A great renovation is 80% planning and 20% execution. Use this checklist to arrive at your first consultation prepared and confident.
1. Define your why. Are you renovating to live in long-term, to add resale value, or to fix a functional problem? Your answer drives every decision.
2. Set a real budget. Add a 10–15% contingency for unforeseen items. Be honest with your builder about what you can spend.
3. Gather inspiration. Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, and screenshots — share them with your designer.
4. Understand your home. Age, construction type, heritage overlay, easements and council zoning all influence what's possible.
5. Decide on scope. Cosmetic refresh, full renovation or extension — each has very different timelines and approvals.
6. Choose your builder carefully. Check licensing, insurance, references and recently completed work.
7. Lock in design before pricing. Detailed drawings produce accurate, fixed-price quotes — vague briefs produce vague numbers.
8. Plan your living arrangements. Will you move out, partially live in, or rent short-term?
9. Approve materials in writing. Tiles, tapware, stone, paint colours — pin them all down before work starts.
10. Prepare for the unexpected. Even great planning can't predict everything behind a wall — your contingency exists for a reason.
