Home renovation is an exciting and rewarding endeavour as it allows homeowners to create their dream living space, tailored to suit their personal needs whilst also adding value to their properties, but it’s not without its challenges and pitfalls and thorough preparation is the key to success.

“Whilst it’s fine to carry out small projects like repainting a room spontaneously, if you’re considering a large project involving multiple rooms, the most critical phase of the project is actually the pre-renovation phase,” says Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg.

“And, to this end, a checklist is essential as it will help you to take control of the project from the get-go and line up all the critical elements ahead of time, leaving far less margin for error.

“Being proactive rather than having to be reactive when there are hiccups, eliminates a lot of the stress and also minimises the chance of potentially costly problems. The old adage by Benjamin Frankin holds very true here: ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’.”

It’s impossible to guarantee that the whole process will be seamless and without any challenging surprises, but Odendaal says that early planning will certainly pay off.

Set Your Home Renovation Goals

Yes, you want to freshen up and update your home, but to plan a successful project, you need to be more specific. Write down what’s motivating your renovation by listing the problems you’d like to solve and what you’d like the outcome to be.

For instance, your kitchen is small and cramped and badly laid out. What you would really like is a more spacious kitchen diner with space for a dining table where family and friends can get together.

Assess Structural and Functional Needs

This step is especially important if you are planning major renovations on an older home. Conduct a thorough assessment of your home's structural and functional needs before finalising renovation plans.

Identify any structural issues, such as outdated wiring or plumbing, that may need to be addressed during the renovation process. Consider how the layout and flow of your home can be improved to better suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Identify Your Renovation Priorities

Divide your final list of desired projects into two columns - the ‘must-have’ column which are the jobs that must be checked off your renovation checklist before the project is considered complete and the ‘nice-to-have’ list which are items that you’re willing to give up if there are budget constraints.

Gather Inspiration

When it comes to planning a room, even if you have some idea of what you want, the endless array of styles and design options can be overwhelming. However, the key is to find as much inspiration as possible, then whittle it down so take the time to find as many inspirational ideas as possible.

Get Quotes and Determine Your Budget

Get quotes from at least two different contractors as well as the other professionals you will need and price the items (furniture, appliances, décor etc) that you are thinking of buying.

Establishing a realistic budget early on will help guide your renovation plans and prevent overspending.

Select Your Renovation Team

When it comes time to make a final selection, ensure that you hire the best qualified and most reliable for the job.  Research reputable professionals in your area, check references, and request quotes from multiple sources before making a decision.

Working with experienced professionals will ensure that your renovation is completed to high standards and within budget.

Obtain Necessary Permits and Approvals:

Before beginning any construction work, ensure that you obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. Failure to obtain permits can result in costly fines and delays in your renovation project. Consult with your contractor or local building department to determine which permits are required for your renovation plans.

Create a Detailed Renovation Plan:

Develop a detailed plan that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and budget for your project. Specify materials, finishes, and fixtures to be used, and communicate your expectations clearly with your contractor. A well-defined renovation plan will help keep your project on track and minimise unexpected surprises along the way.

Communication and Paperwork:

Determine a communication plan with your contractor—mode and frequency—and include it in your contract so that there can be no misunderstandings from either party.

Review payment methods and schedule milestones tied to payments and also include these in your contract.

If possible, set aside a 10%–20% contingency cushion in the budget for unforeseen problems or price changes that may arise.

Let your insurance company know that you are doing renovations and update your home insurance policy if necessary.

Practical Considerations:

Depending on the scope of your renovation project, you may need to make temporary living arrangements while the work is being completed. Planning ahead will help minimise disruption to your daily life during the renovation process.

If you’re staying put, give some thought to where you will cook, eat, shower, and sleep.

Be prepared to minimise the mess – make sure you have something to cover furniture and shelves, plastic wrap to contain dust from entering the rest of the home and think of using humidifiers to keep dust from spreading.

“Renovating your home can be challenging but it needn’t be totally disruptive and stressful,” concludes Odendaal.

“If you are prepared and have a plan, you can navigate the process with confidence and your renovation project will be a rewarding experience that adds value and beauty to your home for years to come.