How to prepare for a renovation
December 16, 2020

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Renovating your home can be both a stressful and exciting time for homeowners. Check out our tips to help you get ready for a renovation. 

1. Plan 

We’d say that planning is the most important part of any project. 

Think about the time of the year you’re renovating - if it's the wet season, you might have limitations for exterior renovations. Chat to your builder about your needs and they’ll be able to give you their expert advice. 

It’s also good to think about when renovations might disrupt your family life the least. Often people hand over the keys and let builders get started while they’re away on holidays. 

2. Check the laws

To find out about the rules and regulations for renovating your home in the NT, visit the Northern Territory Government’s guidelines for building and renovating a home. If you don’t get the necessary permits, you can risk hefty penalty fines. No one needs that during a renovation!

3. Get estimates of time and money

It’s good to have your ducks in a row, that’s why we recommend getting a detailed estimate of both time and money before the project starts. This can give you a breakdown of the different phases of the renovations so you know where your money is going and how long it’ll take - giving you peace of mind. 

4. Communicate with your builder

Make sure you know what you want to get out of your renovations and clearly communicate that to your builders. They want you to be happy with the finished product more than anyone! If something doesn’t look or feel right, have a chat with your builder to see how you can resolve it. 

5. Consider your space

Before the renovations start, think about your space. Your builders will be happy to give you guidance on making your home function well during the renovation process. For instance, if you’re getting your bathroom or kitchen renovated, you’ll need a plan for what you’ll use in the meantime. 

Freezing some meals in advance can be a good option if your kitchen is in pieces mid-renovation, limiting your time trying to cook in a messy kitchen. 

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