There’s a lot of perks to planning a renovation. It can freshen up your space without needing to commit to a move, or it can make it feel more like home.
But, on the flip side, it can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. This can especially be the case when you’re not sure where to start or how to streamline the process.
This is why your best bet is to get it right from the beginning. By setting goals and budgets, bringing the right professionals in early on in the process, and sticking to a renovation timeline, you’ll be able to give yourself the newly renovated space of your dreams.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning a renovation in Sydney.
Setting goals and budgets
A great place to start is by having an understanding of what you’re in for. Chances are, even the most detailed budget will likely run over simply because there’s so much unpredictability when you’re starting and planning a renovation on your own.
Regardless, it’s important to make sure that a) you have a budget that lives on paper, and b) you’ve not only accounted for definite costs, but for some buffer, too. This is also referred to as a contingency fund. A good rule of thumb here is an extra 15-20% of your total renovation costs for any emergency or unexpected costs that arise.
When setting budgets, make sure they align with the goals that you have in mind, too. For reference, the most expensive renovations tend to be extensions, followed by internal renovations of either the kitchen or the bathroom – mainly because of all the trades such as plumbing, electrical, and tiling involved, to mention a few. Bedrooms or more common spaces, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper in comparison due to less trades and details required.
Size and scope of the renovation, design preferences, location (i.e. if it’s metropolitan Sydney or more of a rural location), and unexpected surprises like asbestos, rewiring, termites and unforeseen structural issues can all influence how much a renovation ends up costing. As long as you plan as best you can for unexpected costs whilst having a clear idea of what your end goal is, that’s a great foundation to have before you kickstart the renovation process.
Bring the professionals in early
By getting in the relevant experts to your project early on in the project, you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of stress and money in the long run.
The experts have done this time and time again. They have the expertise to know the most effective route to take for a renovation that’s not only high quality, but looks and feels exactly how you want it to.
Of particular importance when planning a renovation is an architect. They can set you up for success by helping you create a design brief and realising what it is that you’re actually looking to achieve. From there, they’ll create detailed plans, help out with layout and design, and will make sure that the project is compliant with any relevant building codes or standards.
When looking for the right architect to choose, pay attention to their portfolio of work and see if they’ve worked on similar renovation projects that align with your design goals. It’s also important to note their communication styles to see if those align, too. You’ll be working with them from the inception of your design all the way to completion, so it’s important to choose the right person here.
Another key team member to take into account here is a builder. If you’ve chosen an architect at this point, they can select a preferred partner and bring them on board, too. By bringing in a builder at the design stage, you’ll minimise any unforeseen costs and help yourself have a clear idea of the build timeline, too.
Create a timeline
Being realistic here will save you a lot of grief in the long run – planning a renovation takes time. From concept to completion, they can range from a few months to over two years, depending on your brief. This is where a renovation timeline comes in handy to help manage expectations and keep your goals front of mind.
Start with your design brief, what is it that you would like to do, what is on your wishlist and what is a need. Set up your scope, for one, and establish what you’re renovating, whether it’s one room or your entire home. The more that’s being renovated, the longer it will take. It’s also important to factor in council approvals or development applications here, too, but this is where an architect can help.
Speaking of architects, having their help as early as possible is hugely beneficial. This will allow them to not only advise on planning regulations, but to transform your ideas to drawings and plans to make sure everyone is aligned early on in the process.
Here, you can also take into account the order that the renovation should be completed. Starting with any demolition or structural work is key, followed by any electrical or plumbing logistics. You can then get into the more aesthetic side of renovating – walls, floors, cabinets, and fixtures.
Good luck!
Renovating a home in Sydney is no easy feat, but by setting goals and budgets early on, getting professionals involved, and creating a renovation timeline, you can set yourself up for success.
If you’re looking for an architect that prioritises collaboration and knowledge from day one, Studio Sabat can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let’s see how we can turn your dream home into a reality.
