Planning Your House Renovation: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Aussie Homeowners

Right, so you’re thinking about renovating your home? Good on you! It’s one of those life decisions that can be absolutely brilliant depending on how well you plan it. Having worked alongside builders and homeowners for years, I’ve seen renovation projects that run like clockwork, delivering numerous benefits, and others that turn into relationship testers. The difference? Proper planning from day one.

Let me walk you through exactly how to plan your renovation so you don’t end up tearing your hair out or breaking the bank.

Before you start dreaming about that gorgeous kitchen island or the ensuite you’ve always wanted, you need to get crystal clear on your “why”. Are you renovating because you want to add value before selling? Or are you planning to stay put and want a home that actually works for your family? This matters more than you might think.

If you’re renovating to sell: You’ll want to focus on improvements that buyers actually care about and add value to your house. Chat with a local real estate agent about what’s hot in your area right now.

If you’re renovating for yourselves: Think about how you actually live in your space. What drives you mental about your current setup? Not enough storage? Kitchen too cramped? Kids’ bedrooms too small?

Write down your specific goals. Trust me on this one – it’ll keep you focused when you’re faced with a million decisions later on.

Here’s where things get real. Renovation costs in Australia can vary wildly, but as a rough guide, you’re looking at anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per square metre for a decent quality renovation. A kitchen reno might cost you $25,000 to $50,000, while a full home renovation can easily hit $250,000 to $450,000.

Here’s the golden rule: Whatever budget you think you need, add at least 10-20% on top for unexpected surprises. Old houses love throwing curveballs – dodgy wiring, structural issues, or that moment when you discover asbestos in the walls.

Break down your budget like this:

• Materials and fixtures (40-50%)
• Labour costs (35-45%)
• Permits and approvals (2-5%)
• Contingency fund (10-20%)

Before you knock down a single wall, you need to check what approvals you’ll need from your local council. This varies by state, so don’t assume what worked for your mate in Queensland will fly in New South Wales. The good news, here at Jonathan Homes, we take care of all of your approvals for you so you don’t need to stress about them.

Generally, you’ll need approvals for:

• Structural changes (removing walls, adding rooms)
• Electrical and plumbing work
• Extensions or additions
• Major bathroom or kitchen renovations

The process varies by state :

• NSW: Planning approval for most structural work
• Victoria: Building permits for anything over $5,000
• Queensland: More complex – pre-1946 houses need planning approval
• WA: Building permits for most renovation work
• SA: Development approval plus Building Rules Consent

Ring your local council early in the planning phase. They’ll tell you exactly what you need, and it’s much cheaper than finding out the hard way. Or, use Jonathan Homes for your renovation and we’ll take care of your approvals for you.

This is the fun bit! Start by sketching out your ideas, even if you’re not an artist . Think about how you want the space to flow and function. Consider things like:

• Natural light and orientation
• Storage needs
• Traffic patterns through your home
• Where you actually spend most of your time

Pro tip: Create a mood board or Pinterest collection for each room you’re renovating. This helps you stay consistent with your style choices and makes it easier to communicate your vision.

When selecting materials, start with the big-ticket items first:

• Flooring
• Kitchen cabinetry and benchtops
• Bathroom tiles and fixtures
• Paint colours
• Lighting

Forget the stress of finding contractors who actually show up and do quality work. When it comes to your home renovation, you don’t want to gamble with cowboys or dodgy operators who’ll leave you high and dry. You need a team that’s got the runs on the board and treats your home like their own. Here’s why Jonathan Homes should be your first and only call:

• Sydney’s most client-focused Builder – Jonathan Homes has been transforming Sydney homes for over 15 years, and they’ve built their reputation on being genuinely client-focused. Unlike other builders who pass you around like a hot potato, you’ll work directly with Jonathan himself throughout your entire project. No intermediaries, no miscommunication – just straight talk and results.
• End-to-End project management that actually works – Remember what I said about renovations always taking longer than expected? Jonathan Homes guarantees their timelines. They don’t just say it – they deliver it. From your initial design consultation right through to handing over the keys, they manage every single detail so you can focus on the fun stuff – like choosing your finishes.
• Fully Licensed, Insured, and Master Builders Member – You’re not taking any risks here. Jonathan Homes is a fully licensed and insured Master Builders Association member with a 7-year structural warranty that goes well beyond industry standards.

Renovations may take longer than you think. A typical timeline for a large renovation looks something like this:

Month 1: Planning and design, getting approvals
Month 2: Material selection and ordering
Month 3: Demolition begins
Months 4-6: Construction work
Month 7: Finishing touches and cleanup

Build in buffer time for delays – weather, material delivery issues, or unexpected problems that pop up once walls are opened.

Living through a renovation can be easy if you plan for it. If you’re staying in the house during work, you’ll need to plan for:

• Dust control: Plastic sheeting is your friend
• Temporary kitchen setup: Microwave, kettle, and a camp stove
• Alternative bathroom arrangements if yours is being renovated
• Storage for your belongings during the work
• Noise and disruption – warn the neighbours!

Consider staying elsewhere during the messiest phases, especially demolition and major construction work.

You need to stay involved. Here at Jonathan Homes, we pride ourselves on providing regular updates to customers so they know where everything is up to and what the next steps are. As a general guide you, we will:

• Conduct regular check-ins
• Ensure you are involved in decision-making
• Keep track of progress against your timeline
• Manage any changes to the original plan

I’ve heard of plenty of renovation horror stories over the years. Here are the big ones to watch out for :

• Not planning the layout properly – rushing this bit costs you later
• Skimping on electrical outlets – you’ll always need more than you think
• Going too open-plan – sometimes walls are actually useful
• Forgetting about storage – especially in kitchens and bathrooms
• Not considering lighting early enough – it makes or breaks a space

Renovating your home can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires careful planning and realistic expectations. Take your time in the planning phase – every hour you spend upfront will save you headaches and money later on.

Remember, this is your home and your money. Make sure you’re comfortable with every decision. The best renovations happen when homeowners are well-informed and actively involved in the process.