The number one renovation mistake is beginning construction before the
design is fully resolved. ‘We’ll work it out as we go’ is the most
expensive sentence in renovation. Every decision made on the fly during
construction costs more — often five to ten times more — than the
same decision made at the design stage. Invest in thorough architectural
documentation before you put a shovel in the ground.
Mistake 2: Underestimating the Budget
Most first-time renovators budget for what they want the project to
cost, not what it will actually cost. Always get multiple quotes, always
include a 15–20% contingency, and always ask your builder specifically
what is and isn’t included in their price. Provisional cost (PC) items
— things like tiles, fixtures, and appliances — are particularly
prone to blowing out.
Mistake 3: Choosing the Cheapest Builder
The cheapest builder is rarely the best value. Builders who price below
the market are usually either cutting corners on quality, planning to
recover margin through variations, or may be financially stressed. Check
your builder’s registration on the VBA website, ask for references from
recent clients, and visit completed projects if possible.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Council Requirements
Many Melburnians don’t realise their renovation requires a planning
permit until they’re already in trouble. Building without required
approvals can result in demolition orders, fines, and difficulty selling
your property. Always check planning and building permit requirements
before starting work.
Mistake 5: Over-Capitalising for the Suburb
A $600,000 renovation on a house in a suburb where median prices are
$900,000 will not return its investment. Before embarking on a major
renovation, check median sale prices for comparable renovated properties
in your suburb. Your renovation budget should not push your total
property value more than 20–30% above the median for comparable
properties.
Mistake 6: Making Decisions Under Time Pressure
Once construction has started, you’ll be asked to make dozens of
decisions quickly — tile choices, fixture selections, paint colours,
hardware decisions. Decisions made under time pressure are usually
regretted. Select all finishes before construction begins, or at
minimum, establish a decision-making process and timeline with your
builder at the project start.
Mistake 7: Not Using Professional Project Management
Coordinating a renovation involves managing architects, engineers,
builders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, tilers, cabinet makers,
and dozens of other trades, all of whom have competing priorities. A
professional project manager keeps the project on schedule and on
budget. For projects over $150,000, the cost of professional project
management is almost always recovered through better outcomes and
avoided costly mistakes.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Integral Design Solutions today for
expert renovation design and project management services in Melbourne
and Victoria. Visit integraldesignsolutions.com.au/ or call us to book
a free consultation.
