What People Wish They Knew Before Starting a Full Home Renovation
What People Wish They Knew Before Starting a Full Home Renovation
A full home renovation is one of the most exciting ways to create a space that truly reflects your lifestyle. But transforming an entire house is no small task. It takes careful planning, clear communication, and the right team to avoid delays and budget blowouts.
At W O Flatz Construction Ltd, we’ve been guiding Auckland homeowners through large-scale renovations since 1993. Here’s what people often wish they’d known before taking the plunge into a full home transformation.
1. Planning Takes Longer Than Expected
Many homeowners assume work can start shortly after they decide to renovate, but the design and planning phase is critical—and it often takes longer than anticipated.
Tip: Allow 6–12 weeks to finalise plans, select finishes, and secure quotes before work begins on site.
2. Council Consents Can Hold Things Up
Structural changes, plumbing updates, and additions often require building consent. Depending on the scope of your project, resource consent might also be needed.
Tip: Check Auckland Council requirements early and build extra time into your schedule for approvals.
3. Living Onsite Is Not Always Practical
It can be tempting to stay in the house during renovations to save on rental costs, but large projects often make parts of the home uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Tip: Weigh up the cost of temporary accommodation against the convenience and speed of having trades work uninterrupted.
4. Budgeting for the Unexpected Is Essential
Once walls and floors are opened up, hidden issues such as outdated wiring, rotten timber, or poor-quality past repairs often come to light.
Tip: Set aside a 10–15% contingency in your budget to cover unforeseen costs without derailing the project.
5. Decisions Stack Up Quickly
Renovations involve a surprising number of decisions—everything from flooring and tapware to lighting and paint colours. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Tip: Work with your builder to lock in key decisions early to avoid delays and rushed choices later.
6. The Sequence of Work Matters
A full home renovation involves careful coordination between trades. Rushing or reordering tasks can create inefficiencies and increase costs.
Tip: Choose an experienced builder who will manage the schedule and keep trades on track. At W O Flatz Construction, we provide daily director oversight to ensure every stage runs smoothly.
7. Cheap Isn’t Always Best
Cutting corners on materials or workmanship can lead to problems that are expensive to fix later.
Tip: Invest in quality where it matters—particularly in structural work, plumbing, and electrical systems.
8. A Good Builder Makes All the Difference
Your builder isn’t just there to manage trades—they’re your partner in bringing the project to life. A team with experience in large-scale renovations will help you navigate challenges and keep the process on track.
At W O Flatz Construction, we specialise in medium-to-high budget renovations and manage every detail from concept to completion.
In Summary
A full home renovation is a big undertaking, but with the right planning and a trusted team, it can be one of the most rewarding investments you’ll ever make. By understanding the process and preparing for the unexpected, you can enjoy a smooth renovation journey and a home that works beautifully for years to come.
If you’re planning a full home renovation in Auckland, we’d love to help.
