A renovation code of conduct

It’s your property that’s being renovated or built so you should be able to turn up unannounced, right? Not necessarily

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That hackneyed phrase ‘the customer is always right’ is a bit outdated and isn’t always welcome in the renovation and building sector. Consultants and tradies alike are finally putting boundaries in place so consider this a renovation etiquette guide.

Set realistic expectations

It's okay to be nervous about the process and upset when things don't go to plan given your life savings and biggest asset are on the line. The thing is though, renovations don't go to plan.

If you're working with a project manager, then a lot of the risks will be identified and allowed for in your budget and timeline upfront, but if you're not and they aren't, you'll need to deal with these things as they come up. It'll be a lot easier to do so if you go into the process expecting things to go wrong - that's why contingency sums exist because there are too many uncertainties.

It's important to be realistic about how your project will pan out and you'll need to be open-minded when things don't go to plan. Most tradies and consultants will come to you with a problem and a solution, not just a problem. Hear them out, be understanding and reasonable, and know that they will do their best to minimise impact to your reno budget and time frame.

Trust the process