The Thoughtful Home with interior designer Tracy Bell: How to best prepare yourself for a home renovation

Do you intend on renovating your home? If so, there are a number of things you can do before the start of work to help you prepare yourself and your home for an upcoming renovation. Mentally prepare yourself and other family members for the discomfort that comes with the renovation process. Being mentally ready for a renovation project involves letting go of a clean house and accepting mess and disruptions caused by the renovations, knowing that the end product justifies the means. One aspect that requires mental readiness is the level of privacy you are bound to sacrifice during the project. Renovation projects typically require an invasive approach where contractors occupy the given rooms while working on them until the project is finished. Some homeowners prefer to move out whilst the renovation is in progress but it is better to have a real-life interaction with the contractors, observing the whole process and ensuring things are going accordingly. Be financially ready by having a clear budget from the onset. Set out a minimum of 10 per cent and a maximum of 20 per cent of the budget for unexpected expenses. Research the items, tools and materials required for the project and determine their costs. Obtain trade quotes prior to commencement of work. Setting a realistic budget will help you prioritise projects and make informed decisions throughout the renovation process. Prepare your home. It is essential to properly prepare your home before the renovation begins. Declutter, protect furniture and belongings and create a designated renovation zone. Completely empty out the rooms that will be renovated. Contractors need to get on with the actual renovating and if they have to move furniture and belongings around, this will add to their workload and possibly cause delays. Seek out a qualified builder or contractors who are able to bring your renovation dream to life. Check out reviews and see what their past clients say about their work and service. You will want your contractor to be a partner in this process and know the best ways to achieve what you want within your budget. A reputable contractor will be able to present solutions to any issues you may have with your home. Make sure to establish good channels of interaction with the contractors, including phone numbers and email addresses, for effective communication. Have a timeline. Having detailed plans and a timeline in place before you begin renovating is crucial for staying within the budget. When planning the timeline, take into consideration upcoming holidays and possible delays (which are bound to happen). A realistic timeline can help keep your project on track but give yourself a grace period as flexibility is important. Discuss the timeline with the builder and contractors, so all parties are aware. Be paperwork-savvy. Get plans approved by council (your builder may assist you with this) and have copies of all the builder’s documents. Ask the professionals for guidance if you require help obtaining permits. Consult your neighbours as soon as you know what you want to do with your renovation. They too will be impacted by noise and disruption, so update them regularly. Love thy neighbour! Don’t focus on trends. It’s very easy to get entranced by the latest trends but they may not stand the test of time. You want to ensure you will love the finished product for a long time so it is best to choose timeless designs and products. Although renovating is time-consuming and inconvenient, a positive approach and thorough preparation can make it less difficult. With the right advice and team of professionals, your vision can become a reality. Email interior design questions to Tracy at belledesigns@westnet.com.au Tracy Bell is an interior designer and owner of Furnish My Home, a local retail business