One big mistake to avoid when renovating or building

In my role as an interior and exterior designer, I see all sorts of new-build homes and renovation projects come and go across my desk.

I also hear all sorts of painful stories about renovations that didn’t go to plan. For one reason or another, everything turned to you-know-what, leaving the homeowners desperately unhappy about the aesthetic of their supposed new dream home or out-of-pocket – sometimes for upwards of $100,000-$200,000.

You’re probably thinking that one big mistake to avoid when renovating or building is not using a designer to help with your colours and finishes selections. While I do think it is extremely important to get some level of assistance – whether it’s from a friend with a good eye or from someone you pay – the “one big mistake” I see homeowners making time again is not clarifying all the details of their project before they physically start doing of it.

I know it’s boring, isn’t it!?

Even though it’s often tempting to just get started, this is where things can spiral out of control. You’ve heard the saying “the devil is in the detail” – it is never more true than when renovating or building.

It’s not just about what you are going to do, but also when, how, why and who. Considering all these aspects may sound a little over-the-top, but for a thoroughly streamlined build or renovation process, these are critical considerations.

“Winging it” becomes a problem for two main reasons.

Inconsistency 

Without articulating exactly what you’re going to do, and which products, materials and colours you’re going to use throughout your home, you run the risk of an inconsistent and incohesive look.

A great home design relies heavily on the colours, textures and finishes within a room, but also the visual links from room to room. Coming up with your design as-you-go will be reflected in the overall end result – often a mismatch of styles and materials with an unappealing aesthetic.

Cost

When you know the details of “what, when, how, why and who” for your new home or renovation, accurate quotes can be sought upfront. I can tell you that not one construction project in the history of mankind has ever gone exactly to plan. 

However, plenty of new-build and renovation projects come in on budget and on time. The main reason? They have detailed and well-articulated specifications to begin with.

So next time you’re building a new home or planning a renovation, get the details written down clearly before you or your tradies lift a finger.

Jane Eyles-Bennett is one of Australia’s leading home renovation and interior design experts. She is an award-winning interior designer with more than 25 years’ experience designing the interiors and exteriors of homes; specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces.

Contact Jane at jane@hotspaceconsultants.com or via her website.