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renovators-on-renovating

renovators-on-renovating

Of course. Here is a summary of the key points and advice from the article “Renovators on Renovating” from House & Garden, which compiles hard-won wisdom from people who have been through the process.

Core Philosophy: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The overarching theme is that a renovation is a profound life experience, not just a construction project. It tests your patience, budget, and relationships. Success is as much about mindset as it is about materials.

Key Advice from Experienced Renovators

1. Planning & Budgeting: The Non-Negotiables

  • Contingency is King: Every single renovator emphasised the need for a large financial buffer. The universal advice is to add a minimum of 20% contingency to your budget for the unexpected (hidden damp, structural surprises, supply chain issues).
  • Plan to the Nth Degree: Finalise everything before a single wall is touched. This includes every tile, tap, light switch, and plug socket. Changes mid-flow cause delays and cost inflations (“variation orders”).
  • Get Professional Help: Hire an architect, project manager, or interior designer unless you are highly experienced. They navigate regulations, manage trades, solve problems, and often save you money in the long run.

2. Managing the Process & Trades

  • Your Project Manager is Priceless: If you can’t hire one, you become the de facto one. This means constant communication, daily site visits, and meticulous organisation.
  • References Over Quotes: Don’t just choose the cheapest quote. Seek personal recommendations, look at previous work, and ensure you have a good rapport. Trust and reliability are more valuable than a low initial price.
  • Clear Contracts: Have a detailed written agreement with your main contractor outlining payment schedules, timelines, and specifications.

3. Living Through It

  • Prepare for Chaos: Accept that your life will be disrupted. Dust will get everywhere. There will be noise and mess. Setting up a functional “camp” within the house (a small kitchen, a safe bedroom) is essential.
  • Decision Fatigue is Real: You will make thousands of choices. Create a system (a physical binder or digital folder) for all samples, receipts, and product sheets.
  • See the Big Picture: During the inevitable low points—when it’s a muddy hole or a dusty shell—remember the vision. Keep photos of your inspiration to hand.

4. Design & Finish Choices

  • Invest in the Unchangeable: Splurge on structural elements and things you can’t easily replace later: good windows, solid doors, proper roofing, underfloor heating, and kitchen/bathroom layouts.
  • You Can Save on the Decorative: Paint, lighting, and hardware can be upgraded later. Don’t blow the entire budget on a trendy tile.
  • Order Early: In the current climate, lead times are long. Order key items (kitchens, bathrooms, windows) as early as possible to avoid project stalls.

5. Emotional & Psychological Survival

  • It Will Take Longer: Almost without exception, renovations overrun. Build extra time into your schedule.
  • Choose Your Battles: Not every detail is worth a confrontation with your builder. Focus on the issues that truly affect quality, safety, or the core design.
  • The End is Worth It: Every renovator, despite the horror stories, concluded that the pain was temporary and the joy of living in a space tailored exactly to your needs is immense and lasting.

The Golden Rule

As one renovator succinctly put it: “However long you think it will take, double it. However much you think it will cost, add 50%. Then you might be close.”

The article ultimately frames renovation as a transformative rite of passage. Being prepared, patient, and well-organised is the key to emerging on the other side with your sanity—and your dream home—intact.