The festive season is fast approaching and so too is the deadline for starting last-minute home renovations before the endless run of summer soirees. However, according to Naomi Findlay from Beaumont Tiles, Australian homeowners are often overwhelmed with their renovation plans and find it difficult to begin.
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“Whether it’s finances, time, organisation or simply not knowing where to start, it’s easy for DIYers to find themselves stumped before they even start their renovation,” Ms Findlay said.
“The lead time for DIY renovations can range from eight to 12 weeks, so it’s time to get moving on your project.”
Get planning. “Having a vision of the full extent of the renovation with goals of how long you want it to take, how you want it to look and how much you are willing to spend will really help quicken the process and help you hit that Christmas deadline,” Ms Findlay said.
“If you know you only have a certain amount of days until the festive season kicks off, prioritise what you want to get done and then stick to it.”
Timing is key. The rooms that have the most extended lead times from the planning phase to the finish are the kitchen and bathroom, so these should be planned first, and your trades should be lined up.
“Having everything you need finalised before you start will make the execution phase as short as possible, which, when you’re on a tight time frame, is a must,” Ms Findlay said.
Speak to experts. There is an endless amount of retail support for home renovators, and Ms Findlay advised using it.
“Anything can be a DIY project with the right support,” she said. “If you’re attempting to tile a kitchen splashback or bathroom feature, speak to the experts in store and get advice from them.”
Consider financing options. A great way of ticking DIY projects off your wishlist in the lead up to Christmas is by leveraging the finance options offered by retailers. While it’s great to have the money upfront for your renovation, it’s not always realistic, so research your best finance solution.
“Look at your local suppliers and ask if they have any financing options available,” she said. “Sometimes all you need is six or 12 months grace to get by.”
Find referrals. “Finding suitable tradespeople can often be a challenge for even the most experienced of renovators,” Ms Findlay said. “Speak with friends, colleagues, and trusted retailers to find out who they’ve used in the past.”
