10 STEPS TO PLANNING A RENO

They say fail to prepare, prepare to fail - and with a renovation, that prep begins by working out the whats, whens and hows. Follow our tips to help your project run smoothly 2384

- ALISON JONES

1 SET YOUR GOALS

What do you want to achieve from your reno? Have you outgrown your home and need more space but moving isn’t an option? Are you frustrated with the flow of your home, and are dealing with a legacy of improvements or extensions that don’t work for the way you want to live? Or have you bought a home stuck several decades in the past, that hides myriad issues that’ll need to be tackled as soon as you start stripping off the layers of woodchip paper and floral tile borders? Decide on your priorities and must-haves, and while a downstairs toilet might be non-negotiable, you may have to compromise on the dog shower.

2 Call in the professionals

Hiring an architect, an architectural technician or an interior designer will cost money in fees, but could be an investment in the smooth running of your project, particularly if you’re extending or converting a loft/basement. They can hone your ideas, offer creative solutions you might never think of, make detailed plans, guide you through the process – including what permissions you might need to apply for – and come up with clever ways to reduce costs.

3 Factor in financing