Our Top 5 Tips On Renovating On A Budget With An Australian Builder

For many of us, we’ll only renovate once or twice in our lifetime, so it’s important to keep up to date with budget renovation tips to stay on track of budget and avoid potential blow-outs.

To help, we caught up with builder Mitch Curtis from Brisbane’s Watara Homes for his top tips on how to renovate on a budget.

1. Do it once, do it right.

It can be tempting to cut a few corners and save a few dollars where possible if you’re on a tight budget, but in the bathroom, quality craftsmanship and high-quality products are a must to ensure the job doesn’t need to be done twice.

Our tip is to speak to experienced trades about the right way to go about a task. Experienced tradespeople can explain your options to you, making sure you make the right choices and avoid future costly repair bills.

2. Renovate where it’s needed

If only a small area of the bathroom needs updating, such as the vanity or shower, our top budget renovation tip is to focus on that area. Removing the wall sheeting where a change of plumbing is required is more cost effective than starting over again – as long as you’re happy with most of the space.

Another great tip for renovators is to limit moving existing plumbing points, which can cause the reno cost to add up quickly. Those extra funds can be funneled into that dream bath, upgraded thermostatic shower or even a hygienic Smart Toilet.

3. Start with solid research

Choosing the right builder for your project is of utter importance. Take the time to ask around, seek recommendations and engage with a builder who understands your budget and what you want to achieve.

Builders’ social media accounts act as both a business card and their portfolio, so check them out as part of your research to get an understanding of how they work.

4. Plan for the user’s needs

Whether it’s a bathroom for you, a member of your family, or a future home buyer, it’s important to know who will be using the bathroom and how they plan to use it.

To avoid renovating in the future or adding value to the home for resale, do your research on your must-haves or essential features for future buyers. With future first home buyers for example, a bathroom with a family-friendly bath might be a necessity for young ones.

5. Have a back up plan

Our final budget renovation tip is to have a contingency plan in line with your budget – adding an additional 10% is a great rule of thumb.

Even when you have done thorough research, found a reliable builder, and refined your personal style, surprises can crop up that can lead to cost blow-outs.

And even better, if it’s not needed, you’ve got some money left over for finishing touches like towels, candles, or indoor plants to spruce up your new space.