Top 10 Tips for Renovating Your Home
By Eunice Aubert
02 April 2025
Planning a home renovation can be exciting but also overwhelming. Here are 10 essential tips to help you navigate the process smoothly:
1. Set a Clear Goal
Determine what you want to achieve—more space, modern design, energy efficiency, etc.
You're figuring out what matters most to you and what would just be a nice bonus, which really helps when setting a realistic budget.
2. Establish a Realistic Budget
Include costs for materials, labour, permits, and unexpected expenses (allocate at least 10-20% extra for contingencies).
Talk to your chosen professional openly about what your expect. This will help them to set clear goals to bring your vision to life without compromising on quality or budget.
3. Prioritise Key Projects
Focus on high-impact areas first, such as kitchens and bathrooms, which add the most value to your home.
4. Plan the Timeline Wisely
Set a realistic schedule and factor in delays due to weather, permits, or supply chain issues. Your chosen professional should be able to help you to do this.
5. Hire the Right Professionals
Research and hire reputable contractors, architects, or designers. Check their reviews, references, and licenses. It is crucial you find the right professionals for you, as you could potentially be working with these people for a lengthy period of time.
6. Secure Necessary Permits
Avoid legal issues by checking local building codes and obtaining the right permits before starting work. Not every professional will do this for you, so make sure you have all the permits you need before you start.
7. Choose Quality Materials
Invest in durable materials for long-term value rather than cutting costs on cheap alternatives. In the end, you get what you pay for.
8. Consider Resale Value
If you plan to sell in the future, opt for renovations that boost home value, like energy-efficient upgrades.
9. Prepare for Disruptions
Expect dust, noise, and limited access to certain rooms, if you are going to stay in your house while renovating.
Plan alternative living arrangements if needed. This is so important for your mental wellbeing, as well as seeing the renovation project through to the end. If this cannot be done for the whole renovation, do consider moving out for the most messy and noisiest bits.
10. Communicate Clearly & Regularly
Stay in constant communication with your contractors to ensure everything stays on track and aligns with your vision. This avoids delays on your project and guarantees your desired outcome.
If renovating your home is all too overwhelming for you, do get in contact with us. We are here to help and guide you through the process. We have connections with excellent trades, contractors and suppliers which we can recommend to get your renovation project done to a very high standard, and without the stress of not knowing what to do next!
