Renovating on a budget? You’re definitely not alone. With cost-of-living pressures biting hard, every dollar counts. But here’s the catch: reno budgets often spiral out of control faster than you can say “blowout.” Three Birds Renovation writes.
When it comes to jobs around the house, a huge 79% of Aussie homeowners have blown their budget. And with only 6% getting it right, underestimating costs has left many a home improver scrambling to adjust mid-project.
After 10 years of renovating, here’s what we’ve learned about keeping your budget in check while still creating a home you’ll love.
Got a budget number in mind? Great. But have you checked if it aligns with today’s market?
Renovation costs are a moving target, thanks to fluctuating material prices and labour demands. Underestimating costs – especially for fittings, fixtures, and trades – is one of the quickest ways to derail your budget.
53%
spoke to other homeowners who have completed similar work for a sense-check
42%
estimated the cost of a job based on previous experience
16%
have spoken with a tradie to help inform their budget
Surprises? They’re inevitable. That’s why a contingency fund is your best friend.
It’s not for splurging on fancy tapware but for unexpected fixes, like replacing dodgy old pipes or fixing a crumbling sub-floor (yep, been there, done that).
Not every part of your reno needs the luxe treatment. Deciding where to spend and where to save is key to getting the best bang for your buck.
Not the most exciting part of your reno, but permits and approvals are essential. Forgetting them can lead to costly fines and delays – no one wants that.
Think of your budget like a baby – it needs constant monitoring. Regular check-ins will keep you on track and help you dodge surprises.
Sure, keeping costs down is important, but cutting corners can backfire. Cheap materials and dodgy trades might save money now but could lead to expensive repairs later.
The Three Birds Dream Discounts card is the little helper your reno budget needs. This card gives you exclusive access to daily discounts at our favourite stores and online. You pay a small fee each year for your card and your savings potential is limitless. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Three Birds Renovations is a people-powered brand dedicated to inspiring and empowering women on their ‘dream home’ journey, no matter how big or small their project and budget.
Founded by best friends and busy mums, Bonnie, Erin and Lana, are seasoned renovators, best-selling authors of Australia’s number one home improvement book, creators of popular online courses, Three Birds Reno School and Three Birds Styling School and brains behind the Three Birds Dream Discount Card. Over 40,000 students worldwide are designing, building and styling their homes using the Birds’ knowledge, templates and support network.
A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10–20% of your total budget as a buffer. This can help cover any unexpected expenses, from material price increases to unforeseen structural issues.
Focus on saving in areas that are easily updated, like paint, styling or some simple landscaping, like laying lush new turf. Consider mid-range options for fittings and fixtures and splurge on high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Regularly monitor your budget, keep track of expenses, and avoid impulsive changes or upgrades. Work with your builder to keep your budget on track by discussing costs upfront and regularly reviewing any changes. Remember, sticking to your plan is the key to avoiding budget blowouts.
Permits ensure your renovation meets local council regulations and safety standards. Costs vary but generally range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on your location and the type of renovation.
It’s a game-changer for saving money on reno and styling essentials – stretch your budget further without compromising on style.
To help you dodge any renovation disasters, the expert team at Three Bird Renovations share their list of the five most common and costly mistakes you need to avoid in your project.
Ready to hire?
Working with a great tradie makes all the difference when it comes to home improvement projects. But how can you work well with your tradie to get the best results? We asked Fouad Reaiche from ETH Group construction for the inside scoop.
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