7 Ways to keep your renovation on track

It doesn't matter if you've just built your dream home, bought a fixer-upper or are even renting, I bet there's still something there that you think "yeah, that'd be nice to renovate" or "I wish that was a bit different, more modern even".

Well, for those of us who do take the plunge, renovating is a scary, exciting time. Unfortunately, it can also get out of hand very easily, draining both time and money like your worst nightmare. So, before you grow to resent your renovation, make sure you really take the time to read over these tips to make your next renovation run smoothly.

1. Research thoroughly and be clear about what you want

Now is not the time to sit back and "go with the flow". In a few months time when its all done and dusted, you'll be kicking yourself for not speaking up. That goes for conversations with your partner, or your architect. The more information you can put into the mixing pot, the better. That not only gives your architect a clearer vision of what you want, but it also helps provide a springboard for talking points and new ideas that you or your partner may not have thought of.

This also means that when you're coming up with ideas and brainstorming, don't just have a scroll through whatever magazines are sitting in the architects waiting room and call it a day. Jump on visual social media like Pinterest or Instagram and starting searching through all the relevant hashtags for your design. Save all the images into folders that relate to what you want as well. Then, go through publications and blogs. Get online and read articles from Better Homes and Gardens, Houzz or Dwell.com, even places like Reddit are a plethora of ideas and feedback. There's more information online these days then you'll ever have time to read, and if you're running into a problem, I guarantee someone else has already run into it and put a solution online.

When you finally have your desired idea and know exactly what you want, get it written down, drawn up, ticked off and signed. Cross all your T's, and dot all your I's before any construction begins. This means that everyone knows what's going on, and there won't be that one person at the end that says "Oh, I thought we were going to do it like that instead!"

2. Be nice to your neighbors!

So this is something that everyone goes "of course we'll talk to them about it" but sometimes, you just don't get around to it. It's really important that you do, however, because not only can they make your life hell during the permit stage, but there's nothing worse than having neighbors that are perpetually mad at you in the future for the retaining wall they detest, or the tree you're crane driver accidentally knocked over into their yard.

Obviously, you don't need their permission, especially when it comes to inside, but it's always nicer to let them know you plan on doing some stuff, or that it might get a bit noisy for a few weeks or there'll be a skip-bin in the driveway for a while. And when it's all said and done, you can invite them over to secretly rub in their face how nice your new entertainment area is.

3. Get your permits in early (and we mean real early)

So, not every renovation is going to need council permission or planning/building permits. A new lick of paint or feature wall? no problem. Adding an extension onto your house or knocking down walls that might be structural? Maybe go have a chat to the council about that one.

Alternatively, your architect/builder will know what does or doesn't need doing, especially if they're local and have worked in the area. The problem with that though, and the reason you should be on top of it all, is that this can often take up to SIX MONTHS to get approval to start work.

On top of that, if your neighbors decide to appeal your renovation for whatever reason, it can set you back more time that you just don't have.

4. Find your ideal builder/architect

This one is just as, if not more important than the first step. Now, you may not need to get an architect if you're capable of getting through all the zoning and planning yourself, or the job is small enough that a builder can do it for you. But, make sure that whoever you hire is on the same wave-length as you. Don't just flick open the YellowPages (If you even still have one) and pick the first name that shows up.

You're not the first person in your area (or of your friends and family) to undertake a renovation, so ask for their advice as well. Who did they use? Did they like them? What problems did they have? Could the recommend someone? And then, make sure you keep a constant dialogue over the whole project with them. Don't just give them the idea and say "see you in a month, hope it looks good". Get involved in the process, ask questions and stay up to date on how the project is tracking.

A good builder or architect will also have a good back-catalogue of work they'd be happy to show you, so make sure you take a look and see what else they've completed.

5. Budget appropriately (and then add 10%)

We're serious. if you've finally found your builder and they quote you $5,000 to complete your new outside decking, make sure you have $5,500 saved up for the project. How many times have you heard horror stories from people that go over budget because they just didn't plan well, or they run into a snag midway through the project? (Hint: Go watch an episode or two of Grand Designs)

That 10% that you've already budgeted for your project and are happy to hand over is your peace of mind cherry on the top money. If your project spills over a bit, then it's no big deal, and you can comfortably pay for the extra bit. Obviously, any extra money you have to pay is upsetting but not as upsetting as the unfinished renovation that sits there for 6 months staring you in the face.

And, if everything goes smoothly and you come in exactly on budget, well now you've got some extra money to buy a nice new outdoor setting to put on your decking.

6. Know when important decisions are needed

Not every little decision is made before a project is started. Sometimes, it can't be helped, other times, you're scrambling to make aesthetic decisions as you go. Now, when a builder gets to work on your new kitchen, he's not going to be picking out tiles, splash-­backs, countertops or appliances for you. So this is something you'll have to track down and source yourself (if you can't afford your own designer to do it).

So make sure that when you're ticking off your list from step #1 that you know when things need to arrive by, so you can decide and order prior to that. You're not paying the builder to stand around all day, so decide on your tiles early on, find a supplier and get that order in.

7. Be aware of your timeframe

This is a bit similar to the whole budget situation. Things take longer than you plan for; problems arise, and with so many manufacturers, builders, plumbers, inspectors and moving parts involved, someone is going to let you down and take a few extra business days to ship.

So you need to do your research and work out what the average timeframe for your project is going to be and agree on it with your builder/architect. This gives you the ability to make those early decisions and get things ordered, plus it lets you know how long you'll need to be out of the way for.

Redoing a room and feature wall can be a weekend or two's work, whereas your average kitchen remodel might take 8-12 weeks, and your new extension could see you 6 months plus if not prepared properly.

A ticked off timeframe from a builder can sometimes help protect you from being over-charged or having the wool pulled over your eyes. If every other builder told you 10 weeks, and this cheaper bloke says 6, it might be a red flag.

If you follow all these, and with some common sense, your renovation is going to go off without a hitch. Some of those are definitely worse case scenarios, and a renovation shouldn't be daunting, instead, it should be exciting, like breathing fresh air after a month underground.

Any building permit you get is going to require you have building inspections completed before, during and after your project. This protects you from a faulty job and is a requirement from your local council.

When you're ready to get one, give us a call on 1300 657 546, or book online today!