Common Renovation Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Australians love to renovate. Well before shows like The Block became regular viewing in households across the country, the idea of improving on the great Australian dream has always felt part of our collective DNA. But not everyone gets it right, and when a renovation goes wrong, it can be a costly and stressful experience.
With over 20 years of experience in home renovation services, Designline’s expert team has had to correct many a DIY gone badly wrong, or we’ve heard about nightmare stories elsewhere. Here we compile some of the most common general, kitchen and bathroom renovation mistakes and how to avoid them.
General Home Renovation Mistakes
The following faux pas apply to any room in the home.
1. Not Getting Professional Advice
We know this sounds biased, but failing to involve professionals can be a recipe for disaster. Besides, it is NSW law that any home renovation project or trade work over $5,000 in labour and materials must be undertaken by a licensed professional.
Don’t look at professional renovation services as a cost; see them as an investment and an overall money saver. Why?
- Professionals don’t make costly mistakes and even if something were to happen, they’re insured (well, Designline certainly is!).
- We deliver clear, itemised costings and timelines so every project expense is anticipated before work gets underway.
- We provide impressive warranties that have you covered for the long term.
- Our network of suppliers provides the best services at the most affordable prices.
- We know this work inside and out. Correct installation avoids future repair costs.
- Everything is precise and perfect – measurements out by a couple of millimetres can significantly affect cost.
- We understand Building Codes and Australian Standards and can also advise and support you when permits are required.
- We know and adhere to all safety regulations – they’re in place for good reason.
Read more about Why Choose Designline Home Renovation Specialists.
2. Not Sticking to Budget or Changing Quotes When the Job Is Underway
Before Designline undertakes any work, we fully scope out the project and provide a clear and itemised list of expenses. Renovation works cannot commence until the client approves and signs off on these documents. So, in terms of the renovation, everything is clear and upfront.
However, that doesn’t include, for example, new furniture and appliances. If your home renovation includes upgrading everything, you need a budget for everything (unless money is no object!). Be sure to consider white goods, dining tables and chairs, electrical appliances, soft furnishings, etc. Our team can share a list of things you may want to consider if it helps make things easier.
3. Failing to Future-Proof Your Home
If this is your forever home, live your dream! Create the space you’ve always wanted and don’t hold back. However, if you’re planning to rent out the property or you want to sell in a few years, avoid interior design trends and personal passions, as they can polarise.
The latest look is oh-so hot right now. Tomorrow, it’s yesterday’s news. That’s fine if you’re talking about a wardrobe item, but not if you’re talking about an entire room. Err on the conservative side and choose timeless instead; it will only help your property’s market value down the line.
4. Not Prioritising Storage Space
No home renovation can ever have too much storage. You think you’ve added enough, but we’re here to show you there’s still plenty more possible! After all, we are self-confessed storage junkies and can find ways to hide and conceal clutter that you wouldn’t ever have imagined.
Our design team delights in solving storage problems and future-proofing homes with solutions they didn’t realise they would one day need. We’re not talking about a cabinet of drawers here or open shelves and corner cupboards there. We take storage seriously and will find truly unique ways to maximise and conceal. We’re yet to meet a space we haven’t conquered!
Kitchen Renovation Mistakes
Here are some of the more common kitchen renovation mistakes we’ve seen occur elsewhere.
5. Not Doing an Inventory
It’s a great idea to make a list of the items you use most in the kitchen. This helps ensure you don’t forget anything when sharing your ideas with or briefing the design team. Understanding what the most-used kitchen appliances and items are will help the team create a space that flows best for you and your needs.
6. Not Paying Enough Attention to Lighting
Whilst we want to maximise natural lighting in the kitchen, we can’t rely on Mother Nature alone. You might have heard the term ‘light layering’. This is particularly important in the kitchen, which has to be many things to many people at many different times of the day.
- Functional lighting – the kitchen is where a lot of prep work takes place, so task lighting is important for making it as safe and easy as possible to do such work. It can also define zones, such as the food preparation or breakfast nook area.
- Ambient lighting – these lighting fixtures give the heart of the home its warmth and soul.
- Decorative lighting – do you want to use lighting to highlight different kitchen elements? Perhaps some artwork on the wall or a particular architectural feature?
Layer in these three lighting styles and you’re well on your way to creating a cohesive, functional, welcoming space.
7. Forgetting About Electrical Elements & Outlets
Never underestimate the number or location of all the kitchen electrical sockets you need. From white goods to mixers and toasters, from USBs to vacuum cleaners, your kitchen has to keep a lot running. Adding some hidden sockets within kitchen islands and others in the pantry will play a big part in keeping general spaces clutter-free.
Bathroom Renovation Mistakes
Bathroom renovation mistakes are also very common. Here are a couple of ‘usual suspects’ we’ve seen occur elsewhere.
8. Not Prioritising Waterproofing and Obtaining a Certificate
Waterproofing is crucial for your bathroom’s structural integrity and user safety. There is simply no point in undertaking a bathroom renovation without ensuring correct and quality waterproofing.
Any residential works that undertake such trade must comply with Australian Standards 3740, so DIY is out of the question. Designline and our preferred licensed waterproofers have all the necessary certifications and compliance to carry out proper waterproofing. We also issue a waterproof certificate upon completion.
9. Disregarding Draining and Ventilation
By their very nature, wet rooms can harbour hygiene challenges. Poor drainage or ventilation can build up and spread mould and other potentially harmful bacteria.
This is the sort of ‘dull detail’ that the Designline team will always consider. We want your space to look beautiful, but it must also perform. This means planning not only for adequate drainage and proper ventilation, but also paying regard to tiny, functional features, such as drain covers. Overlooking that kind of attention to detail can compromise an otherwise brilliant-looking space.
Knowing what home renovation mistakes to avoid is easy when you’ve partnered with Designline. We circumvent them all! We’ve been in this business for over two decades and know the smoothest, simplest way to achieve your dream space.
Arrange a no-cost, no-obligation meeting to discover what’s possible in your home.
