Considering renovating your home? Before embarking on your project, it’s important to take the time for home renovation planning. This will help you to avoid unexpected delays, budget blow-outs, or costly mistakes.
To help you out, we’ve put together this handy home renovation planning checklist. We’ll take you through each step to ensure you’re prepared for your project. Let’s dive in.
1. Ask yourself ‘Why’
The first step is to ask yourself why you want to renovate your home. Are you aiming to increase the value of your home, improve functionality, or simply update outdated spaces?
Understanding your motivation helps define your vision and ensures that every decision you make aligns with your goals. By clarifying your ‘why,’ you can avoid unnecessary changes and stay focused on what truly matters, whether it’s adding space, upgrading aesthetics, or enhancing your home’s energy efficiency.
2. Outline your project’s scope
Next, you need to get a clearer picture of the scale and scope of your project. This includes detailing all aspects of the renovation, from structural changes to cosmetic upgrades. Make a list of everything you want to accomplish, from major modifications like adding rooms or knocking down walls to smaller details like replacing light fixtures or repainting.
Now is also the time to get your building and engineering plans drawn up, as you will need this to seek approvals. Having a clear outline ensures you and your contractor are on the same page and helps avoid costly misunderstandings during the construction phase.
3. Seek approval
If your renovation involves major structural changes or external modifications, you’ll likely need approval from your local council. Research the necessary permits and regulations in your area before beginning. Seek approval early in the process to avoid potential delays later on. This step ensures your project complies with legal standards and protects you from potential fines or the need to redo work that doesn’t meet local building codes.
4. Calculate costs
Once you have a clearer plan for your project, it’s time to look more closely at the costs involved. Start by researching material prices and labour costs for the specific tasks you want to undertake. Break down costs into categories such as materials, labour, and unexpected expenses like structural repairs. This will give you a clearer understanding of how much money you’ll need to set aside for the entire project. Knowing the costs upfront helps prevent surprises and ensures you’re financially prepared.
5. Get a quote
Now you have a rough estimate of your renovation costs, it’s time to get formal quotes from professionals. Reach out to multiple builders or contractors to compare prices and services. Make sure the quotes are detailed and cover all aspects of the work, including materials, labour, and potential hidden costs. Comparing quotes allows you to choose a contractor that fits your budget without sacrificing quality or expertise.
6. Set a realistic budget
Setting a realistic budget based on your costs and quotes is a key step to staying on track financially. Be sure to include a buffer for unexpected expenses, as surprises often arise during renovations. Factor in both the materials and labour costs, as well as any permits, insurance, or taxes. Having a detailed budget helps you manage your finances, prioritise tasks, and make informed decisions throughout the renovation process.
7. Choose a reliable builder
Choosing a reliable builder in Brisbane is critical to the success of your renovation. Take time to research contractors, read reviews, and check credentials before making your decision. Look for professionals who have experience with projects similar to yours and who can provide references from past clients.
A reliable builder not only delivers high-quality work but also communicates effectively, sticks to deadlines, and manages the project within budget. They offer advice on your home renovation planning and expectations, helping you identify areas that may need to be reassessed. Although you may have researched costs in advance, these can shift during the project, so it’s important to have a builder who can manage changes and keep you on track.
8. Decide on your timeline
Setting a timeline for your renovation ensures that the project moves forward efficiently. Work with your builder to establish a realistic schedule, accounting for potential delays like weather or supply chain disruptions. Keep in mind that larger projects may take months to complete, so it’s important to be flexible yet firm on deadlines. A clear timeline helps you stay organised and minimises disruptions to your daily life.
9. Organise your living arrangements
If your renovation will affect major areas like the kitchen or bathrooms, or if it involves structural work, you may need to arrange alternative living plans during the project. Consider whether you can stay with friends or family or if you’ll need to rent temporary accommodation. Planning your living arrangements early ensures a smooth transition during the renovation, reducing stress and allowing the project to proceed without interruption.
10. Finalise Your Design Choices Early
Before construction begins, take time to select your finishes, fixtures, and materials. This includes flooring, tiles, paint colours, cabinetry, tapware, lighting, and appliances. Having your selections locked in early ensures your builder can order materials on time, avoid delays, and give you more accurate cost estimates.
Early decision-making helps prevent last-minute changes, which are often the biggest cause of budget blowouts. It also ensures your final result aligns perfectly with your vision.
11. Prepare Your Home for Construction
Renovation work can be messy, so make sure your home is ready before the builders arrive. This may include clearing furniture and valuables, protecting flooring, securing pets, creating access points for trades, and allocating onsite storage for materials
Preparing your space helps the team work efficiently and protects your belongings throughout the renovation.
12. Communicate Regularly with Your Builder
Clear communication is essential for a smooth renovation. Establish how you will stay updated, whether through weekly meetings, phone updates, or shared project management tools.
Regular communication allows you to:
- Track progress
- Make timely decisions
- Address questions or changes quickly
- Stay ahead of unforeseen issues
A strong working relationship with your builder ensures everyone remains aligned on expectations and timelines.
13. Monitor Progress and Be Flexible
Even with meticulous home renovation planning, renovations can bring surprises, like hidden structural issues, back-ordered materials, or weather delays. The key is to monitor progress while remaining flexible.
Keep an eye on:
- Quality of workmanship
- Alignment with plans
- Timing of deliveries
- Any required adjustments
Being adaptable helps keep the project moving forward while still achieving your desired result.
14. Prepare for Inspections and Compliance Checks
Depending on your project, your renovation may require inspections at various stages, such as electrical, plumbing, or structural work. Make sure you know when these need to happen and confirm your builder is scheduling them appropriately.
Proper inspections ensure your renovation meets Queensland building codes and is safe, legal, and ready for certification.
15. Plan the Final Clean and Styling
Once construction wraps up, there’s still a little more to consider. Renovations generate dust and debris, so a professional post-build clean can help restore your home to a livable state quickly.
After that, consider how you’ll style your newly finished space with furniture, artwork, soft furnishings, plants, and lighting. This final layer brings your renovation to life and helps you fully enjoy the transformation.
16. Review the Work and Keep All Documentation
At completion, walk through the project with your builder and ensure everything meets your expectations. Note any touch-ups or final adjustments needed.
Remember to also keep copies of contracts, plans, warranty information, compliance certificates, and product manuals. Having everything in one place helps with future maintenance, resale, or insurance claims.
17. Celebrate Your New Space
After months of home renovation planning and construction, take time to enjoy the results. Whether it’s hosting a dinner, relaxing in your refreshed living space, or simply appreciating the craftsmanship, celebrating the completion of your project is an important final step.
A renovation is a major achievement, one that enhances not just your home, but your lifestyle.
Ready to Transform your Home?
Talk to us! At JM Homes, we’re Brisbane’s renovation and building experts. We ensure we always take the time to do thorough home renovation planning. We listen, communicate and act with our clients interests at heart at every stage of the build.
Take a look at some of our recent projects for some inspiration or get in touch with our team.
