What to Consider Before Starting Your Home Renovation

Ready to renovate but don’t know where to start? Don’t despair. Whether you’re looking for home remodelling ideas, have questions about the budget, or want to know what a renovation project manager does, your local Waikato Renovation Consultants are here to help.

Get in touch for a free consultation or read on for advice about what to know before starting a home renovation project in the Waikato. 

What’s your home renovation goal?

First things first – take time to assess your renovation goals. Do you want extra space for a growing family? Are you looking to upgrade your home for long-term living? Are you renovating to rent or sell? 

Having a clear idea of your goals will help guide your renovation decisions and your budget. Your Renovation Consultant can help design and deliver what you need, whether that’s installing your dream kitchen, or maximising your returns on a full home renovation.

Council consents

Home renovations generally require council consent, particularly if you’re making changes to the kitchen or bathroom areas, building an extension, or moving internal walls. Navigating council paperwork and communication can be a headache, so be prepared to spend time understanding the requirements. If you choose to work with Refresh, your dedicated Renovation Consultant will manage the consent process on your behalf as part of the complete end-to-end service offered by them as a renovation project manager . 

Budget

Budget is one of the most important things to consider when renovating a house. Decide on your priorities and goals early in the process and be realistic with your expectations. A Refresh Renovation Consultant can help you decide where to splurge and where to save and will work hard to achieve your goals within your budget. For peace of mind, detailed costings are always agreed upon before any work begins, so there are no scary surprises!

The time of the year

Wet Waikato winters mean it’s important to consider the time of year when planning your renovations. Winter weather could delay outside work like roofing, recladding, and decking, while inside painting could take longer to cure. Over summer many trades will close for several weeks, which could also delay your project. Talk with your local Waikato Refresh Renovation Consultant about your plans, and they can advise you when the best time to start your renovation project will be. 

What insurances you will need 

It pays to protect your property during a renovation, and making sure your insurance is in place is an important part of that. Renovation cover can give you peace of mind throughout the project, particularly if your renovation cost is more than the amount covered under existing house insurance/minor renovation benefit, or if the work requires local council consent. Policies will differ but can cover damage to the work being done or theft of materials during the construction period.

How long it will take

Have an open discussion with your Renovation Consultant about how long you can expect your renovation to take. A small bathroom refit could take as little as a week, while a more intensive renovation like this 1970s Hamilton home makeover took four months. Your Waikato Renovation Consultant will have an existing network of excellent builders for renovations, restoration builders for old homes, and a host of other expert tradespeople, so they can often arrange renovations more quickly than someone trying to do it on their own. They can also work to your timeline and tackle your renovation in stages, like this stunning Flagstaff transformation.

Your Waikato Renovation Consultant will also outline a timeline before work begins, and then expertly manage the project. It’s worth remembering that sometimes the unexpected can happen, such as the discovery of rotten framework in this classic Hamilton East villa renovation, but your consultant will be on hand to get things back on schedule as quickly as possible. 

The most common types of home renovations

Kitchens and bathrooms remain two of the most popular renovations. They are hardworking areas of the home, so it makes sense to refresh and rejuvenate them. They are also the areas that can increase your home’s value or appeal on the rental market. This 1970s home in Riverlea is a great example of how a kitchen renovation can deliver a fresh look. Changes to increase or create open plan living is also a common renovation request for builders in Waikato; as with this interior renovation in Huntly, the results can dramatically transform your living space. 

Ready to start your home renovation in Waikato? 

If you’re ready to renovate, then Refresh are here to help! Our friendly Waikato team offer free, no obligation consultations. So get in touch today and take the first step toward making your renovation dreams a reality.