A well-planned renovation can transform the way you live and add real value to your home. A poorly executed one can do the opposite – costing more than expected, taking longer than planned and leaving you with a result you are not happy with.
Steve Burke of Amerex Renovations and Additions is an experienced Perth renovation builder. He says one of the first things to do before a major renovation is remove any substandard handyman work and start with a clean slate.
Here are the 10 mistakes Steve sees homeowners make again and again – and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Existing Issues
When walls come down or floors come up in an older home, there is a good chance you will find something unexpected. Problems with wiring, plumbing, rot or termite damage are common.
It can be tempting to cover these up and keep the project moving, but it is always better to deal with them straight away. In the short term it is an added cost, but as a general rule, the sooner a problem is fixed, the more you will save in the long run.
2. Choosing the Cheapest Builder or Trade
Going with the lowest quote may save money now, but it often costs more later. Before you sign, ask why one quote is so much cheaper than the others.
- Are they using lower-quality materials?
- Has everything been included, or are there exclusions that will cost extra as the job progresses?
- Do they have enough experience with this type of work?
- Can they provide references from previous clients?
3. Buying Cheap Fixtures
Saving a few dollars on fixtures and fittings may not be wise in the long term. Items that are used every day – tapware, door hardware, kitchen and bathroom selections – are worth investing in.
Quality products tend to need fewer repairs and replacements, wear better over time and often include features that make everyday living easier.
4. Poor Painting
A renovation finished with quality paintwork looks polished and complete. Poor painting can undo all the work that came before it.
There is more to painting than many people realise. Walls that have not been properly prepared, or that show drips, patchy coverage, brush marks or uneven cutting-in, will look amateur. If your budget allows, a professional painter is well worth the cost.
5. Chasing the Latest Gimmick
Be wary of luxury extras and on-trend features that are unlikely to get much use. Before committing, ask yourself whether you will still use it – and still like it – in five or 10 years’ time. If the answer is no, the money is usually better spent elsewhere.
6. Overspending on Bathroom Tiles
Bathroom tiles do not need to be expensive to look good. A good tiler or interior designer can help you create a great design, pattern or colour scheme without the premium price tag. Put the savings towards quality fixtures instead.
7. Buying Clearance Stock Without Caution
Clearance appliances and materials can be a bargain, but buy carefully. Ex-display appliances may have scratches, minor faults or missing parts that are hard to replace.
With materials such as tiles, allow extra for wastage, as you may not be able to buy more from the same batch later. Colour can vary noticeably between batches, and mismatched tiles can spoil the finished look.
8. Not Creating Enough Storage
There is no such thing as too much storage, so build it in wherever you can.
If you are adding a second storey, talk to your designer about using the space under the stairs. In the kitchen, clever inserts can make use of even the tightest corner cupboard. In bedrooms, consider walk-in robes or built-in cupboards.
9. Using a Friend or Relative as Your Tradesperson
Having a plumber, electrician or carpenter in the family can seem like an easy way to save money, but it comes with risks. Go in with your eyes open.
- Always use a licensed professional for electrical, plumbing and gas work, asbestos removal and anything structural.
- Check that they hold the right insurance – even if you know them well. If they do not, you could be liable if an accident occurs.
- Think about how you would raise it if you were unhappy with the quality of the work, and whether it could damage your relationship.
10. Leaving the Work Unfinished
Most of us know someone whose renovation has dragged on for years, with no end in sight. DIY can be rewarding, but part of the reward is actually living in the finished home.
Many people only complete their renovation when they decide to sell – meaning they barely get to enjoy the result. Set a realistic timeline and budget from the start, and plan to finish what you begin.
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This article was written by Suzanne and Steve Burke of Amerex Renovations and Additions and provided by Jason Windows. Visit the Jason Windows display at Home Base Design & Build Centre or go to jasonwindows.com.au.