Three common mistakes to avoid during your renovation

If you have never been through a renovation or a new build before, the process can feel daunting. From our experience as an architect and an interior designer, these are three of the most common mistakes homeowners make, and what can be done about each one before the work begins.

1. No clear vision for the end result

When the vision for a project has not been defined in detail, it cannot be made clear to the builder, and that can lead to costs and delays nobody anticipated.

Our advice

• Develop a thorough design brief with your project team, one that investigates the best option for your project.
• Identify every item the project involves in detail, from moving walls to tapware and furniture.

2. A poor understanding of the building process

Many clients are not certain where to start with a renovation or a new build. There are many stages to work through and many parties to coordinate, and a lack of clarity about the process can cause delays and extra costs.

Our advice

• Engage an architect to guide you through every phase of the project. With professional guidance, the project is more likely to stay on track, and key details are less likely to be missed.

3. Underestimating the time and the budget

Without proper guidance, it is easy to underestimate how much time and money each stage of a project needs. The result can be delays from unforeseen circumstances, errors that have to be fixed, and a budget that is exceeded.

Our advice

• Prepare a sensible time and budget contingency that allows for matters such as material costs and unavoidable delays from weather or third-party approvals.
• A clear vision from the beginning, held throughout the project, makes the timeline and the budget easier to manage.

We are here to help

Making Studio guides clients through the whole renovation and building process, from the first idea to the completed build. Our structured approach is designed to reduce confusion and uncertainty, and to put your project in a strong position from the start.