BEFORE YOU START YOUR RENO

When you’re building, renovating or updating, planning is the key. We've included some important things to consider when you're getting started.

When you’re taking the first steps in your build or renovation journey, there is so much to consider, it can seem overwhelming. The right budget and planning can help the process run more smoothly, giving you greater peace of mind.

RESEARCH With so many online resources on hand, it’s easy to find reliable information about design, products, materials and fixtures. Once you’ve got a rough idea of what it is that you want, speak with experts in the field like architects, building and renovation experts, and run plans and budget past them to see if you’re on the right path.

DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY The design phase of your renovation or build is usually the part where you have the most fun. Experiment with different looks, styles and tones to see what works for you and your space. Test how each element of the room (such as tiles, flooring, paint, products and fixtures) will work together through a mood board or by taking inspiration from designs featured on social media or in magazines. It’s easy to get carried away with designs but remember that functionality is equally important. You don’t want a beautiful above counter sink if your vanity is tall or nobody will be able to use it! Consider the height and width of the products and how each will work together in the space with function as well as design.

PLAN AHEAD To ensure there are no budget blow-outs or project delays, know exactly what you want to achieve upfront. Realising halfway through the project that the paint you’ve purchased doesn’t work with the vanity can cause a lot of stress and money to fix. Mood boards can help with figuring out design issues early on and running product choices past your building contractor and plumber before you buy can make sure you don’t buy something that is the wrong size, shape or type for the space.

REALISTIC BUDGETING It’s easy for your budget to get out of hand with the unexpected costs that arise throughout the build or renovation. Create a detailed budget with quotes itemised for each of the key costs before you start and run this past industry professionals before getting a loan or purchasing materials or product. Unexpected costs will likely occur throughout the project, so make sure there is enough room in your budget to cover these.

Villa Gunmetal Grey Tower Basin Mixer & Single Towel Rail By Dorf, Artisan Above Counter Basin By Caroma

PLANNING CHECKLIST

Plan it: Make sure you have your room measurements on hand, a list of any structural features/obstacles (such as doors and windows). Take photos of the space from as many angles as you can.

Features: Think about what you want from the space (e.g. toilet in the same or separate room) and create a list of any must-have features that could impact the room design such as freestanding/built-in bath, heated/unheated towel rails or open/enclosed shower.

Get inspired: Create a mood board with the finishes, materials, colours and products you want to include. Bring this with you to meet with your Showroom Consultant so they can help guide you to the perfect products to bring your style to life.

Set a budget: Get quotations for your preferred fittings, tiles and tiling, plumbing, painting, design, demolition, electrical, carpentry, plastering, water-proofing, accessories, use this to give you a guide for your budget. Expect to spend two-thirds of your budget on labour and the remaining third on everything else.

Select your contractors/tradesmen: Ensure that the building contractors and tradesmen working on your project are qualified and licensed for the job. Get multiple quotes and read reviews on Google or on their social media pages.

Draw up plans and get building permits: Building permits must be submitted by a registered building practitioner such as an architect, registered builder or building designer. You will need permits for any building, plumbing or electrical changes or changes to utilities.

Product selection: After running your preferred products past your building/plumbing contractors, book in a product selection consultation with your Tradelink Showroom Consultant. Order materials early in the process to ensure they are delivered in time for installation and avoid any project delays.

Create a realistic timeline: Figure out a realistic timeframe for the project. It can take anywhere between 4 to 12 weeks or longer to complete a renovation depending on the scope of works and new builds can take up to 6 months to complete works. Work with your building contractor to help establish a realistic timeline. If you’re renovating, you’ll also need to consider alternative living arrangements during the building works such as a temporary bathroom or kitchen space, or renting a house.