The Ultimate Home Renovation Guide

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 Effective planning is key to a successful renovation. Start with the basics, like budgets and timelines, and create a scope of work listing all tasks. Decide what to update and what to replace to build a realistic budget, factoring in materials, layouts, and trades. Track expenses using a spreadsheet or budget tracker, and use a vision board to refine your style and goals. 

 Set a clear renovation budget based on your savings or borrowing capacity. Your budget will guide decisions on DIY tasks and project priorities. Use a cost estimator to help plan. 

 Understanding your goals is key to planning a renovation, as your approach will depend on your circumstances. 

•  Renovating to Sell 
•  Renovating to Stay 
•  Buying to Renovate 

 Renovating takes time, so planning is crucial. Apply for council approvals months in advance, and start organizing trade schedules and materials 6-8 weeks before work begins. Allow extra time for potential delays to avoid stress or financial strain. 

Estimated timelines: 

• Kitchens: 2–9 weeks 
• Bathrooms: 1–3 weeks 
• Living rooms: 1 week 
• Bedrooms: 1 week 
• Gardens: 1–2 weeks 

• Pros:  Improves functionality, liveability, and financial worth 
• Cons: Renovations require time, effort, and patience 

•  Architect or Draftsperson: For major renovations, hire an architect or draftsperson early to guide the process. Expect to spend about 10% of your budget, but their advice can help save money. Ensure they are properly accredited and comply with regulations. 
•  Builder vs. DIY: DIY can save costs, but some jobs require professionals: Expert Jobs: Structural work, plumbing, electrics, roofing, kitchen installation. 
•  DIY Jobs: Painting, wall prep, furniture assembly. Finding Tradespeople Get recommendations, compare quotes, check credentials, and prioritize quality. Choose professionals with clear contracts and guarantees. 

 If your home's value exceeds your loan balance, you can borrow against the equity. Check with your bank or use an online calculator to estimate your available funds. 

 If you’ve made extra repayments, a redraw facility lets you access those funds for renovations. 

  Refinance your loan with your current or a new lender to include renovation funds. This can also consolidate other debts but may involve new terms, rates, and fees. 

  For large projects, a construction loan provides funds in stages as work progresses. 

 For small renovations, consider a personal loan. Quick to process but often with higher interest rates, these are suitable for modest budgets. 

 Think about past kitchens to see what worked and what didn’t. For updates, focus on flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and splashbacks. For larger renovations, prioritize key design element 

 For small spaces, use a straight line or galley layout; for larger homes, an island works well. Keep key items within 7 meters, group related items, and place prep areas between the stove and sink. 

 Properly position pipes, gas, and electrical outlets to avoid costly relocations. Ensure sufficient power points, space for the fridge, and consider updates to wiring, fixtures, lighting, and ceiling fans. 

 Lighting should balance functionality and ambiance. Use pendant lights, cabinet lighting, and spotlights for tasks, and incorporate natural light to enhance atmosphere. Decorative lighting can add style and impact. 

 Storage is essential, so make room for bulky appliances, pots, pans, and odd-shaped items. Consider a separate cupboard for the bin to keep spaces clean. Get creative with storage solutions, especially in smaller kitchens. 

•  Cabinetry: Focus on storage, flow, and utilizing space. Flat-packed options are affordable, while bespoke designs offer a custom look. 
•  Splashbacks: Choose easy-to-clean materials like tiles, marble, or stainless steel, and match the style to your kitchen theme. 
•  Benchtops: Consider durability and maintenance. Options like quartz, granite, and marble vary in price, while Corian, porcelain, and metal offer different looks and functionality. 

 Expect to spend around $15,000 to $20,000 for a basic remodel. For a DIY approach or budget options, costs can start at $5,000, but ensure the space is waterproof and structurally sound to avoid future issues. 

 Larger renovations typically range from $25,000 to $40,000. Premium features like marble benchtops or freestanding baths can increase costs, but may not always provide a full return on investment 

 Bathrooms have evolved from basic necessity to a space of comfort and style. When planning your bathroom renovation, there are several key factors to consider. 

•  BASICS: Consider the bathroom's function—whether it's for a family, a single person, or an ensuite. It should be durable, able to handle water and humidity, and easy to clean 
•  LAYOUT: Maximise the space by fitting essentials like a basin, vanity, toilet, shower, or bath. In smaller bathrooms, a showerbath combo or a compact shower might be the best option. Ensure the layout doesn’t feel cluttered. 
•  AESTHETICS: After addressing practicality, focus on design elements that enhance the space, such as a rain shower, luxury tub, or double vanity. Be sure to also consider good ventilation, suitable materials, natural light, and lighting placement. 

 Ensuites are a popular addition to larger homes but can be challenging to remodel due to space and budget constraints. Before including an ensuite in your renovation, consider these key questions: 

• Is there enough space for an ensuite? 
• Do you need a shower and toilet? 
• How many basins should you have? 
• Can your budget accommodate luxury features? 
• Will the ensuite add value to your home? 

 Bathroom cabinets play a key role in both style and functionality. Prioritize storage for toiletries, towels, and other essentials. Consider how the sink integrates with your cabinetry—does it become a focal point? Some striking designs may lack practical bench space, so think about everyday usability. Also, consider the depth of the bowl for practicality. 

 The cost of a bedroom renovation depends on the room type and the scope of work. A kid's or guest room will generally cost less than a master bedroom makeover. Factors like size, complexity, and additional furniture or wardrobes will impact the price. A fresh coat of paint can give the room a new look for just a few hundred dollars. 

 Start by planning the bed placement and how it affects the room's flow. Ideally, you want at least one metre of space around the bed for easy movement. In smaller rooms, you may need to position the bed in a corner to make the most of the space. 

 Your colour palette sets the room’s mood. Soft tones like neutrals and blues create a calm vibe, while bolder colours or wallpaper can add personality but may not appeal to future buyers. Adding cornices and skirting boards can also soften the room’s edges, especially with white walls. 

Here is a checklist to consider when it comes to lighting: 

• Mix lighting sources for ambiance. 
• Use dimmers or smart lighting for flexibility. Include task lighting like bedside lamps or wall lights. 
• Add lighting inside wardrobes for better visibility. 
• Aim for 2000-4000 lumens for optimal brightness. 
• Avoid overloading a room with light fixtures. Large pendant lights on low ceilings can make a space feel cramped. 

 Bedrooms are personal spaces, so take time to choose designs that reflect your style and fit your room's layout. Avoid overcrowding, using too many colours or bright lights, and ensure the bed and furniture fit the space. Don’t forget a rug, proper window treatments, and balance in your furniture choices. 

  Renovating living and dining areas typically costs between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on the size, design complexity, materials, and any structural changes for an open-plan layout. Smaller updates like repainting or new carpet can be more affordable, but adding features like a new entertainment system or electrical work will increase the cost. 

 The layout of your living room impacts how you use the space daily, so it’s essential to explore different options before committing to a design. Factors like room size, door and window placement will guide your choices. 

 Make sure you consider where your windows are when you’re mapping out the arrangement of your living and dining areas. Aim to achieve a high level of natural light but in positions that will not impact where you place the furniture. 

 Smart homes are on the rise, and integrating smart tech into living and dining areas is a must. Retrofitting can be costly, so plan around existing setups or choose sustainable, long lasting options to save on energy costs. 

Choose a colour scheme that sets the mood and suits the space's purpose. While white and beige are classic dining room choices, don't shy away from bold and vibrant options. 

• Exterior Renovation: Landscaping and painting range from $3,000 to $30,000, while pools can exceed $100,000. 
• Backyard Makeover: Basic upgrades start at $7,000. Save with seedlings, bulk soil, and grass seed. Plan for tree removal ($500– $2,000) and bushfire safety if needed. 
• Patio Remodel: Costs begin at $25,000, depending on materials and design. Budget for council approvals and utilities. 
• Outdoor Kitchen: Starts at $12,000, with premium designs costing more. Include permits, plumbing, and electrical in your budget. 

 Outdoor spaces can transform a home. Spend time observing how the sun moves and how you use your yard before making decisions 

 The key to effective outdoor design is creating zones for key activities like dining, entertaining, cooking, relaxing, or playing games. Identify what you need based on how you use the space. If designing the garden yourself, research your climate and garden style to ensure the right choices. 

 Mature plants offer instant impact but can be costly. To save, consider transplanting plants already on your property. Ensure your garden suits all seasons and requires manageable maintenance. 

 An outdoor kitchen is perfect for Australian entertaining. For a luxurious setup, consider adding a built-in barbecue, fridge, sink, prep area, fire pit, pizza oven, and sound system. 

 Renovations often increase property value, especially when designed with buyer preferences in mind. However, the value is determined by the market, not the cost of renovations. To get an accurate value, consider hiring a professional valuer for a formal report. 

•  Estimating Property Value: Factors like land value, nearby amenities, the home’s condition, and recent renovations affect value. A formal valuation costs a few hundred dollars, or you can track values online with platforms like Track My Property.
•   What Lowers Property Value?: Mistakes like unfinished work, poor design choices, mismatched fittings, and high-maintenance features can lower value. Avoid DIY over quality trades and ensure work meets council regulations. 
•  What Increases Property Value? :  To boost value, focus on expanding space, updating kitchens and bathrooms, improving curb appeal, and using quality materials. Neutral colours, good lighting, and consistent design also add value 

 To save on commission, you can sell your home independently. This requires styling, cleaning, setting a fair price, marketing, hosting viewings, and managing negotiations. You’ll also need a lawyer to finalize the sale 

Using an agent can make the process easier. They handle pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork, ensuring a smoother, more efficient sale. 

 You can hire a property manager or rent privately. A property manager handles tenant relations and maintenance, saving you time but costing more. If renting privately, list your property online with quality photos and screen tenants carefully. Use Australian tenancy databases like TICA or National Tenancy Database to check a tenant's rental history.