Renovation mistakes that are easy to avoid
Almost every renovation that goes over budget does so for the same handful of reasons, and none of them are dramatic. They are small decisions made too late or too quickly. After 38 years on the tools, these are the ones I see over and over.
Starting without a finished plan
Deciding on tiles, tapware and cabinetry halfway through a job is what causes delays. Trades get booked around each other, so one late decision pushes out three other bookings. Lock your selections in before demolition starts, even if it feels early.
No contingency in the budget
Older Melbourne homes hide things: old plumbing, patched wiring, uneven floors, previous unpermitted work. Put aside ten to fifteen per cent of your budget for surprises. If nothing goes wrong, that money becomes your upgrade fund.
Chasing the cheapest quote
There is always going to be someone who can do it cheaper. The question is what has been left out. Compare quotes line by line and ask what is excluded, who handles waste removal, and whether materials are specified or assumed.
Ignoring the boring stuff
Waterproofing, ventilation, drainage and adequate power points are invisible when finished, and expensive to add later. Spend there first and on finishes second.
Poor communication
Most disputes are not about workmanship, they are about expectations. Agree on how you will communicate, how often you will get updates, and how variations get approved before work starts. Write it down.
Get those five right and a renovation becomes a manageable project rather than a stressful one. Happy to talk through a job before you commit to anything.
