Project doer-upper

In the midst of it all, look back on old photos to see just how far you’ve come.

By Jennifer E Kent

Sometimes it can be a bit of a gamble when you buy a property. What looks good on the outside may need a little work inside, or vice versa, but a little hard work never hurt anybody, did it?

It’s funny to think how we describe our homes sometimes: “It needs a little love.” “It’s got great bones.” “I love this, but we need to work on that.”

If that sounds like you, it sounds like you’ve got a doer-upper!

I think there’s a little doer-upper in all of us though, don’t you think?

Whenever we move into a new home, whether it be our own or someone else’s, we have this innate need to make it our own and add a little of our personality.

Even a brand-spanking new build isn’t complete until we’ve added that book on the shelf, or positioned that picture frame perfectly, or thrown that cushion on the couch.

For some, the idea of completely overhauling a property to turn it from ABC to XYZ is pure heaven and an exciting opportunity to really get their hands dirty. And for the rest of us, well… we may have accidently stumbled upon a doer-upper.

First things first, before you jump straight into renovating and re-creating your perfect home, there are several things you need to do. From experience, I think it pays to sit on things for a while and really consider what end result you are wanting to achieve. And, if there are multiple parties involved, make sure you are all on the same page as there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a reno before realising you have different ideas.

Firstly, think about the ‘who’ and the ‘why’ … then move onto the ‘what’.

What do I mean by this?

Who are you renovating for? Are you sprucing up an investment property to rent out? Are you planning on flipping a property for a short-term gain? Or are you planning on creating your perfect home?

This may change over the period of your renovation and I know quite a few people whose initial ‘flip’ home has turned into their long-term family home. But, once you decide who you are doing up the property for, you can move onto the ‘why’.

Is it a necessity to renovate? Do you need to renovate the property to make it safe and liveable? Or are you renovating to increase the property’s value? Perhaps it is simply something that you have always wanted to do. Nothing wrong with that!

Once you’ve figured out ‘why’, you guessed it… it is time to move on to the fun stuff. That’s the ‘what’.

Understanding your financial limits and sticking to a budget is vital to the success of your major renovation project.

The renovation options and ideas are almost limitless but, when reality sets in, you really need to stick to a few key things to make sure your project doesn’t blow out completely.

Many a novice renovator has bitten off more than they can chew. They have the grand ideas but not quite the skills and/or budget to pull it off. A detailed plan at the start and regular reviews throughout and at each stage of the renovation will help to pull it off successfully.

You may have a strict timeline you want to have your renovation completed by, or you may take it as it comes. Either way, repeat after me… plan, review, plan, review, plan, review.

Outside in or inside out? Where do you start? How do you start?

Once you are happy with your plan and have reviewed your budget, it is time to get those hands dirty… well, almost. Depending on your council, major renovation works may require certain permits or council approval. Make sure you are aware of this and deal with it as needed before you start your reno to save any headaches later.

There may be jobs you are happy to do yourself. Many may require a professional. Take advice, don’t be overwhelmed by it and surround yourself with a good knowledgeable team that is completely on board with what you want to achieve.

If you are engaging tradespeople, be sure to do your research, check their licenses are up to date and speak with past clients if possible. Remember, they are experts in their trade and are incredibly knowledgeable so let them know exactly what you are wanting from them and work with them to make sure it can be achieved. Communication is the key.

In all honesty, renovating has the potential to be stressful if not carefully planned and executed. It can feel like change happens every so slowly. Here my tip: in the midst of it all, look back on old photos to see just how far you’ve come.

If you change your mind on something halfway through? That’s okay, give yourself a break… that’s why we plan, review, plan, review…

LET’S RECAP

- Who are you renovating for? - Why are you renovating? - Make a plan, review, plan, review - Know your budget - Trust your team around you - Reflect on how far you’ve come - It’s okay to change your mind!

PLANNING STAGE:

- Create a mood board:

What materials, textures colours do you like? - Get quotes. You’ll need this to set out your budget. Don’t just get one; three is the magic number. - Set out a budget – room by room.

Break it down as much as possible - If you’re planning on getting a loan, sort that out based on your budget before you begin. Know how much you can borrow … and what you can afford to repay! - Do you need an architect or draftsperson? - Find a good builder