Considering renovating your home? Whether you’re looking to expand your space or modernise your home’s design, a renovation project can be a rewarding experience.
Before embarking on your renovation project, it’s important to take the time to do your research and properly plan your project. 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 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 Are you aiming to increase the value of your home, improve functionality, or simply update outdated spaces?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 these 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 plans 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.
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 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.
