5 common regrets first-time renovators have

To help you avoid nasty surprises or worse, disappointment.

JAN 16, 2020 4:00PM

In an ideal world it would be great if we could enjoy the entire process of renovating and most importantly, the end result. The best way to do this is to have realistic expectations, know what to look out for, and learn from the mistakes of others.
Managing director of The Blue Space, Josh Mammoliti, shares five common regrets shared by first-time renovators, so you can steer clear of their errors and avoid nasty surprises.

1. OVER SPENDING
While is hard to calculate exactly how much your renovation will cost, it's important to put together a budget with a bit of give and take. You need to know your boundaries, along with knowing what you really want to achieve with your renovation. If you've always dreamed of a freestanding bath, and don't include it, you'll regret it. Also be prepared for surprises, especially when you start bringing up tiles or moving plumbing – what lies behind the walls can often be a shock to the wallet!

2. "I SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT MYSELF"
We all like to think we are multi-talented weekend DIY warriors, and the attractiveness of a DIY price tag and potential satisfaction of doing a job ourselves can sometimes over run our abilities. More than often, those who attempt to complete a specialist trade job themselves end up spending more in the end getting the experts to fix up their mistakes. Our advice? Leave it to the professionals to begin with.
While it may *seem* easy enough, tiling is a job that's best left to the professionals.
While it may seem easy enough, tiling is a job that's best left to the professionals. Photo: Armelle Habib

3. TAKING TRENDS TOO SERIOUSLY
While it's always a good idea to look to the latest interior trends for inspiration, be careful of falling victim to them. Just because black tapware is all the rage right now, doesn't mean it will be in a year or so.
Picking products, finishes and making colour choices that will stand the test of time is your best bet. Make sure you choose colours and tones that are timeless, not jarring. You can always add colour and personality with decor items.

4. "THAT TOOK WAY LONGER THAN I THOUGHT"
It's good to have realistic expectations from the get go about how long a renovation will take to complete. Remember The Block timelines aren't as realistic in real life; there are so many trades involved in the process, and lining them up perfectly will always be a juggling act. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and your new kitchen won't be either.

5. DO IT ONCE, DO IT RIGHT
When renovating a home that you plan to live in, keep in mind you will have the same bathroom, kitchen or laundry for years to come. These hard-working rooms are the most valuable when it comes to selling so it's important to use quality fixtures and fittings and qualified tradespeople. Repair anything that needs fixing or tweaking while the trades are in and tiles are out - it will be worth it.