’re completing your renovation, is it possible for you to still live comfortably in your home or do you need to move out? Plan for this as early on in the process as possible so you can allow for the costs of renting in your budget and save yourself a whole lot of stress.
• The little things – It’s the small details that make the largest impact and greatly influence the success of your project. If you notice something you’re not happy with or think your builder is cutting corners, make sure you tell them. At the end of the day, you have to live with the changes you make to your home and it’s important you’re happy with them.