A Step-by-Step Guide to Renovating Your House
Are you looking for a step-by-step guide to renovating your house? Taking on a renovation project can seem overwhelming, but with the right plan and a clear understanding of the home renovation process, it becomes much more manageable. Whether you’re just beginning to explore how to start renovating your house or you’re ready to dive into the details, having a systematic approach is key to ensuring success.
In this article, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive step-by-step guide to renovating your home. We’ll cover everything from setting a budget and designing your space to selecting materials and coordinating tradespeople. As someone with years of experience in the home improvement industry and countless successful renovations under my belt, I can assure you that following these structured steps will help you achieve your dream home renovation without unnecessary stress. So, let’s get started on your journey to transforming your house!
Step 1. Designing, planning and budgeting
A successful renovation begins with thorough planning, and this step is arguably the most important in the home renovation process. By focusing on smart design, creating a solid renovation budget, and staying informed about current home renovation trends, you’ll be well on your way to a seamless renovation experience.
Define Your Vision
Start by envisioning how you want your home to look and feel once the renovation is complete. Are you inspired by current home renovation trends, such as open-plan living, modern minimalist bathrooms, or sustainable design elements? Understanding your goals will help guide your decisions and ensure your home reflects your unique style.
Create a Renovation Plan
Once you’ve outlined your vision, map out a detailed plan. This includes identifying which rooms or areas of your home will be renovated and deciding on specific changes, such as flooring updates, bathroom upgrades, or kitchen layouts. Use tools like mood boards or apps to visualise your ideas, and keep an eye on what’s trending to help create a space that’s both stylish and functional.
Set a Realistic Renovation Budget
Budgeting is key to avoiding overspending. Research costs for materials, labour, permits, and any potential extras that may arise. A good rule of thumb is to allocate an additional 10–15% of your budget for unforeseen expenses. To help reduce renovation costs, look for affordable yet high-quality materials, like tiles, cabinetry, and tapware from Ross’s Discount Home Centre.
Read our post, 6 DIY Renovation Tips to Blitz Your Budget for some handy money-saving tips.
Include Professional Advice
Even if you’re planning a DIY project, consulting a professional, such as an architect, designer, or builder, can save you from costly mistakes and improve your design. For example, they can offer insights into maximising small spaces or optimising layouts for better functionality. Their guidance can also help you incorporate the latest trends into your home renovation process.
Step 2. Obtain Council Approvals
When renovating a house in Western Australia, obtaining council approvals is a crucial step in ensuring your project complies with local regulations. Whether you’re extending a living area, adding new rooms, or making structural changes, it’s essential to check if your renovation plans require approval from your local council. Neglecting this step can result in delays, fines, or even the need to undo completed work.
If you’re in Perth, the City of Perth website has everything you need to know about getting the right building approval for buildings and extensions. Commerce WA also has some very helpful resources in this respect.
Understanding Council Requirements
Start by researching your council’s specific requirements. Every council has different guidelines regarding renovations, so you’ll want to confirm what documentation is needed, such as building permits, planning applications, or compliance certifications.
For example, small-scale projects like repainting or re-tiling usually won’t need approvals, while larger renovations, like knocking down walls or adding extensions, typically will.
The Approval Process
- Prepare your application: Ensure you have detailed floor plans, building plans, and site plans. These documents help demonstrate how your renovation aligns with council requirements.
- Submit your application: Lodge your application either online or in person, depending on your council’s processes. Be prepared to pay application fees, which can vary by region.
- Approval waiting period: Approval timelines differ, but you can generally expect this process to take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Factor this time into your renovation schedule to avoid unnecessary delays.
By following these steps and seeking professional advice when needed, you’ll navigate the council approval stage more effectively. This is a critical aspect of the home renovation process and one of the essential steps to renovating a house
Step 3. Hire a Builder or Project Manager
Hiring the right builder or project manager is one of the most crucial steps to renovating a house successfully. They will oversee the renovation, ensuring that each stage aligns with the timeline, budget, and vision. Whether you’re planning a large-scale transformation or a smaller project, having a professional on board helps streamline the process and reduces stress.
Should You Hire a Builder or Project Manager?
For many homeowners, deciding between hiring a builder or a project manager depends on the complexity of the project. A builder is well-suited for executing specific construction tasks and is often a one-stop solution for smaller renovations. On the other hand, a project manager oversees every detail, including coordinating tradespeople, materials, and inspections.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Professional
- Experience and Specialisation: Ensure your builder or project manager has experience with similar renovations and understands your design vision.
- Licencing and Insurance: Verify credentials to protect against unforeseen issues.
- Communication and Transparency: Choose someone you can communicate with easily and who is transparent about timelines and costs.
- Reputation and References: Ask for testimonials and visit completed projects to gauge quality.
Requesting a detailed quote is an essential step to understanding costs and scope. Be clear about your needs and ensure the quote outlines all aspects of the project, including materials, labour, and timelines. To streamline this process, check out our article, How to Get a Quote for Your New Home or Renovation, for tips on asking the right questions and avoiding hidden surprises.
Finally, establish open communication from the outset. Discuss expectations, preferred communication methods, and how progress updates will be provided. A professional who listens and offers clear, consistent feedback will be a valuable partner throughout your renovation journey.
Step 4: Choose Fixtures, Fittings, and Finishes
Selecting the right fixtures, fittings, and finishes is one of the most exciting parts of the renovation process, as it’s where you truly personalise your home and bring your vision to life. From tiles and tapware to cabinetry and flooring, your choices will define the overall style, practicality, and functionality of your space. It’s essential to approach this step thoughtfully and stay within your renovation budget to avoid overspending.
Where to Begin
Start by revisiting your design and layout plans to ensure your selections align with the overall theme and purpose of each room. For example, consider your bathroom or kitchen layout when choosing tiles and cabinetry, ensuring everything complements each other seamlessly.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer range of options, a step-by-step renovation guide can be invaluable. Break this process down into manageable tasks:
- Cabinetry and Storage: Pre-assembled cabinets, such as Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s range, are excellent choices for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. Explore our kitchen cabinets, laundry cabinets, and bathroom vanities for high-quality, affordable options.
- Flooring and Tiles: Flooring ties the entire room together. Whether you’re after hybrid flooring or floor tiles, your flooring should complement both your space and lifestyle.
- Tapware and Accessories: Tapware and accessories are small but impactful details. Opt for timeless finishes like chrome or matte black for a modern touch.
Tips for Staying on Track
- Stick to Your Budget: Before visiting showrooms, allocate a budget for each room’s fixtures and finishes.
- Sample Before Buying: Use samples to test how tiles or finishes look in your lighting and space.
- Quality Over Quantity: Choose durable, high-quality materials to avoid frequent replacements or repairs.
Bringing It All Together
Once you’ve decided on all your fixtures and fittings, the next step is to coordinate them with the help of your builder or project manager. By ensuring all materials arrive on-site on time, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays during the renovation process.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we make it easy to complete this step with our comprehensive range of high-quality renovation products in Perth. From bathroom tiles to tapware and everything in between, visit our showroom or shop online today to find the perfect renovation products for your project.
Step 5. Demolition and Reconstruction
After all the planning and preparations, it’s time to move on to one of the most critical phases of your home renovation process—demolition and reconstruction. This step lays the foundation for all the upcoming work, and it’s vital to approach it with precision and care to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Prepare for Demolition
Before diving into the demolition, clear out the area and take measures to protect the rest of your home. Cover floors, furniture, and other surfaces to shield them from dust and debris. Depending on the scale of your project, you might need to hire professionals for safe and efficient demolition, particularly if structural changes are involved and especially if your home has asbestos.
If your renovation involves demolishing an existing bathroom, check out our article, How to Demolish a Bathroom, the DIY Way.
Begin Reconstruction
With the demolition complete, reconstruction begins. This phase includes tasks such as installing new walls, structural supports, windows, doors, and any other major building elements required for your design. It’s crucial to follow your renovation plans closely to ensure the project remains on track and adheres to council-approved guidelines.
During reconstruction, work closely with your builder or project manager to address any challenges that arise. This step is also the point where plumbers and electricians will complete rough-ins for new plumbing or wiring installations, so coordination is key to ensuring all trades are working seamlessly.
If you’re tackling the demo phase while staying in the house, check out our guide on How to Renovate Your Home Without Moving Out to ensure minimal disruption to your daily life.
Tips for Demolition and Reconstruction Success
- Stick to the timeline: Delays during this phase can snowball, affecting your budget and completion date.
- Check materials and deliveries: Ensure all building materials and fixtures have arrived on-site to avoid holding up the work.
- Prioritise safety: If you’re taking on demolition tasks yourself, wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines.
Step 4 is an essential part of your renovation journey and requires thorough preparation and expert execution. With the right approach, this phase will set the stage for a smooth and successful transformation of your home.
Step 6. Sequence of Works in Home Renovation
Executing a home renovation requires following a carefully planned sequence to ensure efficiency and avoid costly delays. Adhering to the correct order of tasks can make all the difference between a smooth project and a chaotic one. Whether you’re tackling a complete renovation or making targeted updates, understanding the sequence of works in a renovation is key.
Start with the Major Structural Work
The initial stages of the renovation should always focus on structural changes and major construction. This includes demolitions, extensions, wall removals, and any other significant changes to the layout of your home. For instance, tasks like removing load-bearing walls or adding new support structures should be prioritized. Completing this work first ensures the rest of the project proceeds on a stable foundation.
Electrical and Plumbing Systems
Once the structural work is complete, the next step is installing or updating your home’s electrical and plumbing systems. Whether it’s rewiring, upgrading to energy-efficient systems, or fitting new plumbing for a bathroom renovation, this step lays the groundwork for future installations. It’s crucial to schedule inspections for compliance with safety standards at this stage.
Walls, Flooring, and Ceilings
The next focus should be finishing surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. Begin with plastering walls and ceilings, then proceed to painting or wallpapering. Flooring should come last in this phase to prevent damage during the remaining work. For instance, laying bathroom floor tiles or timber-look flooring should happen after walls and ceilings are completed.
Fittings, Fixtures, and Finishes
Once the major structural and surface work is done, you can begin installing fittings and fixtures. This step involves adding elements like cabinetry, kitchen appliances, tapware, and lighting. It’s at this stage that your design choices truly come to life. Check out our guide on choosing fixtures, fittings, and finishes for tips on achieving the perfect aesthetic while staying within your budget.
Final Touches and Inspections
The final step in the sequence includes completing minor details and ensuring your renovation meets local council codes and safety standards. Minor adjustments, deep cleaning, and styling the space with furniture or decor happen at this stage. Don’t forget to schedule a final inspection to ensure every aspect of your renovation complies with the home renovation process requirements.
Conclusion
Renovating your house is an exciting journey, but it’s one that requires careful planning and execution. By following this step-by-step guide to renovating your house, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to navigate every phase of the home renovation process—from designing and budgeting to selecting finishes and coordinating works. Each step has been designed to help you create the home of your dreams while minimising stress and avoiding costly mistakes.
Remember, the key to a successful renovation lies in planning, preparation, and choosing quality materials. Whether you’re tackling a major renovation or a small update, Ross’s Discount Home Centre is here to support you with top-quality home renovation products and expert advice. Visit our showroom at 57 James Street in Guildford, Perth, or browse our online store to explore our extensive range of fixtures, fittings, and finishes. Let us help you transform your vision into reality, one step at a time.
