10 Things to Find Out Before You Renovate

If you’re looking to renovate all or part of your home then the time to do the thinking is before you hire yourBrisbane builder – not when you face the first hiccup on the project.

There is plenty to understand before you set the wheels in motion, and below are ten of the most important things to find out first:

1. What are the choices available?

   First, consider the options. Is renovation the best option? It’s usually a better option than moving or rebuilding, but that will depend on the extent of the renovations required. Gather professional opinions before deciding.

2. What do you really want?

   This is important. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you actually want before going ahead. It can be difficult or impossible to ‘change horses mid-stream’ with building projects. So ensure everything is planned out and agreed before work begins.

3. What is your budget?

   Determine the limits of what you can spend before you start gathering quotes; this will help you to pitch in the right area when you do start meeting builders.

4. What will it really cost?

   Get realistic estimates of the cost of the work, without cutting corners. Make sure you are paying for the best rather than the cheapest, which can end up costing you more in the long run.

5. Who can do the work?

   This is a loaded question. Many Brisbane builders have the time to do the work but not the ability (they do not specialise in renovations); others have the ability but not the time; others still may not be prepared to travel to your suburb. Find a builder who has the qualifications and availability to really do the work.

6. What is the step by step process?

   Ask questions so that you understand the step by step renovation process from start to finish. It’s important that your builder gets specific and explains to you exactly what will be happening at each stage of the renovation so that there are no surprises.

7. Do you need planning permission?

   You will need to contact your local council to see if your renovation requires planning permission. Fines can be severe if you do not follow the regulations so it’s always best to check – a trusted builder will be able to advise and obtain approvals if necessary.

8. Will the neighbours be disturbed?

   If the work is going to be loud or disturb neighbours in your street, pre-warn them about your project. They will appreciate that you have considered their feelings and be less likely to complain when the time comes. Keep it sweet!

9. Does your builder project manage?

   You don’t want to have to be calling tradespeople or following up on material suppliers. Your builder should be able to project manage the renovation from start to finish, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life and a smooth end-to-end process. Check how other customers have found the service, the workmanship, the pricing and the timing, and ask to see examples of previous building work.

10. Can you live around the building work?

    When the work is underway, you will need to plan around it. For instance if the bathroom’s being renovated, do you have a second bathroom to use? If you have a family, you may even need to move out for a week or two, depending on the scale of the work.