What comes first in a Renovation Plan

Renovations can include improving, redecorating, extending, or redesigning a home.

In this Blog post, we discuss how to start a renovation;

1. DESIGN: First up, you need to select an end design and home style and have a general idea of the colour palette you prefer. This stage can be completed at home by jumping online and using various websites for inspiration. we have a fabulous Gallery with Case studies from townhouses and villas to large commercial projects. That's worth having a read through. We also recommend joining Pinterest and filling your own board with images that are similar to the look you're trying to achieve. These boards and galleries can also be super helpful for your designer if you chose to renovate with the assistance of an Interior designer.

2. BUDGET: Next plan your budget for any building costs, new fixtures and fittings, and any permits required. Ask your builder and other laborers for quotes that can help you decide on priorities in the process. Speak to local real estate agents to help in determining the value of your home post-renovation, whether or not you plan to sell. This is a helpful guide so you can spend accordingly to obtain the best ROI (return on investment). 

3. PRODUCT SELECTION: Once you have narrowed down your choices on look and style, start visiting specialist stores for direction and guidance. Because floors and walls are the largest space of any room, we recommend selection is made of surfaces first. Our Tile Warehouse staff are design-trained and a great first port-of-call. They can help you select tiles, baths, tapware and click-together flooring for all areas of your home. Armed with these project details, it's then so much easier to go on to select and purchase fixtures, fittings, and furniture.

4. CONTRACTORS: Once you have the selection process sorted, it's time to plan the workmanship and employ the contractors you will require from plumbers, electricians to tilers to carry out the basics involved. It's also important to put some focus on the foundation and more technical sides of the home. If there are existing structural problems, within your home’s foundation or the roof, those need to be addressed.

5. TIMING: Next build a timeline. Choose the desired start date, or if you’re hoping to have it completed by a specific date, work backward from that date instead. Sit down with your contractors to determine the length of time each portion of the project will take and then book them in. A signed contract from both parties regarding timing does help keep the project on schedule. Discuss which steps of the remodel need to be completed first, how long they will take, and which project portions can be completed concurrently. A rough estimate for home renovation projects, so you have a better idea before getting started. 

6. CONSENTS: Before any project begins, you should check whether it requires building consent. A full set of guidance about what projects may or may not require a building consent, and the rules that must be followed, is available online. CLICK HERE to research further.

Regardless of whether your project needs building consent or not, you should phone your council to see whether you need resource consent, and check whether there are any restrictions on what you can do with your property, such as:

- is there are land covenants on the title, you might be restricted with what you can build on the site

- if you have a cross-lease title, you'll need to get formal approval from your neighbours before making any exterior structural changes

- if you have a heritage-listed building, there'll be a strict process and rules you have to follow

- if you own an apartment, your body corporate will have rules around what you can and can't do, and the process to follow for different types of renovations

- if you have council property, eg a drain, running through your land — this is called an easement.

HOT TIP! Don't be afraid to ask the contractors questions on materials, budget and timelines. 

* Home Additions: 3-4 months to complete * Bathroom remodel: Up to 4 weeks * Kitchen remodel: Between 6-12 weeks * New roof: A week or less *Deck: One-Two weeks

Whether it be a new build or renovation, at Tile Warehouse we have the best design range in the country. Plus we offer Baths, Taps and stone-composite flooring.

CLICK HERE to view the latest Tile ranges from Europe and around the world.

If you’re still stuck for inspiration, use our Visualiser to help you design the ultimate space for your home. Change out tile sizes, shapes, colours, and even the grout colour to help make the decision process so much easier. Select from a selection of bathroom design options or load a photo of the bathroom space you're intending to renovate.

Our motto is to help make design and selection easy. We understand choosing tiles can be tricky but we’re here to help. Our staff are design trained, passionate about tiles, and available to discuss your project and assist you however you need.