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7 tips for first-time renovators

April 5, 2016 Leave a Comment

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Reasons for renovating are wide and varied. Maybe youโ€™re thinking about renovating to accommodate for a growing family. Perhaps youโ€™re renovating a recently purchased home to modernise it and make it feel a bit more like you. Or maybe youโ€™re renovating simply to increase the value of your property.

1

Whatever your reason, we can all agree that the thought process behind renovating and visualising the final result is really exciting, but truth be told, the renovating process can be extremely stressful.

If you take the time to plan and approach your renovation with a realistic and positive attitude, some of this stress can be alleviated. So here are 7 helpful tips for first-time renovators.

1. Make a realistic wish list

2

In the age of Pinterest and instagram where inspiration is free, never-ending and completely addictive, it can be really hard to stay focused, understand whatโ€™s possible and differentiate between what you want and what you really need.

Sure, inspiration is important, but remember not to get too carried away. Start with the practical basics and what makes financial sense and then look at what else you can afford.

2. Educate yourself

3

Donโ€™t ever walk into a renovation without doing some background research first. Do as much reading as you can and educate yourself on all aspects of the job at hand. If you do this, youโ€™ll firmly place yourself in the driving seat and find yourself more adept at selecting materials, hiring the right tradesย and asking the right questions throughout the job process.

3. Work out what work you really need done

4

Tackle each room or area with separate research, notes and lists of what needs to be fixed, removed, added or replaced so you can start to put together a plan and budget.

There is absolutely no hurt in asking around, so speak to trades and speak to friends whoโ€™ve renovated before to get an idea of whether your inspirations are possible and if you have the budget for it. The last thing you want is to be undertaking unnecessary work that eats into your budget.

4. Set a realistic budget

You need to be able to actually afford your renovation. Make sure you get at least three quotes for any job in your home and account for the possibility of any job costing 10 to 20 percent more due to unanticipated work or blown-out timelines.

Remember that costs can change significantly depending on what materials and specifications you choose. One kitchen renovation can cost $10,000 while another of the same size can cost $20,000. This also applies to home extensions, bathrooms, decks and other renovations, so remember to take time to go over all the finer details, because not doing so can be extremely costly.

5. Make sure you pick the right trades for your job

Picking the right trade is essential in ensuring your renovation goes smoothly. Make sure that whoever you pick is licensed, insured, holds a current ABN and has the right experience to do your job.

Ask for examples of previous work and look at hiring trades with particular expertise for any specialised work that needs to be done. For example, an electrician who specialises in home automation compared to an electrician who doesnโ€™t have that particular skillset.

Another important factor is professionalism. If your tradesย operate professionally and respect theirย clients than theyโ€™re more likely to work collaboratively with you to produce amazing results.

6. Review your quotes

Remember that a quote is by no means a legally binding contract, so study them carefully and make sure they include everything you need. While one quote might be cheaper, it may be because itโ€™s missing something important that has been added to a quote that is a little more expensive. Donโ€™t accept an incomplete quote, and if the quote isnโ€™t itemised, ask questions. A trade that youโ€™ll want to deal with will work with you to ensure that youโ€™re both on the same page.

7. Make a plan

5

We all know Rome wasnโ€™t built in a day, and same goes for your home extension, so keep in mind that itโ€™s wise to plan ahead because your day-to-day existence is going to be disrupted by your renovation.

Make sure you speak to your builder or trade about the projectโ€™s scope and how much it will disrupt your day-to-day routine. Great trades will try to work with you and around your schedule, but for more complex jobs, you may even need to move out temporarily. So plan ahead and budget for these circumstances.

โ€“ Samantha Thorne is content marketer at hipages.com.au, Australiaโ€™s number one site to hire tradies and the perfect place to get quotes for your home renovation.

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
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About Olivia Shead

When she's not writing for Interiors Addict, Olivia is now a TV and radio news producer. She's a journalism graduate of UTS Sydney.

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