With Easter fast approaching, it’s a good time to consider your home Renovations. With friends and family coming to stay, you’re probably thinking about your outdated bathroom, your need for a new guest room, or that much longed for kitchen update.

The break is your chance to sit down and plan your renovations for the year. However, you might be wondering where to start. Often, homeowners believe they need to consult an architect before undertaking their renovations. Well, with a few simple tools from your local Hardware Store, you can DIY the planning of your home renovations!

Before your dive into your renovation project, there are a few key things that you will want to consider to help you stick to your Budget.

1. Do Your Research

The first step with any project is to do your research. Browse magazines, blogs, Pinterest, roam your local Bunnings, Mitre 10 or Reece store and get an idea of what is currently out there. Chat to the staff and ask them any burning questions. During this research stage, you’ll want to identify what style of home you want to achieve and how you can do this. Spend some time researching to make sure you’re 100% happy with your direction before you begin the actual renovation works. At this stage, it’s also important to assess all your options. Maybe you think an aspect of your renovation isn’t possible because you don’t yet have enough information? By doing your research, you will discover alternate ways to achieve your objectives. For instance, if you have a desired wet area (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) in an area that’s far from the sewerage mains, underground or on a concrete slab, you might believe your dream isn’t possible. Instead, by consulting your local trade store and doing a bit more research, you will come across a product by Saniflo called a macerator pump, or a grey water pump depending on what your project is.

2. Hire the right team

Without a doubt, by doing your own research and consulting your local hardware store, you will save the cost of hiring an architect. However, it’s important to remember that you will need to hire some professionals, like a plumber and a builder, for some of the trade work. Certain renovation works can be done by yourself, if you possess the correct skills, however it’s always best to leave plumbing up to the professionals! If you’re using a product by Saniflo, remember this must be installed by a licensed plumber, which will actually save you money in the long run as it ensures that the pump is installed correctly! When hiring your team, make sure you properly check their websites, call them with any questions you might have and even check reviews online to make sure you’re happy with the quality of their work before you engage them for your project.

3. Use good quality materials

By using the best materials, you’ll ensure that your renovations are done right the first time and won’t need to be fixed in the near future. Although good quality materials can cost a little more, it’s safer to invest in these to avoid any complications. If you skimp on the quality of materials, you’re more likely to find faults after they’ve been installed or have them break in the short-term future. For advice, chat to your local hardware store and see what they recommend.

4. Consider the longevity of your home

You’ll want to make sure that whatever renovations you are doing to your home are going to last the distance and add value to your home for the future. With renovations, you don’t want to be constantly updating your home as this will blow your budget way out. Instead, consider the future and think about what your 5 – 10 year needs will be. Whether you’re looking to add a new guest space, an ensuite, update your kitchen or improve your bathroom, think to the future. For couples planning a family or people looking to sell, installing a bathtub is a great idea as this is a highly desired feature by parents, and relaxation lovers alike. Likewise, if you are aging or if aging family members frequently visit, consider making your home easily accessible with a walk-in shower and hand rails. Any renovation you might have should be designed to last the distance and add to the value of your home.

5. Have a budget

It’s as simple as it sounds, and although it may not be the most fun thing to do or think about it, setting a budget is an essential part of your renovation planning. It not only makes sure you stay on track, but, it also helps prevent your bank account from hitting the red. A budget can also help you:

Meet your goalsMake smarter decisionsAvoid unnecessary spending and hidden cost

So, how do you budget? Take a look at this recent article.

For more tips on adding to the value of your home, check out our eBook.

The best advice to keep your renovations on budget is to have a plan and stick to it!

Clarissa is passionate about home decorating and often spends hours trawling Pinterest searching for the latest trends. She enjoys Scandinavian home style, is a dedicated organiser and tries really hard to keep her house plants alive.