If you're just starting your renovation it can be quite daunting. Here, I offer 12 practical tips to undertake as you're starting out. To set you up for renovation success, you need to know all the ins and outs - what's included, what's not. The more detail you are across the less likely you are to make a mistake or miss something completely. 

1. Before you start

Check the design guidelines with your local council. If you are altering the exterior, you will need to check whether there are any requirements, covenants or heritage restrictions that need to be adhered to.

2. Join a facebook support group
Renovating mums Sydney offers a wealth of ideas from incredibly experienced renovating mums offering support, advice, or inspiration for your renovation.

3. Get a handle on your budget

Understand what is in scope for the builder versus out of scope.

Your structural reinforcements, plumbing, electricals, rent and mortgage repayments will take a big chunk of the overall budget. 

Remember to set aside budget for things like feature lighting, blinds and curtains or anything else that you have agreed will be out of scope.

Always, always have a contingency fund.

Download the Morgan x Me Renovation Budget Template: 
https://morganandmeinteriors.com.au/products/renovation-roadmap-budget-template

4. Spatial Planning
Think about how you live in your space and what you want to achieve from your renovation. This will be one of the most important decisions you will make, so really think about the aspect of each room, and how it will be used functionally. Your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and lounge room should be major focus areas.

Write a wish list of the must haves and nice to haves before you start planning your floorplan.

5. Measure up applicances 
Measure all appliances and ensure there is enough clearance space for them to fit in any planned joinery. You can google standard space allowances for any appliance.

6. Planning your storage
Write a list of all the things you will be needing storage for, and make sure you have planned enough storage in the home to house everything.

7. Planning your kitchen
When considering your kitchen layout, whether you apply the working triangle or the five zone method, you will want to spend a bit of time getting this right.

8. I have a floor plan – what next?
Start thinking about your exterior colour scheme and materials. Find inspiration on Pinterest and look at the colour schemes you seem to be attracted to. Once you have figured out your exterior style, you need to overlay the design guidelines of your local council.

Once you have nailed your exterior colour scheme, it’s time to develop the interior scheme. This is where the work begins, you have so many decisions that need to be made for every surface, it can be completely overwhelming. A great way to start is with the flooring. This will make up 30% of your colour scheme, so make sure you consider the impact it will have on the overall look and feel of your home. When building your interior colour scheme, it’s helpful to use actual samples of materials and put them together by room. This way you can start to visualise how it will all live together, and you will see when things aren’t working cohesively.

If you want professional help here, let's book an initial consultation: 
https://morganandmeinteriors.com.au/products/free-initial-interiors-consultation-morgan-and-me-interiors

9. Programming & Timings 
Ask the builder to provide a programme for the works or a priority list for your materials. This will help you understand when you need to have your materials decisions made.

10. List of suppliers
Ask the builder to provide their list of suppliers and a budget allowance for all fixtures and fittings. That way, you benefit from better trade rates, stick to the allocated budget and steer clear of blowouts

11. Managing Trades
Never assume anything and make sure you are very specific with every detail. Follow everything up in writing and keep checking in as the work is
being completed.

12. Communication throughout the process
Keep communication open. It’s worthwhile setting up a regular meeting with the builder and team.

I hope these quicks tips and tricks help you better plan your renovation.

If you would like to talk about designing your home, you can book a free, no obligation, 20 minute initial interiors consultation. Click here to book your spot 

https://morganandmeinteriors.com.au/products/free-initial-interiors-consultation-morgan-and-me-interiors