Mastering Your Renovation: A Guide to Planning, Budgeting, and “Hidden” Costs
Picture this: You’ve got your dream space in mind, and you are keen to dive headfirst into your first renovation project. But where do you start?
At Retro Construction, we know that a smooth renovation happens long before the hammer swings. We have seen clients who are thrilled with the result but exhausted by the process. The secret to avoiding “renovation fatigue” lies in the preparation.
Whether you are updating a bathroom, removing a wall for an open-plan kitchen, or planning an extension, here is what you need to consider to ensure your project finishes on time, on budget, and up to code.
1. The “Who, What, When, and Why”
Before you look at paint charts, you need a roadmap. Ask yourself four key questions:
- Who is it for? Is this for your growing family, or are you prepping the home for resale?
- What is the focus? Which parts of the home are in desperate need of a makeover versus just a “nice to have”?
- When? Timing is everything. Can you live in the house during the build, or do you need to move out?
- Why? Are you looking to add value, or simply spruce things up?
2. Budgeting for the “Unseen” Costs
Determining a budget helps you navigate options while staying within financial boundaries. However, two major financial factors often catch homeowners off guard:
A. Preliminaries (P&G) Many people look at a quote and ask, “Why are there costs for site setup?” These are called Preliminaries, and they are not “extras”—they are essential operating costs. A building site operates like a temporary factory. Costs for temporary fencing, waste management, scaffolding, and health & safety supervision ensure the site is legal and safe. On many projects, these can range between 11–15% of the total contract cost.
B. Competitive Pricing To ensure your budget stretches further, ask how your builder handles subcontractors. We believe in obtaining multiple quotes for expensive ticket items [User Conversation]. This competitive bidding process ensures you get market-related rates and don’t overpay, while also allowing us to assess the quality and reputation of the tradespeople involved.
3. The boring (but vital) Administrative Steps
Consents: If you are making structural modifications, removing load-bearing walls, or changing weathertightness, you will almost certainly need a building consent. The building consent process involves submitting detailed plans to the council to ensure compliance with safety standards. Note: Regulations change! For example, new rules for “Granny Flats” (up to 70m²) are expected in 2026, which may exempt some detached builds from consent—always check the current rules with us first.
Insurance: This is a critical “Golden Rule.” For renovations, it is generally recommended that the property owner arranges Contract Works Insurance as an extension of their existing home policy.
- Why? A builder’s policy usually only covers the new work. If a fire starts in the renovation zone and spreads to your existing lounge, you want a single insurer covering both to avoid disputes.
- Action: Contact your insurer before work starts. Failure to disclose renovations can void your cover.
4. Visualizing the End Result
It is hard to read 2D architectural plans. That is why we recommend using technology to bridge the gap. We use apps to immediately render 3D photos of your existing space—like a bathroom—and overlay new designs. This allows you to see exactly how that new vanity or tiled shower will look before you commit to the cost.
- Design Tip: Don’t just think about looks; think about function. A smart design can create extra floor space or storage in small areas, such as using sliding shelves or hidden pipelines in a laundry. Even simple changes, like fresh paint (e.g., Resene’s Black White) and updated lighting, can provide a “wow factor” without a massive structural overhaul.
5. Communication is Key
Finally, the success of a project often comes down to the relationship with your builder. Establish clear communication channels early.
- Clarify expectations regarding timelines and quality.
- Hold progress meetings to discuss challenges.
- Be adaptable: Unexpected issues (like finding old pipes where you wanted a staircase) happen. A flexible mindset helps keep the project moving.
Ready to start planning? With over 30 years of industry experience, Retro Construction can guide you from the initial design and consent process right through to the final coat of paint.
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s turn your vision into a reality.
