Renovation fails: the dos & don’ts to learn from
Keen to avoid a renovation fail? Follow these simple dos and don’ts to ensure your next project goes smoothly.
Keen to avoid a renovation fail? Follow these simple dos and don’ts to ensure your next project goes smoothly.
Everyone makes mistakes, but when it comes to renovation fails, some people are more talented than others. Some hiccups, such as installing a flat pack shelf upside down, can simply make you mutter under your breath.
Other oopsies, such as accidently rupturing a pipe, can leave you in more than just a flood of tears – these renovation failures can seriously blow out your renovation budget.
Luckily, there are things you can do (and avoid doing) to ensure your renovation project doesn’t end up as a viral meme.
43%
Aussie homeowners have admitted to attempting a DIY job, only for it to go wrong
41%
Homeowners say the bathroom is the most likely room in the house for a DIY disaster, followed closely by the kitchen at 32%
One of the golden rules of renovating is to triple check the details. From the height of the light switches to the width of a kitchen bench, getting those measurements right the first time round can save you heartache later.
Along with brushing up on your measurement terminology (be sure you know your lineal metre from your square metre), it’s also important to consider measuring not just length and height, but depth before ordering or installing items.
In the kitchen, you also need to consider the area needed for moving parts such as doors and drawers: will there be enough room for the drawers to pull out without hitting another? Do the cupboards open easily, or will they hit an appliance such as an oven or fridge when open?
Renovations take longer than most people expect. From the initial planning, consulting and approval stage, to gathering quotes, booking in your tradies, choosing materials and ordering supplies, there can be months of planning before work begins on a house.
If you don’t plan far enough in advance, you might not be able to get the materials you need or the tradies you want to work with. To avoid this renovation fail it’s important to set up a realistic timeline and be organised so you don’t leave anything to the last minute.
Whether it’s a coat of paint or having a crack at tiling, there’s nothing more disappointing (or expensive) than putting the effort into doing some DIY, only to have the project fail. At best, you may have to start again. At worst, you might even have to pay someone to undo the work that’s been done.
Hiring a professional tradie takes the guesswork out of renovations. You’re not just paying someone for their expertise, you’re also paying someone to do the job safely, which is especially important when it comes to using precision power tools or working with older homes that might have asbestos.
When renovating, you simply cannot make it up as you go along. If you’re unsure of what you want to do with a room, it will cost time and money for your tradie to stop and discuss options and wait for a decision rather than getting the job done (or redo work because you’ve changed your mind).
Likewise, not having the right materials on hand and waiting for a delivery or having to go back to the hardware store can slow everyone down. It’s also important to not assume you’ll be able to “wing it” and do most of the work yourself: some renovating jobs, such as painting, might seem simple, until you actually try them.
@oldmates Don’t worry about saving money with DIY, save your marriage instead. Let @hipages connect you with qualified tradies to get the job done right. #tradie #aussie #hipages #diydisasters ♬ original sound – old mate
Having a clear line of communication with your tradie is a key part of avoiding a renovation fail. From your initial contact to the start of the renovation, it’s important to ask questions about the scope of the renovation work and the costs involved.
Rather than being intimidated, ask questions if you’re uncertain about any aspect of the build and make sure you’re both on the same page about the materials you plan to use. Don’t assume your tradie is a mind reader: clear and open communication will not only keep your tradie happy, but can save you time, money and frustration.
The vast majority of Aussies, 86% say they’ll bring in a qualified tradies next time they need a job done around the house.*
Renovating isn’t cheap, and budgets can easily blow out if you’re not on top of the costs involved. Budgeting is a critical, if sobering, part of the renovation process and one that should be undertaken before any work begins. Avoid overspending by doing your research, gathering quotes, including a buffer for when (not if) unexpected expenses occur and, if necessary, adjust your expectations of what you can realistically afford.
Find the right tradie for you with the hipages app. It’s free and easy. Just post the job you need, and up to three tradies will be in contact.
Renovating your home is exciting, and getting your hands dirty can be highly rewarding. But DIY projects may not always be the best, or only option for your home.
Let’s take a look at some of the common home renovation projects and find out — when can you DIY and when is it time to hire a professional tradie?
Read more
Planning a big renovation project but not sure where to start? Well, like anything in life – your renovation process needs a plan. Because without one, home improvement projects can quickly experience blown budgets, increased timeframes, and drama a-plenty.
From setting your objectives, budgeting, organising your development application (DA), and finding the right team, here are our practical planning tips for your next reno.
Read more*About the research
Commissioned by hipages Group in conjunction with Thrive Insights, the research was conducted online in March 2024. Findings are based on a sample of over 800 Australian homeowners aged 30+ years across all states and territories.
