It’s always exciting to plan a home renovation project, particularly if you’ve been planning and saving for years.

Every renovation project is unique, but the key to setting up a smooth renovation project is setting a realistic budget and timelines, understanding what needs to be done when, and communicating with your tradies.

Whether it’s changing the kitchen, or a major extension, don’t let the process of transforming your property into your dream home, be a nightmare.

Here are some common house renovation mistakes to avoid:

1. Function as well as form

While the massive corner bath may look fantastic in the showroom, will you be able to fit anything else in your smaller bathroom? Rooms do need to be functional, so when you’re making a floor plan, think about how the room will work and how the space can be utilised efficiently.

Map out all the door openings so they open comfortably and think about how you can maximise your storage space. For the kitchen, think about the work triangle (fridge, stove, workspace) and in the living room, balancing focal points.

2. Investing in the wrong tech

From ‘Alexas’ to smart meters, there’s no doubt at all that tech is now well and truly integrated in our homes.

Technology can be pricey and become outdated quickly, so if you are thinking of a technological upgrade, makes sure it’s the right one, and consider each one on its own merit. For instance, investing in green technology, such as energy-efficient appliances and lighting help reduce your energy bills.

3. Underestimating drainage

Ensure the drainage has capacity and the recommended gradient for your renovation; you don’t want your sleek bathroom turning into a quagmire each time you have a shower!

If you’re planning on renovating your outdoor space, make sure you know where the pipes are – you don’t want to be cutting through the water mains.

Also, don’t assume you have a ‘standard’ drain size, or that new fixtures will fit your current plumbing configuration. Always measure your drains and get fixtures that will work with them; mismatched piping may damage your drains and cause leaks later down the track.

4. Following a fad

Kitchens and bathroom renovations are usually the best practical investments for a property, so even if you’re not thinking about selling in the near future, consider cabinetry and flooring that won’t date. The same principle applies to décor and other fixtures; remember, what’s trendy now can be obsolete later.

5. Forgetting about the insurance

Accidents unfortunately do happen when renovating, and they can be costly to put right.

Check that your builder has builders’ insurance, to ensure your home is covered for loss or damage due to the renovation work. You will also need to check they cover legal fees if someone is hurt (or worse) while on your property.

You will also need to check with your home and contents insurance, as many will exclude cover for renovation work. Once a major renovation has been completed, you may also need to increase the amount your home is insured for.

If you’re thinking of selling, give us a call and we’ll come round and give you a free, independent and non-obligatory quote.

We can also suggest low-cost ways to improve your property; having been in the business for 40 plus years, we’ve helped thousands of people add value to their properties and are constantly achieving great results for our clients.

Call in and see us in the Cardiff office or give us a call on 02 4954 8833. Or send us an email to: mail@apnewcastle.com.au.

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