Picture this: You’ve got your dream space in mind, and you’re keen to dive head first into managing your first renovation project. But where do you start? What happens next? And, what obstacles might you run into along the way?
A smooth renovation happens long before the hammer swings, and those unknowns can stall projects for months, even years, leaving homeowners wondering how they could have done things differently from the outset.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about managing a renovation project, from:
Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, outdoors or somewhere else — always start with a plan
Initial Planning
Every well-executed renovation begins with a plan. It’s your chance to get creative and bring all of your inspiration and research together to form an idea.
Think of the “Who, What, When, and Why” of your renovation, from:
Expect the unexpected when drawing up your budget
Setting Your Budget
Determining a budget is like laying out a roadmap for your initial concepts and ideas. It’s your guide to decision-making, and helps you navigate through options while staying within your financial boundaries.
Ideally, you don’t want to spend more on your renovation than what your home is worth, even if selling isn’t on your mind right now.
Every budget should have some wiggle room, incase the unexpected happens, and figuring out a maximum spend can help you avoid over-capitalising.
You can choose your maximum spend by looking at:
- How much you initially bought your home for
- The estimated resale value based on the current market conditions
- Your home’s current condition.
Pool installations are one of many additions that require a council consent
Understanding Consents
Before diving into your renovation, it’s important to figure out if you need a building consent.
If you’re thinking of making big changes like knocking down walls, structural modifications, additions, or anything that affects the building’s safety, accessibility, or weathertightness, you’ll most likely need a consent.
The first step you can take is consulting a tradie, the local council or a building authority, as they can provide guidance and information specific to your renovation.
From there, the building consent process typically follows these stages:
Get your A-team of tradies together before your renovation commences
Hiring a Tradie
Skilled tradies not only bring their know-how; they also offer an understanding of regulations, best practices, and costs for your project.
In the design stage, architects and engineers can help ensure your plans look good and will create a space that lasts, while the likes of builders, electricians and plumbers will bring quality workmanship to every corner.
No matter the trade, they will be able to help you turn your idea into a reality, ensuring precision and quality, while following requirements and building codes along the way.
When choosing a tradie on Builderscrack, it’s important to consider:
Tips for Managing a Renovation Project
If you’re aiming for a swift renovation with minimal involvement, engaging a project manager to oversee your project might be your best bet.
However, if you prefer a hands-on approach, and you’re eager to absorb knowledge and gain experience, you might opt into managing the renovation project yourself.
Either way, here’s what you can do to get the best outcome for your project:
Meticulous planning can help you achieve dream results, just like this couple in Project Home
Communication Is Key
When it comes to managing a renovation project, communication is key. And, with plenty of tools to help you keep everyone in the loop, communication is easier than ever.
On Builderscrack, you can manage all conversations with your tradies through our messaging system. This helps ensure integrity, accountability, and security if you ever need to refer back.
Here are 3 communication tips you won’t want to miss when managing your renovation project:
Manage your tradie conversations all in one place with Builderscrack’s messaging system
Homeowner Hindsights
Over the past year, we interviewed homeowners across New Zealand who managed their own renovation projects — each with amazing outcomes.
However, every renovation project comes with hindsights, and these homeowners, despite their amazing outcomes, have shared what they wished they had known before they started.
Real-life renovation hindsights | Read more
Checklist for Managing a Renovation Project
Before the Renovation:
During the Renovation:
After the Renovation: