Learning how to plan a home renovation and where to start can be daunting, but like most things – preparation is key, and knowledge is power.
Whether you’re planning on renovating for profit, or are aiming to transform your house into the family home of your dreams, renovating any abode is certainly a monumental task, and usually not for the fainthearted. In terms of knowing how to plan a home renovation, the devil is in the details – so what do you need to know?
Eight Tips On How To Plan A Home Renovation
Whether it’s a large scale undertaking or just one small room at home, the biggest obstacle that renovators often face is simply knowing where to begin. The good news is that little planning can go a long way in terms of avoiding costly errors as well as keeping your stress levels in check.
Know Your End Goal – Are you renovating your home to avoid moving or selling, or are you chasing an upgrade for a potential profit in the future? Define what you hope to achieve from your home renovation early on in order to make sure that the end goal is what you want.
Get The Right Approvals – As a general rule, most extensions of a property and sometimes renovations do require some form of council or building approval. Don’t speculate on the types of approval and costs associated and instead, get these organised before you start any work.
Make A Budget – Ensure that you know exactly what you can afford before any renovations start, plus leave a little extra stashed away for any incidentals. You can expect to pay around 45-50% on materials, 30-35% on labour and 20-25% on fees, taxes, GST and levies.
Recruit The Experts – Be realistic on the projects that you can successfully pull off as a DIY, versus the type that require the help of a professional. Consider all of your options regarding tradesmen and even interior designers to ensure that the work is done properly the first time.
Avoid Overcapitalising – Some experts believe you shouldn’t spend more than 10% of your home’s value on a renovation. If you’re planning to live in the house for 10 years or more, this may mean overcapitalising in the short term in favour of the bigger picture.
Select Your Materials – Investing in high quality materials will not only extend the lifespan of your home, but can also save you money in the long run. Consider things like sustainability, capability, thermal performance, insulation, and resistance to fire, vermin and moisture.
Decide On Design – Walls, floors, roofs, windows and doors all need to tie in with the look you’re after, whether it be an industrial style or perhaps something a bit more colourful. You will also need to consider storage solutions that work for the whole family too.
Stay On Top Of Paperwork – Keeping an eye on costs and timeline projections will help to ensure your renovations stay on track without any nasty surprises. If you’re managing the project yourself, write a diary of what’s happened onsite each day to refer back to.
Looking For Further Help With How To Plan A Home Renovation?
Whether you’re considering a home office facelift or even a large scale full renovation, it’s always important to speak to a professional before you start tearing down a room or home.
In operation for over ten years, Brisbane based Kibo Constructions believe that quality, reliable workmanship with an honest approach shouldn’t be the exception to the rule. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that the entire process is both a transparent and enjoyable experience from start to finish – undertaking a construction project shouldn’t be painful.
If you know that there’s an upcoming project coming up for you, your brand or your business, we would love the opportunity to provide a quote – you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. As we specialise in residential, commercial and hospitality fitout options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, please get in touch to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.