10 Things to Think About Before Kicking Off a Home Renovation
Renovating your home is exciting, but let’s be honest—it’s also a bit of a minefield. Between budgets, builders, and a hundred tiny decisions you didn’t even know you’d have to make, things can get overwhelming fast. A bit of planning goes a long way in keeping the stress levels down and making sure your dream renovation doesn’t turn into a never-ending disaster. Here are ten things to consider before you get started.
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Costs add up fast, and it’s all too easy to go over budget if you’re not keeping track. Be honest about what you can afford, get quotes from multiple contractors, and don’t forget to include a contingency fund—because trust me, surprises will happen.
2. Know What You Want (Before You Start)
A clear vision will save you loads of time (and money). Pinterest boards and Instagram saves are great, but try to narrow down exactly what you want before the work begins. Changing your mind mid-project can lead to delays, extra costs, and a lot of frustration.
3. Find the Right Contractors
Good builders are worth their weight in gold. Do your research, read reviews, and get recommendations from friends or neighbours. Don’t just go for the cheapest quote—quality work will save you money in the long run.
4. Check Planning Permissions and Regulations
Not the most exciting part of a reno, but definitely one of the most important. Some projects require planning permission, while others need to meet building regulations. The last thing you want is to be halfway through a job and find out you’re breaking the rules.
5. Think About the Timing
When you start your renovation matters. Summer is ideal for exterior work, but it’s also peak season, meaning contractors will be busier (and pricier). If you’re doing a kitchen reno, can you handle takeaways for a month? Plan ahead so you’re not stuck in a building site at the worst possible time.
6. Plan for the Disruption
Living in your home during a renovation? Prepare for dust, noise, and a general lack of personal space. If it’s a big job, you might want to consider staying somewhere else for a bit—especially if your water or electricity will be off for a while.
7. Don’t Forget About Storage
Where’s all your stuff going to go while the work’s being done? If you’re redoing a major part of your home, you might need to rent storage or at least shuffle things around. Plan ahead so you’re not tripping over furniture in random rooms.
8. Think About Energy Efficiency
If you’re tearing things apart anyway, now’s the time to improve insulation, upgrade windows, or install energy-efficient appliances. It’ll save you money on bills in the long run and make your home more comfortable.
9. Small Details Make a Big Difference
It’s easy to focus on the big stuff—walls, floors, fixtures—but don’t overlook the small details. Where will plug sockets go? Do you need extra lighting? What about storage solutions? Sorting these out early will save you headaches later.
10. Expect the Unexpected
Even the best-planned renovations hit bumps along the way. Maybe a hidden leak is uncovered, or the exact tiles you wanted are suddenly out of stock. The key is to stay flexible and not let setbacks ruin the whole experience.
How Beams Helps You Plan with a Renovation Planner
Feeling overwhelmed with all the moving parts? That’s where Beams comes in. With its Renovation Planner, you can map out your entire project in one place—budget, timelines, contractor details, and even those tiny decisions like paint colours and lighting fixtures.
With Beams, you can:
✅ Create a step-by-step plan for every stage of your renovation.
✅ Set budgets and track expenses so you don’t overspend.
✅ Keep all your contractor details and quotes in one place.
✅ Schedule tasks, set reminders, and avoid last-minute panics.
✅ Stay organised and stress-free while bringing your dream home to life.
Instead of juggling spreadsheets, notebooks, and endless email threads, Beams helps you stay on top of it all—so you can focus on the fun parts of your renovation (like choosing the perfect tiles) without losing sleep over the logistics.