Preparing a plan for house renovations

Buying a house that needs renovating throughout is exciting – and expensive, so unless your budget is limitless, you'll need to plan house renovations in stages and this checklist will help you get it right.

Make a list of everything that needs work

Walk around your house with a pen and paper and start a 'wish list'. That way you'll get a clear idea about what does and doesn't need renovating, and can start to think about what you'd like done where and in what order.

Don't forget the home renovation essentials

Kitchens and bathrooms are a sure-fire way to add value to your house, but don't neglect behind-the-scene essentials like wiring and plumbing. Yep, they may be expensive and unrewarding visually, but if they need repairing, it's best to tackle them early on before you create a 'finished' room.

Prioritise the renovation jobs

If you're on a budget you'll need to work out which things you want to tackle first and which can wait. Things to think about include which areas are in the worst condition and which rooms or features will add the most value if you need to sell before you finish the entire project.

Plan, plan, plan

A critical part of a successful, stress-free renovation is having your financials in order, so make sure you budget well for every stage of the renovation. To help the process, always obtain 'fixed', signed quotes – that way you won't be surprised by any unexpected costs.

Source your renovating materials

A good way to keep your costs down is to do your own legwork finding appliances and fittings, and it pays to think outside the square. Factory outlets, demolition sales, second-hand distributors and salvage contractors are a good place to start, as are the classifieds in your local paper.

Find your trade experts

One area you don't want to scrimp on is your tradespeople. Always used licensed builders, and get at least three quotes for the same job. Remember, the cheapest isn't always the best – it's important to recognise the difference between a good deal and something that's just plain cheap.

Contact a house renovations expert in your area and find out what you'll need for your big renovation project: