The Best Home Renovation Preparation Advice for Beginners
When you need the best home renovation preparation advice then ask a professional. It's people like me who work in this area and we've probably seen everything. So when it comes to home renovation prep, here's my two bobs worth.
When I hear the words “We are renovating and need your help” I get very excited at the thought of helping Adelaide home owners create their dream home. A wave of excitement washes over me and my eyes light up. Although often the person speaking those words is as confused and terrified as I am delighted.
Whilst most people want to love their home, watching some renovation shows can make things appear a lot more seamless than they are in reality. If you are planning for a home renovation, or even some major redecorating, there are home renovation preparation items to consider BEFORE you even think about beautiful interior design.
Conceptual home design by Plush Design Renovations
Home Renovation Preparation: Your First Priority
Ensuring your home’s major assets are in perfect condition is essential before embarking on any renovation or major redecorating project. This means checking your plumbing, electrical circuits and roofing before proceeding. It is imperative to fix any issues, such as water leaks, faulty wiring, or rising damp before you start. Fixing existing issues, or at least making their repair part of your renovations planning, will save costly future repairs.
Having A Clear Vision
If you start making changes to the design after your renovation has commenced, your budget will blow out BIG TIME. It is very important that all design work is completed BEFORE a renovation begins. This includes custom joinery design, removing walls, adding doors and windows, and having a lighting plan, just to name a few. Be very clear about the design before works begin. This is one of the most important home renovation preparation tips.
Write a detailed brief that clearly explains your vision, your budget, time-frames, what will remain IN the house and what needs to come OUT. Have a clear colour palette to use through your home for a cohesive look.
A detailed brief can be referred to later if you need to make a decision or have a disagreement with the builder.
At Plush Design Renovations, we have a nine-step process that clearly explains what is involved from the initial consultation right through to hand-over. Please download our free ‘How We Work’ guide for more information.
A beautifully planned outdoor living space from Plush Design Renovations
Maximise the Positives
From an architectural and interior design perspective, there are elements to always consider as part of your home renovation preparation. These important concepts can not be an afterthought. Always consider natural light sources, air flow, views from windows, privacy, and noise control before you start making architectural, renovation or interior design decisions. The functionality of your dream home is the priority over gorgeous fabrics and divine furniture at this stage in planning.
Fast-Track Approvals
Required approvals will be easier to achieve if you know the Local Council and State Government rules and can provide rationale for your design decisions. If necessary, tweak your overall design to fit the required building works legislation and rules.
All the best home renovation preparation in the world won't help you if you can't get Council approval. In some States and Territories, illegal renovations may stop you from selling your home in the future.
Mid-century modern kitchen renovation concept by Plush Design Renovations
Tradie Access + Rubbish Removal
Ensure your home renovation preparation includes easy access for trades, removal of rubbish, and delivery of big items. Can trades access the rear of your property from the outside? Where will skips be located? Can vehicles park on-site? Is there a bus-stop nearby? When is bin pickup day? What is required to ensure easy access and minimise the impact on your existing home… and your neighbours.
Renovating for Profit
If you are renovating to sell, research property sales in the area. Adjust your budget, and be strict with spending, so you do NOT over-capitalise, that you cover all costs, and you make a profit. This is also where hiring an interior designer to renovate will save you time, money, and potential heartache.
Include often forgotten fees such as skip hire, dump fees, Council approval fees, and a contingency of at least 15% of the total budget.
Southern California style kitchen designed by Plush Design Renovations with interior designers, Plush Design Interiors, Adelaide
Budget for Interior Design
Self-serving? Well, no. Budgeting for interior design isn't necessarily about hiring Adelaide's best interior designer (although it could, haha). No, it's more about YOU than me. You don’t want to make costly mistakes or hold up your renovation due to unforeseen circumstances - unforeseen to you, but not necessarily unforeseen to an experienced interior designer.
It's important that you provide a budget for appliances, sanitary-ware, tapware, handles, furniture, fabrics, lighting, art works and accessories. These are all part of the home renovation preparation process not an afterthought.
Did you know that an interior designer can organise all selections and deliveries for you? They will generally offer a design management service which takes care of all the design aspects during the renovation, through the defects period, and afterwards. Interior design is not an expense, it’s a service that will save you time and money.
Is Your Head Exploding?
There is definitely much to consider in the pre-planning of your home renovation. To be well-organised and have everything on site before even a brick is removed is the aim. It takes careful thought and vision.
If you need more help, please reach out to the small team at Plush Design Renovations for an initial consultation to get you on the right track.
There are plenty of great blog articles here on Plush Design Renovations. However you may like to read our blog post on ‘Concept to Reality’ and how to plan a successful home renovation.