A successful home renovation takes planning!
Whatever the reason for renovating you want to make sure you love your new home at the end of the renovation. Here are some tips to help make your home renovation easier and a success. We’ll look at what it means to renovate a home, reasons to renovate a home, the renovating process, and most importantly six things you must consider before you renovate your home.
Ready to find out more?
What does it mean to renovate a home?
It is easy to confuse the terms remodeling and renovation. Renovation means to restore to a good state of repair and remodel means to change the structure or form of something. I can imagine most of you are reading that explanation and feeling no better informed.
Put simply, if you renovate your kitchen you repair or update it whereas if you remodel the kitchen you change the appearance. Maybe it’s easier to just say “We’re putting in a new kitchen”.
Many renovation projects in Australia include some changes to the walls be it an Alteration or Addition so for the purpose of this blog we’ll stick to the term ‘Renovate’.
Renovating your home can help to improve your lifestyle and when done right it will add value to your property.
5 Reasons for a Home Renovation
There are so many reasons for you to be thinking about renovating your home.
1. Comfort
The most important reason – for you. To make your home more comfortable. Don’t renovate with a future price tag in mind. You don’t want to end up feeling out of place living in a show home.
2. Safety
There are times when you must renovate to fix issues that could lead to issues that would put your family at risk.
3. Value
Updating your home with a possible future sale in mind makes it more appealing for buyers.
4. Function
You may:
- need more space due to a growing family or changing needs.
- want to add a rumpus room or outdoor living area.
- find the kitchen is too small or you want an open-concept design.
5. Eco-friendly
There are a whole range of improvements that can reduce your home’s eco-footprint. Some are easy and cheap but others may cost more initially.
For instance, energy-efficient appliances may cost more to buy but the savings over time could compensate for the initial expense.
How do you renovate a house?
There is no right order to renovate your home, planning your renovations will help you decide where to start. In my experience most renovations are completed top to bottom so once you have a plan and builder or trades then follow my checklist below to get started.
1. Secure approvals and order materials
Check with your council on any legal requirements, building permits, etc. It can save time, money, and heartache later. Once you have the council approvals, you can then start ordering supplies such as timber, plaster, new windows and doors, etc.
2. Start demolition
With supplies arriving (check them before use to make sure they are correct) it’s demolition time. If space is being added, then framing generally takes place. If walls within are being moved, it may be a good time to potentially install any new windows and doors.
3. Hidden work
This is the time for work behind walls, below floors, and above ceilings — plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning rough-ins, subfloors, and insulation. Once this is done walls can be installed.
4. Paint and install flooring
There needs to be a correct order on this. You will find some trades want to finish flooring first, while others prefer to prime and paint before working on the floor (to help prevent spills from getting on new flooring). The order may also depend upon your contractors’ schedules.
5. Install cabinetry
With walls and floors in, you can see your renovation starting to take shape. Cabinets are typically installed next, with upper cabinets going in before lower ones.
5. Add finishing touches
This is the time for details and decoration. Final painting, splashbacks, floor sealing, light fixtures, hardware, and any other touch-ups.
How long does it take to renovate a home?
Unlike on many home renovation television shows, it does not take a week to renovate a home! The reality is quite different with the average home renovation taking between 4 to 8 months. If a project is small or larger then that may impact the timeframe.
Be prepared that a full renovation of your house could take up to 6-8 months or even more, especially if you are adding large spaces with architectural detail. If it is something smaller such as renovating a kitchen and bathroom with some minor cosmetic changes then it could be a just matter of weeks or months.
How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom?
You can expect to spend anywhere between $10,000 for a makeover to upwards of $30,000 or more for a bathroom renovation.
The cost will depend on the size of your bathroom, the level of renovation you require, and the cost of materials, fittings, and labor. Each project is individual and costs vary depending on your location.
Planning a new Bathroom or renovation project? See my blog on how to create a functional and beautiful new bathroom for tips and a checklist to get you started.
How much should you spend on a kitchen renovation?
A kitchen renovation is a major investment, but it can also be a great way to improve the value of your home and make it more functional and enjoyable. The cost of a kitchen renovation will vary depending on the size and scope of the project, the materials and finishes you choose, and the labor costs in your area. However, the average cost of a kitchen renovation is between $12,000 and $30,000.
Here are some factors that will affect the cost of your kitchen renovation:
- The size of your kitchen: The larger your kitchen, the more it will cost to renovate.
- The materials and finishes you choose: Higher-quality materials and finishes will cost more.
- The labor costs in your area: Labor costs can vary significantly from one region to another.
- The scope of the project: A minor kitchen renovation, such as replacing the countertops and appliances, will cost less than a major renovation that includes remodeling the cabinets and flooring.
If you are on a tight budget, there are ways to renovate your kitchen without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips:
- Choose less expensive materials and finishes: There are many affordable options available, such as laminate countertops and vinyl flooring.
- Do some of the work yourself: If you are handy, you can save a lot of money by doing some of the work yourself, such as painting the walls or installing the cabinets.
- Shop around for the best prices: Get quotes from several contractors before making a decision.
No matter how much you spend on your kitchen renovation, it is important to plan carefully and choose the right contractor. This will help ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your kitchen renovation:
Consider your needs and wants. What do you want your new kitchen to look like and how will you use it?
- Get estimates from multiple contractors. This will help you get the best price for your project.
- Get everything in writing. This includes the scope of work, the materials and finishes to be used, the timeline, and the cost.
- Be prepared for unexpected costs. There are always surprises in any renovation project.
By following these tips, you can save money and get the kitchen of your dreams.
Is a kitchen renovation worth it?
A kitchen renovation can be a great way to improve the value of your home and make it more functional and enjoyable. However, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.
According to Remodeling Magazine's 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, the average kitchen remodel recoups 71.2% of its cost in resale value. This means that if you spend $30,000 on a kitchen remodel, you can expect to recoup about $21,360 when you sell your home.
Of course, the amount of money you recoup will depend on the specific details of your project and the current market conditions. However, in general, a kitchen renovation is a good investment that can improve the value of your home.
If you are considering a kitchen renovation, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the project is in line with your budget and goals.
- Choose materials and finishes that will appeal to potential buyers.
- Hire a qualified contractor who can do the job right.
- By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a good return on your investment.
Getting Ready for a New Design or Home Renovation Project?
A new home design or renovation is not something you do on a whim, it requires planning.
Whether you are renovating a bedroom or a whole house there are a few essential steps that will help as you embark on this exciting and sometimes daunting journey.
Top Tips for Planning Your Home Renovation
- Do your Homework and define your Scope
- Know your Budget
- Know your Limitations
- Hire Homednb
- Have a Plan Open and honest Communication
