Follow These 10 Basic Rules to Renovate like a Pro

First of all, let me congratulate you on taking on a renovation. If you’re anything like I was the first time I renovated my home, you’re probably extremely excited and very eager to get stuck into demo mode so your renovation can commence.
However, as fun as it is to get a sledgehammer and gut out a room or an entire home, there are 10 basic rules that you should be aware of before you get stuck into it. Given that you’re no doubt investing thousands, if not tens of thousands, into your renovation, it pays to take the time to get a few pointers that will save you from making the same rooking mistakes that I made and believe me, there were many.
So, today, in this article, I will discuss some of the basic rules to follow to renovate like a pro. You will want to read this article to the end because it contains some valuable lessons. Here we go!
Find the right service providers
One of the biggest challenges of renovating a home is identifying the right service providers among the myriad options available. Whether you’re seeking skilled builders, expert carpenters, reliable plumbers, or certified electricians, each professional plays a crucial role in transforming your vision into reality. Don’t overlook specialists like tilers, bricklayers, roofers, and floor layers, as their expertise can significantly enhance the quality of your renovation.
To find the best service providers, start by soliciting recommendations from friends and family who have completed similar projects. Online platforms such as Facebook and ServiceSeeking.com.au are excellent resources for reviews and connections. Additionally, consider exploring local trade associations or industry directories, which can provide a vetted list of qualified professionals in your area. Remember, investing time in research will pay off in the long run, ensuring a smoother renovation process and a stunning final result.
Set a realistic budget
The biggest mistake I made was setting my budget based solely on the cost of the materials and labourers. I assumed that everything would go to plan and that I wouldn’t run into any unforeseen problems. How wrong was I! Things can go wrong and often do when renovating, especially if you’re not a seasoned renovator.
Therefore, as a rule of thumb, work out your budget and then add 10 to 20% on top of that for additional costs that you have not factored into your budget. The worst case scenario is things go swimmingly and you’re left with a big chunk of money left over to spend on new furniture once you’ve finished the reno.
Staying on budget
Setting a budget is one thing. Staying on budget is a whole other story! To stay on budget, you need a realistic budget to start with. If you read my recent posts on the cost of bathroom renovations and the cost of kitchen renovations, you will know that you should base your budget on $2300 and $4600 per square metre, respectively. For a full home renovation, the budget is around $2,000 to $2,500 per square metre.
With so many fantastic products on the market, it’s hard to settle for average when you want the best. However, you don’t have to settle when shopping at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We have all the latest designs and models at much cheaper prices than you will find elsewhere. This means you can have the designer look for a budget price tag.
Get financing first
Getting the finances to fund your renovation is another challenge, but wait to start knocking down a single wall until you have it secured. Getting ahead of yourself and starting to renovate, assuming you’ll get the funds, can have detrimental effects. My neighbours did this and now had to take out a personal loan at 22% interest to finish their renovation because they couldn’t get a loan.
Not to burst any bubbles, but if you don’t have the equity, it’s a good idea to postpone the renovation. You don’t want to over-capitalise, and you don’t want to put yourself in financial strife for the sake of a better home. It can wait. Talk to your financial planner or accountant before taking on an expensive renovation.
Set a realistic timeline
Another mistake I made was underestimating how long my renovation would take, which meant I had to spend a lot more money than I hadn’t budgeted for on temporary accommodation. Talk to your tradies and get an estimate on how long the job will take them as well as their current schedule—they need to be able to start when you’re ready for them.
Also, try to plan your renovation around holidays such as Easter and Christmas—everything shuts down and you’ll be standing around waiting for things to happen.
Master time management
If you’re project managing the renovation yourself, then you will need to become a black-belt in time management. Unfortunately, this is something I failed at miserably in my first renovation.
Orders took longer to be delivered, tradies got called away to other jobs, and there were just too many factors that I cannot control.
To renovate like a pro, you need to know when to order materials so they are ready for tradies. To avoid long delays in orders, try to order your materials 5 to 6 weeks before you begin.
You will also need to understand the sequence of work so tradies come in the right order. For instance, you will want the plumber to come in after the kitchen is fitted so he can connect the sink, etc.
Define your design style
Defining your design style can be challenging, given the plethora of wonderful options available. However, committing to a single style not only simplifies the selection of products but also guarantees that your completed renovation is cohesive and flows seamlessly from one room to the next.
My advice here is to go with modern/contemporary and run with it. You will find the widest range of materials and products in this style, and by sticking to one style, you will create a clear style throughout your home without really trying. And it just so happens that the products we stock are all modern/contemporary in design, so you should have no trouble finding everything you need in our range.
Find the right products and materials
Sourcing material is a tough job. Not only do you have to find materials that all work well together and match in style, but they also need to be in stock or available when you need them. So ensuring you have a reliable source for your materials is crucial.
Purchasing your renovation materials from Ross’s Discount Home Centre makes this much easier. We have over $1 million of materials and products in stock, including tiles, kitchens, tapware, bathroom products, aluminium doors, aluminium windows, appliances, and much more, all ready for immediate dispatch. Whatever the style, whatever the quality, trust to have no challenge finding what you want in our extensive range of home renovation products.
Expected the unexpected
As you will have seen from the rules above, regardless of how well you have planned, there are always surprises that will easily throw a spanner in the works. Therefore, do your due diligence ahead of the renovation in terms of building and pest inspections to identify any structural or termite damage.
Choose quality over quantity
A renovation is a massive investment, so don’t waste money on subpar materials and products. Look for products that offer superior value for money, such as those stocked at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. If you’re going to the effort to renovate, you will want to make sure it is done right the first time, and trying to save a few bucks by buying cheap products will only create more work for you.
Conclusion
Renovating like a pro starts with solid preparation, smart budgeting, and making strategic choices. By following a few essential steps—choosing the right service providers, setting a realistic budget, securing financing, and managing your time effectively—you can keep your project on track and within budget.
Defining your design style and selecting quality products and materials will help you bring your vision to life. Plus, being flexible and ready for any unexpected surprises will ensure your renovation runs smoothly. For more actionable renovation tips, check out our post, The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts of Renovating.
Remember, we’re here to guide you through these decisions and help you achieve the home of your dreams with confidence. If you’re unsure about anything, you can always come and speak with one of the staff. Given that we specialise in providing quality home renovation products in Perth; we have a swagger of experience and knowledge, and we are only too happy to share it.