Renovating your home is probably one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make – right up there with buying it in the first place. Naturally, you want to get it right. It’s not unusual for first-time renovators to get caught up in the excitement and jump straight into the project.
While their enthusiasm is fantastic, diving in without a proper plan can end up in regret. It’s like the saying, “failing to plan is planning to fail,” which couldn’t be more accurate.
1. Jumping in without a vision
Starting a renovation with no clear vision is like setting off on a road trip without Google Maps – you could easily find yourself lost and nowhere near your intended destination. It’s a big risk! Same goes for your renovation.
At Benchmark Kitchens & Renovations, we encourage our clients to start with a vision board for their project. This is your “reno bible,” summarising your end goal all on one page. Share it with your builder, designer, and other tradespeople so everyone’s on the same page from the start. Plus, it makes decisions on fittings and finishes a lot easier!
Is your vision board ready to inspire your dream team?
2. Budget blowouts
This one’s a no-brainer, but surprisingly common. Imagine getting halfway through your reno and realising you’ve blown the budget – or worse, you don’t even have the funds to finish. Ouch!
Overspending happens for lots of reasons – poor planning, unexpected expenses, or simply not setting aside a contingency budget. Avoid the heartbreak by setting a detailed budget and sticking to it, with a little extra added in “just in case.” Future-you will thank you.
3. Picking the right tradies
When you’re looking for tradies to bring your vision to life, you want to be sure they’re reliable, skilled, and professional. Before giving them the green light, check their credentials and licences – any good tradie should have no issue showing you these as part of their business practice.
A reno site isn’t the place for rookies (unless they’re supervised apprentices), so look for tradies with experience in similar projects and ask for a portfolio of their work. Checking reviews and references will give insight into their reliability, and clear communication from day one will help avoid misunderstandings. Get detailed written quotes to keep everything transparent, and have a contract outlining the work scope, payment terms, and timelines – it’s crucial for both sides.
Finding the right tradies can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don’t sweat it. Platforms like hipages make it easy to connect with trusted tradies:
Tell them what you need – fill out a quick form and upload a photo if needed.
Receive up to three quotes – hipages alerts local tradies instantly, so you can compare.
Choose the best fit – check profiles and recommendations to find the perfect tradie.
4. Doing all the DIY
DIY can be great fun, but not every job should be attempted by a novice. Certain tasks – especially those involving electricity and plumbing – must legally be done by a licensed professional in Australia, and for good reason.
Trying to save money by DIYing everything can lead to costly mistakes and safety risks. Non-compliant work may cause legal issues, fines, or problems when you sell your home or try to claim insurance. Licensed professionals make sure everything meets safety standards, providing peace of mind and avoiding future hassles.
Stick to what you’re comfortable with. For us at Benchmark, that’s planning, design, and project management. We leave the heavy lifting to the pros – yes, it costs more upfront, but the job is done faster, and the results are top-notch.
5. Forgetting the garden
Landscaping is the cherry on top of your renovation sundae, but many people forget to budget for it. Treat your landscaping budget like your reno budget – itemise it with a healthy contingency figure! Since landscaping comes at the end, make sure you’ve left enough money to bring your garden to life.
Some landscaping can be DIY-friendly, but if you want the best results, find a local landscaper with experience. They know the right plants for your climate and soil, understand irrigation, and can create a garden that both looks amazing and thrives long-term.
Renovating doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can enjoy a reno experience that stays on track and within budget, making your vision a reality. Happy renovating!