How to Plan for Your Renovation in 5 Steps

Home renovation is that one big step that finally gets you to having the home you have been longing for. With all the planning, preparation and groundwork that go into renovating, it can be overwhelming to know where to even begin.

Take a look at these 6 steps that will guide you towards a seamless renovation and hopefully make you feel more at ease when taking on that big leap:

step 1: Decide on an architect and interior designer to work with

Once you’ve bought a property you love and checked for planning permissions, it’s time to start looking into working with design professionals. Whether you have already decided how you want your home to look or are still looking into various design options, it is best to bring the experts early on in the planning process. Architects and interior designers know the ins and outs of renovating as well as have good knowledge on project costs, so will be able to offer valuable advice and guidance.

step 2: Detail out your financial budget

When deciding on a budget for your renovation, it’s important to remember that the total cost will depend on different factors—from the size of your property to the level of work required to achieve your overall vision. Remember: more bespoke, sophisticated designs with more complex details and functions will equate to significant increases in both labour and material cost. Now is the time to note all items on your wish list and cost them out, to assess which are must have’s vs. nice to have’s.  This will help inform your financial budget so you can allocate accordingly.

Be prepared to allocate some wiggle room or allowance in your budget in case of any surprises that arise when walls start getting knocked down. Such is the nature of renovations! Although you can never be 100% sure of what to expect, having a good gauge on your costs will help keep the uncertainties manageable.

It is also good to note other costs like temporary accommodation, storage, rubbish removals, and man-and-van costs, should these apply.

step 3: Plan your schedule and timeline of works

To make sure everything goes as smoothly and as efficiently as possible, you need to jot down a clear and detailed schedule of works. This needs to include a list of every job in your renovation plan that needs to be done in chronological order so you get a comprehensive timeline of what will be finished by when. List down all the external and internal work and discuss with your contractors setting a feasible schedule you are happy with. If you need help with this, you can ask your designer or contractor to help draft this outline, or enlist a project manager.

step 4: Start the renovation works

When your property is prepped and finally ready for construction works, your contractors will start getting things done according to your timeline. 

This will normally start with demolition works. This will then proceed to the addition of internal walls, door linings, window frames or fitting plumbing structures, heating and electrical wiring—what are otherwise known as first fix jobs.  After which, ceiling and floor installations take place as well as initial decoration throughout.

Contractors then move on to second fix jobs which are fitting sockets, TV and phone points and bathroom and kitchen installations, then final decoration completes the job.

step 5: Snagging your renovation

One of the most important stages in your renovation is recovery. You need to let your newly renovated property rest and recuperate from all the heavy remodeling and building work. At this part of the process, you need to be prepared for any problems that could surface as a result of the renovation, such as minor leaks, electrical issues and decorative scruffs and scrapes.

Make sure to bring up these issues with your builders and contractors so they can be addressed immediately at no extra cost.