I've heard a lot of whispers lately that people who delayed renovations last year are thinking that 2024 is the year that they take the plunge so it seemed timely to kick off with this topic. So, you're ready to turn your house into your dream home? Fantastic! Renovating your home can be an exciting journey, but it's essential to navigate the process wisely. I'm here to guide you through the key components of a successful home renovation.

Research Research Research

Here are my top ten tips to keep in mind when considering a home renovation.

Step 1 – Dream Big

Let’s start with the fun part – dreaming!  What do you want to achieve with your renovation?  Identify the areas you want to enhance and start collecting images of rooms and/or exteriors of houses that excite you. Pinterest is terrific for finding inspiration.

Step 2 - Assess and Plan Like a Pro

Take a good look at your home. Identify any structural issues and document the changes that you want to make.  It's like plotting your home's makeover on a blueprint—exciting, right. At this point it would also be a good idea to check with your local council about building permits and other requirements.

Step 3 – Crunch Those Numbers

Budgeting is the key to a stress-free renovation. Break down costs, including materials, labour, permits, and keep a little extra for unforeseen expenses. Trust me; your future self will thank you for this.

Step 4 – Assemble Your Dream Team

Time to bring in the professionals! Research and hire an architect, builder and interior designer. Get multiple quotes, check references, and make sure they're licensed and insured. These people need to work together to create what you envisaged.

Step 5 – Design and Material Magic

Work with your architect to get the overall concept and work with your builder to get the plans costed.  Then work with your interior designer to choose the finishes and fixtures that work with the overall aesthetic but also take into account durability and maintenance.  Lastly don’t forget that the best time to consider furniture is BEFORE  the rooms are built! 

Step 6 – Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves

Let the demolition and construction begin!  When renovating there can be difficulties along the way such as delays with supply of materials or weather related issues. Don’t let your enthusiasm be dampened – just make sure that you coordinate with your dream team, communicate regularly and address any issues promptly.  Also inspect the work regularly to ensure it meets your standards.  This is your dream home after all so don’t settle for anything less.

Step 7 – The Finishing Touches

One of the great joys of renovating is seeing the installation of the final pieces – the beautiful floors, the stunning benchtop, the fixtures that make it feel like home and that paint colour that you just knew would be perfect!  These are the details that make a big difference.

Step 8 – Moving in the Furniture and Accessories

This is where having an interior designer is going to elevate the final result.  They would have provided you with some floor plans and 3D images but helping with the install will ensure that everything is placed correctly and that it is finessed not just furnished.

Step 9 – Document the Journey

Keep all the paperwork, permits and contracts and don’t forget to take photos along the way. It’s amazing how quickly we forget the process of building.

Step 10 – Reflect and Enjoy

Take a moment to appreciate your newly renovated space. Invite friends and family around – it’s time to show off the culmination of your dreams and hard work. Congratulations!

Enjoy the process as well as the outcome

I hope these tips set you on a path to a successful home renovation. Just remember that your deam home is within reach when you do your research and get the right team on board. Happy renovating!

If you still need help let me know - drop me an email or send a text.

Deborah Ross - M: 0411 878 732

or email design@hannafordross.com

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