home renovations

Home Renovations: Common Home Reno Challenges and How to Tackle Them

As a nation, Australians love home renovations. We watch renovation shows, we follow DIY experts on social media, and we listen to renovation podcasts. We love renovating so much that (according to figures from the ABS) we spent $1.044 million on house renovations in March 2023 alone, and over a third of Aussie homeowners confessed to planning a home renovation within the next 12 months.

The Appeal of Home Renovations

Why do we love old house renovations so much? They’re messy, they cost money, and they can be stressful. But home renovations can also enhance property value, improve functionality and personalise a living space. They transform a house into a home and give us a real sense of achievement.

The key to a successful renovation project is in the planning. By identifying common home renovation challenges in advance, you’ll be able to effectively tackle them before they become a problem. This will make the process far less stressful and could end up saving you a lot of money.

Common Home Renovation Challenges

So, what are the most common home renovation challenges? They usually involve budget, planning, unexpected issues and project delays.

1. Sticking to a Budget

When planning how to renovate a house, the most formidable challenge is often adhering to a set budget. Unexpected expenses (such as hidden damage or structural issues) can arise, testing the financial limits of homeowners. However, budget issues are also caused by late changes to the scope of work or scheduling oversights. To overcome this challenge, meticulous planning is essential. Keep control of your budget by:

  • Having an expert complete a thorough initial assessment.
  • Having a contingency fund for unforeseen costs.
  • Obtaining detailed quotes in advance.
  • Prioritising essential renovations.
  • Keeping detailed financial records as the project progresses.

2. Inadequate Planning

Ineffective planning in old house renovations is one of the biggest causes of budget overruns and preventable delays. A detailed renovation plan can be a lifesaver, providing a clear project vision and establishing a timeline of work. A detailed plan can also be used to guide contractors and facilitate contingency planning. To get started on your home renovation plan:

  • Decide what you want to achieve with your house renovations.
  • Create a comprehensive budget.
  • Seek professional advice.
  • Research permit requirements.
  • Establish realistic timelines.

3. Failing to Anticipate Delays

When planning how to renovate a house you must plan for potential delays. Project delays often stem from unforeseen structural issues, supply chain disruptions, weather constraints and permit processing delays. To avoid or mitigate these kinds of setbacks, you can:

  • Conduct comprehensive inspections before work gets underway.
  • Finalise material orders well in advance.
  • Allow time in the schedule for weather delays.
  • Be proactive in obtaining all the necessary permits.
  • Establish clear timelines for each stage of the work.
  • Effectively communicate the schedule to your contractors.

4. Managing Unexpected Issues

Old house renovations can present unique challenges such as asbestos, hidden structural issues or outdated electrical and plumbing systems. Sometimes these issues are unavoidable and will need to be rectified before the project can continue. But these unexpected issues can be managed effectively by:

  • Collaborating with experienced contractors on the initial inspection.
  • Allowing for unforeseen issues in both your budget and schedule.
  • Maintaining good communication with your contractors. 

Talk to Craftbuilt Kitchens About How to Renovate a House

getting help for home renovations from an expert

When it comes to home renovations, challenges like budget constraints, planning issues, project delays and unexpected problems are common…but conquerable. Meticulous planning, detailed budgeting and a proactive approach can ensure you successfully overcome these common home renovation hurdles.

The good news is you don’t have to manage this on your own. At Craftbuilt Kitchens, we have an experienced team of designers and project managers who can help you to both plan and execute successful home renovations. For tailored expertise and advice you can trust, reach out to Craftbuilt Kitchens and embark on a journey to transform your house into the home of your dreams.

With over 21 years of extensive experience in cabinetmaking and home renovations, Corey Cameron leads Craftbuilt Kitchens as its Director. Corey’s deep knowledge and expertise are rooted in decades of hands-on work, ensuring the highest standards in kitchen and home renovations for every home they work on.