Many homeowners are left dazed and confused on how best to approach their renovation project. We’ve all heard the horror stories of renovations gone wrong, dodgy builders and projects going way over budget.

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After 10 years, and having completed over 60 sustainable home renovations within inner-city Melbourne we reckon, we’re pretty well placed to put this ‘Stress-Free Renovating’ guide together.

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If you’re a homeowner planning a renovation we hope this guide can remove some of the stress when renovating.

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Below we’ve outlined 4 key components to get right when renovating your home. Many of these are also relevant to new homes, though we’ve focused on renovations as they are, no doubt, the most challenging type of residential construction project. - And, the most rewarding!

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The 4 components to reduce the stress when renovating are;

1. Setting Your Budget & Priorities
2. Choosing The Right Team
3. Get The Design Right
4. Pre-Construction & Identify Risks

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Setting Your Budget & priorities

Embarking on a renovation project without a clear budget is like setting sail without a compass. It's crucial to establish your financial parameters and receive expert insight early on to ensure a smooth journey ahead. Here's how to set your budget and priorities:

1. Prioritize Your Renovation Goals: Identify your sustainable renovation priorities and talk with a team with a proven track record early to understand if your budget matches your goals. It’s a common occurrence that a homeowner’s budget typically meets around 75% of their renovation goals, so it’s important to understand where you sit early in the renovation process. 
2. Consider Long-Term Savings: There are many sustainable and energy-efficient add ons you may consider for your home. It’s important to understand the costs and long-term savings these can have before making an informed decision. 
3. Factor in all associated renovation costs: The obvious cost for a renovation is construction but there are other costs that can also add up. When planning your renovation budget be sure to factor in the following;some text
   1. Design and other pre-construction costs such as engineering, permits and inspections. 
   2. Rent, if you’re doing a medium to large renovation you’ll need to vacate the property for up to a year.
   3. Contingency. Depending on the size of your project, we typically recommend a contingency of around 10% of the cost of construction.

Choosing the Right Team

The success of your renovation project hinges on the expertise and reliability of your project team. Failure to get this right can result in a lifetime of stress that will outlast your renovation project. Here's how to assemble the right team for your renovation:

1. Proven Track Record: Find professionals with a proven track record of successfully completing a project similar to your own. It’s nice to give young professionals a go, we’ve all been there at some point, though you are opening yourself up to risks you could otherwise avoid.
2. Check References: Don't be afraid to ask for references and examples of past work. By speaking with previous clients you can gain valuable insights into a company’s communication style, workmanship, and expertise.
3. Choosing an Architect or Design & Build firm: Determine what is important to you and how much you're willing to leave to chance. If you’re looking for a home that reinvents the wheel and you have a lot of flexibility in your budget, I’d recommend engaging an architect. If you’re more mindful of budget and want clarity over your build cost early and often to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, you’re best to engage a design & build firm.
4. Verify Credentials: Check that the company you choose has all the correct licenses, insurances, and accreditation. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they have the necessary qualifications and expertise to handle your renovation project.
5. Ensure Alignment of Vision: Choose a company that gets what you're saying and you feel good about. Clear communication and a shared understanding of your goals and a process to get there can be the difference in a successful renovation.

Get the Design Right

A successful renovation project always starts with the right design. The old saying goes; ‘If you think good design is expensive, wait til you see the cost of bad design.’ Here's how to ensure you get the design right:

1. Proven Track Record: Ensure the firm you engage for your renovation has a proven track record. This might sound repetitive, but there is no better confirmation that you have chosen the right team than a proven track record of the successful completion of a similar project to your own.
2. Passive Solar Design: No matter what type of home your building, do not neglect the principles of passive solar design. The benefits of this approach are enormous including, energy savings and simply a comfortable and lovely place to call home.
3. Choose Functionality and Flow Over Floor Area; Australians build the biggest homes in the world, and most of these homes are simply big and dumb with spaces that will never be fully utilized. A good designer will focus on your lifestyle and incorporate the flexible creative use of spaces to ensure you're not paying for more home than you need.
4. Think Long-Term: Build for longevity & low-maintenance by choosing timeless and durable materials. Ensure your renovation has flexible spaces that can adapt to your changing needs over time.

Pre-Construction & Identify Risks

The pre-construction phase sets the stage for a successful renovation project. Don’t neglect this phase and ensure your project team covers all bases: 

1. Pre-Construction Inspections: Carry out as many pre-construction inspections as your project team recommends. This can mean paying more than you intend before construction begins, though the ability to avoid as many hidden surprises as possible is well worth it.
2. Obtain Necessary Permits: Engaging the right project team will ensure this is a no-brainer. Keep in mind there can be many permits and documents that may be required for your project. Ensure to speak with a professional when navigating these. Typically the non-negotiable permit is a building permit.
3. Understand Contractual Obligations: Ensure you understand clearly what is included in your home renovation and understand your own contractual obligations. Your home renovation should be well documented and be part of your building contract for all parties to sign.
4. Plan for Site Logistics & Neighbors: Particularly important with inner-city renovations that we are used to, site logistics can be challenging. The right builder will be able to manage site logistics without your involvement, though it’s always good to keep your neighbors on good terms. It’s helpful to show empathy and appreciation to your neighbor before, during and after your renovation works. And, always remember you have the right to renovate, and your neighbor has the right to say no if you’re asking too much of them.

There you have it. Follow these 4 key components during your next renovation to ensure it is as stress free as can be.

If you’re considering a design & build firm for your renovation, Sustainable Homes Melbourne would love to speak with you to see if we can help.

If you do decide to go down the path of engaging an Architect I strongly recommend engaging a builder early on in the process. SHM also offers a service for people that choose this path, we call it our ‘Peace of Mind Process’ and you can find out how it works HERE.