Before You Renovate: 7 Things You Really Need to Know

Thinking of renovating your home this year? Before you get swept up in inspo boards and tile samples, here’s the stuff that actually makes or breaks a project — from a builder who sees what’s hiding behind the walls every single day.

Whether it’s your forever home or an investment refresh, this checklist will help you avoid the stress, budget blowouts, and mid-reno surprises.

✅ 1. Don’t skip the site inspection.
Before you design, find out what’s really going on — water damage, concrete cracking, outdated electricals. We always start with what’s hidden beneath the surface.

✅ 2. Check your compliance (seriously).
Is your home in a bushfire zone? Strata title? Older property? You might need approvals, asbestos checks, or fire compliance upgrades before anything else.

✅ 3. Budget smarter, not just bigger.
Add 10–20% buffer for unknowns. It’s not being pessimistic — it’s being prepared. Especially if you’re renovating an older home.

✅ 4. Good design is about flow, not just finishes.
Our 3D design service helps you see how the space actually works — light, movement, storage, outdoor connection. It’s not about trendy; it’s about timeless and functional.

✅ 5. Plan around real life.
Still living at home during the reno? Kids? Pets? Staging the build in phases can reduce disruption. We’ll guide you through the smart way to sequence things.

✅ 6. Choose the right builder (not just the cheapest).
Ask about licences, insurance, past projects, and whether they understand both design and structural upgrades. That’s what makes us different — we don’t just build pretty. We build smart.

✅ 7. Visualise it before you commit.
You don’t need to guess what your home will look like — we offer 3D renders and planning support so you can see itbefore we build it. Less stress, less back-and-forth, better results.

Need a hand planning your renovation?
We offer full design + build support, including structural upgrades, waterproofing, layout planning, and finish selection. We know what to look for before things go wrong — and how to bring your vision to life with zero fluff.

📍 Based in Sydney’s Northern Beaches
📐 Book a free consult or walkthrough
📄 Ask us for our Renovation Readiness Checklist PDF