Renovating Guide: Keys To Success

Has watching the seven network’s house rules inspired you to renovate? We spoke to the experts to help you head for success (and reduce the stress)

- Kylie Jackes

Anyone who has embarked on a renovation, or watched one unfold on television, knows only too well it can be a rocky ride fraught with setbacks, building curveballs and budget blowouts. Yet the result is often immensely rewarding. While it is nearly impossible to pre-empt every reno hurdle you’ll encounter, there are lots of ways to mitigate stress and streamline the process. From the initial planning stages through to the triumphant finishing touches, industry experts share their pearls of renovating wisdom.

PHASE ONE: PRE-RENOVATION PLANNING

GET EXPERTS ON BOARD “My No.1 is to engage the services of a design professional,” says House Rules High Stakes resident interior design expert and mentor Carolyn Burns-McCrave. “Having someone look at your space with fresh eyes and ideas gleaned from years of education and experience is the best money you will spend.” Architect Brent Yttrup from Noby Architects agrees. “Using a professional who understands the National Construction Code (NCC) and intricacies of your local council planning scheme will help simplify the building approval process and ensure all the requirements are met,” he says.

BE FRANK From the outset be wholely honest and open with your designer. “This isn’t something that’s widely talked about, but you need to treat your designer like you would a doctor or lawyer, and they in turn need to take on what you tell them without judgement, and in complete confidence,” says Carolyn. “During the planning process it’s imperative you are transparent about your motivation, needs versus your wants, hopes, dreams and budget, so choose someone you feel completely comfortable with, who is invested in interpreting your dream for you.”