Organising your renovation project

A renovation is a great way to spruce up your home and add value to your property. However, actually managing and organising a renovation can be incredibly stressful, especially if you don’t know the best contacts for getting the job done.

Whatever your project involves, speaking with the right people increases the chances of your project going smoothly, so that you can successfully complete it on-time and within-budget. From buddying up with a project manager to having a reliable plumber – knowing the right tradespeople and professionals from the start will help turn your vision into a reality.

Here, we provide a list of key players you’ll need to know in the renovation game.

Before you start, you need funding for your home renovation

You may have already started your home renovation or at least begun talking to people about your renovation plans. But it goes without saying that a renovation can be costly - and unexpected things do happen!

Putting in your own time and money to do a home renovation is an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience, but what happens if you’re behind on payments or want to spend more on the bathroom, such as on a double sink or fancy bathroom facets?   

Whilst there are plenty of options to finance your renovation, you could consider getting an unsecured personal loan for your renovation. You can also use our savings calculator to see how much you might be able to put towards your home renovations.

Learn about Renovation loans

Contacts you’ll need for your renovation

DIY or project managers

You might choose to renovate ‘DIY style’ or use a contractor such as a project manager or builder.

If you’ve got a bit of ‘know-how’ and like getting your hands dirty (and depending on the type of project) a DIY renovation can be both a rewarding and fun experience. For novice renovators, you could start small and work on painting, wallpapering, tiling, laying floors or hanging doors.

There are so many resources about DIY projects on TV, in magazines and online, that choosing to do it your own way is always an option. But it’s important to distinguish between projects appropriate for DIY and those best left to the professionals.

If the job is a little complex and requires a level of expertise beyond your talents, then working with professional contractors, like a project manager or builder, can help you get the job done. Professionals can handle tasks such as a roof repair, replacing windows, any structural alterations, or anything involving plumbing or electrical.  

Finding a good professional contractor is a bit like interviewing for a job; you definitely want the best candidate for the role, so don’t rush it. It may take more than a few weeks to find one! Building an early rapport with a contractor (and making sure they’re reliable) will ensure that everybody is working towards the same goal.

Council officers

A council officer is a great resource, as you may need to check with your local council about the planning, building and structural requirements for your renovation.

A council officer may ask you to submit plans for your renovation (depending on the type of project). It might be that you’re looking to do an extension of the existing building footprint or that the structural works need approval. Whatever the case, it’s always best to always check with your local council or compliance authority before you start a renovation.

Architect

A good architect will work with you to realise your renovation goal. After all, it’s your project and money!

Depending on how ambitious your plans are, or how much knowledge you have renovating, you may need to hire an architect or a draftsperson to interpret your design and draw up plans for the local council or relevant authority.

Alternatively, a builder may have their own architect or draftsperson they use. Some architects will even handle the submission and approvals process with a local authority.

Whether you’re happy with a concept drawing or a detailed plan, knowing an architect will give your renovation some concrete parameters – so start drafting and mapping out your renovation!

Real estate agent

Some real estate agents act as homeowner representatives by stepping into the renovation process and helping every step of the way. They might explain blueprints, offer opinions on design and construction, moderate conflicts or misunderstandings with contractors, and keep the renovation process moving and on track.

Knowing a real estate agent can be helpful when it comes to property advice, and provide you with the level of support you need for your renovation project.

Plumber

A plumber is your best friend when it comes to all kitchen and bathroom projects. As a good point of call for any plumbing job, a reliable plumber is worth their weight in gold! Your renovation can easily be derailed without an efficient plumbing system in place. Ensure that your plumber is onboard with your plans and can work reliably and to a high-quality standard.

Local hardware store

Your local hardware store should have most of the renovation essentials covered. This includes buying materials for your renovation and having experienced staff members on site to provide professional advice. Often taken for granted, they’re a great resource that can inspire you to continue your renovation and go back for advice time and time again.

Need help with home loans?

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Published 1 May 2021