You’ve finally made the call: you’re going to kick off with your home renovations. Your space needs some tender loving care, or maybe a lot of it, and the list of things to do feels like it stretches for miles.
Now that you’ve made your decision, a question is likely looming: where do I even start?
It’s natural to feel a bit intimidated by the scale of the work you’re about to take on, especially if you’re looping in a contractor and funding to do something big (like a new addition or an internal overhaul). But like any big change, the solution is to work through it one small step at a time.
After tackling hundreds of home renovations in NZ, we’ve seen it all. This guide on what to expect from home renovations – and where to begin as a novice – should provide you with everything you need to know to establish a solid foundation for the build ahead.
Before you pick up a hammer (or phone a contractor), the most important place to begin with all home renovations is to figure out what you want to achieve. Are you renovating to increase property value? Do you want more space for your family? Maybe you’re finally building that dream kitchen you’ve been saving photos of for years!
Your why will influence everything else you decide about. Your budget, timeline, materials, and even the experts you hire will be dictated by the outcome you want. And of course, when the inevitable mid-renovation crossroads hit you, you’ll be able to use that goal as a guiding point.
Once you have solidified your goals, it’s time to create a budget. While this isn’t necessarily the most glamorous part of home renovations in NZ, it is one of the most important.
To build a budget, start by figuring out how much you’re comfortable spending. If you’re funding it entirely out of your own pocket, this is only as complex as checking out your savings. If you’re getting a loan to fund the renovation, then you might want to work backwards from what you’ll be able to afford to repay month to month.
Once you’ve determined how much you’re comfortable spending on your renovation, always include a contingency of about 10-15%. Even with the most seamless home renovations, small and costly surprises are common. Hidden damage, outdated wiring, and even design changes can cause financial stumbles mid-project. Don’t let them! Plan ahead.
As you’re planning, it’s also smart to break your budget into stages. Design, materials, labour, finishing touches; these stages will help you know exactly where your money is going. Remember, the goal is not to spend as little as possible. It’s to spend well on the things that matter to you most.
Even if you’re a seasoned DIYer, larger renovations almost always require professional help.
Finding the right builder or renovation company is key. You want a team that listens, communicates clearly, and respects your time and budget. Ask for references, review their previous work, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the process or pricing.
You’ll easily be able to spot a good builder by their most positive traits during the quotation process. They will manage expectations, coordinate trades, or simply help you to make informed decisions by walking you through our options from the get-go.
We aim to make this process as simple and enjoyable as possible for you by offering an experienced guide through the process of home renovations in NZ, and any team worth their salt would do the same!
Home renovations are inherently about causing a little bit of chaos in the name of bringing something new to life. In other words, you’ll be dealing with your fair share of dust, noise, and likely a bit of stress. But like most things, these negative effects can be minimised with a bit of preparation.
We recommend:
The more you can plan ahead for life during home renovations in NZ, the smoother your experience will feel.
Quite honestly, starting home renovations can feel daunting, but the process gets a whole lot easier once you commit to taking it step by step. When you define your goals, plan your budget, choose the right professionals, and prepare for your home to be a little more upside down than usual, you’ll be set up for success.
Preparing for your home renovations in NZ? We are your local high-end builders and renovators, providing support and guidance from the first swing of the sledgehammer to the final handover.
Talk us through your vision for your new home today.
