The best way to learn about renovating isn’t by renovating

They say the best way to learn something new is to practise over and over again and while this true for most things, when it comes to renovating I beg to differ.

The best way to learn about renovating is to simply have a lot of friends who are renovating. And fortunately right now, I do – and I have to say, I’m learning a lot.

And not just knocking down the odd wall, or updating the bathroom, but carrying out major structural renovations that include second storeys, multiple bedrooms, media rooms and stylish outdoor living areas.

Listen to episode seven of Domain’s podcast Somewhere Else: 

Now for someone who desperately needs to renovate, you might think it hard to see all my friends’ houses transform into amazing functional spaces with sleek finishes and tasteful colour schemes. Or to engage in their lengthy discussions on bathroom vanities and Hamptons-style kitchens.

But I have to say it’s been quite the opposite. I feel like I’m renovating without the fuss of actually renovating, and by some sort of osmosis learning everything I need to know.

I get to experience all the positive aspects of the process, the creative outlet and the satisfaction of seeing it all come together but without any of the stress, the mess and the enormous cost.

I don’t get a bigger house at the end of it but, thanks to my friends, there’s nothing I don’t know about how to eventually get one.

The inside information alone is worth its weight in gold.

My friends have spent months researching every detail of their renovation, such as light fixtures, floor coverings, bathroom fittings, where to source the most beautiful tiles or the best quality sandstone. They’re up on all the latest trends and designs, what’s hot right now and what’s just a fad.

They’ve done all the hard yards and yet I’m the one with a folder bulging with innovative ideas, as well as numbers for plumbers, electricians, landscape gardeners and wholesale fabric outlets. I have everything I need to know right at my fingertips – and I didn’t needed to Google a thing.

Plus, when hanging out with renovating friends, I feel free to discuss my own interior design vision.

I’m coming up with fabulous ideas left, right and centre. I feel like I’m part of the team, offering advice and inspiration and it’s invigorating.

Only the other day, a friend asked my opinion on a bathroom tile for her downstairs powder room, and suddenly I was accompanying her to the tile shop and helping to make a decision.

I even managed to talk the shop assistant into giving us a discount. I have to say, I’ve taken to renovating like a dream and we haven’t even started yet.

Another positive side is that I get to see in advance what works and what doesn’t. I know which tradespeople to trust and which ones to avoid, where to source the cheapest kitchen appliances and whether or not an induction cooktop is actually worth it.

Until we renovate in the (hopefully) not-too distant future, I’m happy to live vicariously through my friends’ renovations. And the more friends that renovate, the better renovator I seem to become.

It’s like I’m doing a series of renovation dress rehearsals, which can only mean that when our turn comes the result will be nothing short of an award-winning performance.