Plan your reno like a pro

Renovating your home is a great way to add value, make room for a growing family or turn your dream home into a reality. But it can be a long, hard road. The trick is to be prepared, and that requires a plan. Our easy step-by-step guide to renovation helps you understand the process and plan for success.

9 steps to success

Renovating your home is a great way to add value, make room for a growing family or turn your dream home into a reality. But it can be a long, hard road. The trick is to be prepared, and that requires a plan. Our easy step-by-step guide to renovation helps you understand the process and plan for success.

1. Do your homework

A renovation isn’t a small project; it’s a major investment of your time and money. Don’t go in blindly. Make sure you’re familiar with your type of home, what’s achievable, what trades you might need and what all the jargon means. Watch renovation shows, read blogs and learn as much as you can from the experts. This is also a good time to think about if there’s any work you want to do yourself (and what skills you might need to master before you can).

2. Define your goals

You can’t make plans if you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve. Do you need more space? Maybe the flow of your home doesn’t work for you. Or perhaps it’s just all feeling a little old and tired? Deciding what your priorities are helps you focus your project requirements and make decisions based on what’s important to you.

3. Scope your project

Now it’s time to get more specific and outline your project. Consider:

• Will your renovations be cosmetic or structural?
• What can be repaired or restored and what needs to be replaced?
• What trades will be involved?
• What purchases will you need to make?
• Will you be able to live in your house while you renovate?

4. Check on approvals

Unfortunately, just because you want to make changes doesn’t always mean you can. Be sure to check with your local council if any restrictions apply to your home and what planning and building approval you need. Make sure to factor these into your planning.

5. Set a budget

There’s no escaping the bottom line: what can you afford? Put costs against all the work that you require including trades and materials, inspections and approvals, and any expenses you might have like portable bathrooms or rent (if you need to move out while you renovate). Be sure to allow for at least a 10% buffer so you aren’t caught short if (and when) unexpected costs arise.

6. Secure your finance

If you’re not using savings for your renovation, make sure you can secure the finance you need. There are a few different options, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. You may be able to use your equity, refinance your home, get a building and construction loan or get a personal loan. RenoNow specialise in renovation loans designed for the home renovator.

7. Plan and design

This is where your dreams start to take shape. With your budget in mind, plan out what work you’d like done, talk to trades and suppliers, get quotes, work out your timeline and book it in. And remember to plan for every little detail, from your colour palette to fixtures and finishes. Every decision you make now is one less you have to make later – and it helps avoid surprises and budget blow-outs.

8. Check your insurance

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t forget to check your insurance to see if you need additional cover for your renovations.

9. Get started

Everything ticked off? Great work, it’s time to start renovating! As a good neighbour, you might want to let those around you know what’s happening. And remember to keep in regular communication with your trades and materials suppliers.

Ready to get started? Talk to RenoNow about our fast and easy finance designed for renovators.