Renovating your home is a big undertaking, and one that you want to get right.

As roofers, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients on their home renovation projects. Here’s the five mistakes we see home renovators make – and how you can avoid them.

 

Mistake #1.      Failing to plan

Having a very clear plan in place will help you manage the many trades you’ll need to engage during your renovation.

You need to make sure you get each contractor in at the right time and in the right order so that your renovation project runs smoothly.

The first step to achieving this is to consider the sequence of the construction process. What order do you need your trades to come in? What tasks are dependent on someone completing another element first?

For example, you can’t build a roof over an extension that doesn’t have a frame. This means your builder needs to have completed framing before you bring in your professional roofer. And you can’t install your dream kitchen in an area that doesn’t have a floor – so make sure your flooring is complete before you schedule your kitchen trades to turn up on site.

Once you understand the sequence of your project, you’ll be able to put some timelines together and then hire the trades you need, when you need them.

 

Mistake # 2.      Not hiring experts

There is no substitute for experienced tradespeople that insist on quality workmanship. And there is simply no shortcut when it comes to hiring expert trades. 

Don’t hire the first person you speak to. In order to confidently choose the right person for the job, you should get at least three quotes. This will involve researching trades with the qualifications your project requires,e, ensuring you check out their Google profile and social media channels for reviews and request some examples and images of their most current work. 

After you’ve done your research, you’ll want to make a shortlist of at least five,  tradesmen and call them to request a quote. Why 5? Because  you’ll eliminate some of the trades you call simply from the way they handle your enquiry ad and their ability (and reliability) to provide a quote in a timely manner. 

Once you have your quotes,  check for consistency across the scope of work. Make sure you check for items that aren’t as obvious – for example, does it include the supply of safety equipment like scaffolding or fall protection and removal of rubbish from the worksite.. 

Finally do your due diligence to ensure that compliance documents such as industry licenses, insurances and workcover are valid for the tradesperson you plan to engage. 

Hiring the best tradie doesn’t always mean hiring the most expensive: but you do want to make sure that you’re comparing apples with apples.

 

Mistake #3.      Spending money on the wrong things

It’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of a home renovation. 

One of the biggest mistakes we see is renovators investing too much of their budget on the fixture, fittings and other bright shiny objects, instead of investing in getting the basics of the build right.

The most important parts of your build are the foundations, the frame and the roof. 

If you don’t get these fundamental aspects of your home renovation right, all the fabulous cosmetic inclusions in the world won’t seem as bright and shiny while your renovation is falling down around you.

Fixtures and fittings can be upgraded at any time. But it will cost you much, much more than money to have to replace foundations, frames and roofs if you don’t invest at the start.

 

Mistake #4.      Not having a contingency budget.

We’ve all heard the saying – it always costs more and takes longer than you think it will. Which means you can’t embark on your renovation project, without having a contingency budget in place.

In 2022, we saw 5 separate price rises on roofing materials, with costs going up at between 5%-15% with each increase. Not having a contingency budget in place could mean cutting back on items you really wanted to include, leaving you unhappy with the finish of your new home. Or worse, not being able to complete your renovation at all. 

It’s also important to never try and save money by ignoring safety and permit requirements.

 

Mistake #5. Trying to do TOO much DIY

Don’t get us wrong – love a bit of DIY and there are plenty of things on your home renovation that you can complete yourself. Perhaps you’re a great painter, or have some experience in tiling.

The problems with DIY happen when you try to do too much yourself. 

It takes years of experience for trades to become qualified and able to skillfully complete renovation work. In some trades like roof plumbing and electrical, you must be a licensed trade to undertake the work and sign off on it.  

 

Make sure your home renovation project is a success

When you have a clear renovation plan, hire experts to complete the job, invest in the right things on your project, have a contingency budget and don’t try to do too much DIY, you’ll help to ensure that your renovation goes smoothly and you get the home of your dreams.

And if you’d like some help with the roof for your home renovation, our team of experienced roofers can help. Even if you’re only in the planning stage of your project, you can still get our professional advice and gather the information that will ensure you’ll avoid costly renovation mistakes.

Get in touch with us here for an obligation-free discovery call.