Home renovations checklist

This is all about getting clear and specific about the problem you want to solve. Your goals could involve anything from minor changes (like a new coat of paint), wear and tear fixes (like regrouting bathroom tiles) or a full kitchen makeover with structural changes, updated appliances and new cabinetry. By getting clear on the what and the why, you’ll be better positioned to get started with research and budget setting.

Once you know what you want to do, you’ll need to work out what you can afford to do, and how. To work out your options and your budget, start with what inspires you, and then start sourcing prices.

• Build inspiration: this is the fun part, so enjoy it while it lasts! Watch all the YouTube videos, read all the lifestyle magazines, and get creative with a mood board. By collecting ideas and noting your favourite styles, finishes and fixtures, you can start turning your vision into a reality.
  
  
• Window shop: figuratively or literally, of course. Whether you head to physical stores or browse through online ones, shopping around can help you get a more concrete idea of the range, quality and cost of items you’re interested in. For example, if you’re shopping for paint, you might like to compare the quality and price of Dulux with Haymes, and work out which retailers stock which. Looking for new appliances? Sometimes there are scratch and dent warehouses that sell perfectly good whitegoods (like fridges, washing machines, dryers and so on) for less just because they have a tiny scuff or blemish. It pays to shop around, so take your time with this to find the best buys.
  
  
• Get quotes: have qualified tradespeople provide you with job cost estimates and compare them with other options. Just remember, a tradie’s reputation and qualifications are just as important as the price they’re offering.
  
  
• Use a renovation calculator: some banks, real estate agencies and renovation companies will have an online calculator on their website to help you estimate how much a renovation might cost, depending on the size, scope and nature of the project. If you’re not sure where to start, try giving Aireno.com.au a go.
  
  
• Seek advice: if you’re looking to take out a loan or use your home’s equity to avoid using too much of your savings, consider chatting with a financial advisor to work out what options might be right for you.

Some jobs, like painting, decorating, tidying up the garden, or ripping out old cupboards, might be things you can do yourself, depending on your skills, ability and experience. Other jobs, like structural work, plumbing, roofing, or changing electrics, are better left to the professionals.

Before hiring anyone for the job, check they have the necessary licence and qualifications to do the work. Online registries, such as Verify NSW, can help with this. You may also like to confirm that the tradie you’re keen on hiring has adequate insurance cover, such as Public Liability insurance, in case of an accident or injury.

Certain renovations – like building a pool, extending a house, or erecting a new carport or garage – usually require permits and approvals from local authorities. Requirements can differ depending on where you live, so to get started, visit your state/territory government website, or reach out to your local council for information on what applies to you.

Before work begins, you’ll need to contact your home and contents insurer to let them know about your renovation plans, including the size of the job, what you’re planning on doing, and who’ll be hired to do it. This is a requirement outlined in most home insurance policies. Letting your insurer know about planned works helps them assess what impacts the renovation will have on your policy and what you can do to prepare.

Getting your home renovation ready is all about preparing for the construction period and the aftermath. Usually, this involves:

• embracing your inner Marie Kondo to declutter and organise clothes and items
• placing things in storage or different rooms to allow space for works to begin
• covering up furniture, carpets and other belongings with bubble wrap, sheets or other protective layers to help prevent damage
• separating construction zones from other areas of the home with barriers to minimise dust and disruption.

New furniture, appliances and upgrades can make a significant difference to the value of your property and belongings, so once the renovations are complete, make it a priority to update any home insurance policies you have to avoid being underinsured.

To help prevent underinsurance, it can be useful to regularly maintain a home inventory of all your assets along with their estimated value.