Renovating Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide by a Northern Beaches Interior Designer

You know you want to renovate but where do you even start?! 

Renovating your home is one of the most exciting yet daunting experiences. With endless possibilities and the promise of a transformed living space, it’s easy to get swept up in the vision. However, without proper planning, things can quickly become overwhelming and Sydney’s stunning Northern Beaches have some specific traits well worth considering. From balancing coastal conditions to blending laid-back charm with modern functionality, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re a homeowner wondering where to start with your renovation journey, this guide is for you!

1. Begin with Design and Planning

• Evaluate your goals – Do you want to maximise space, improve functionality, or update aesthetics? Keep it simple and be decisive. Northern Beaches homes often balance indoor and outdoor living, so think about how your renovation can enhance this flow.

• Finalise your design choices as early as possible – Changing your mind mid-project is not only stressful but can significantly increase costs. Ensure you have a clear vision of the materials, layout, and colour scheme you want. The relaxed, coastal vibe of the Northern Beaches is a good starting point to inform your design, with light, airy spaces and natural materials that stand the test of time being ever popular in this area.

• Key tip – Consider coastal conditions, such as humidity and salt exposure, which can affect materials like wood, paint, and metal.

2. Decide on DIY or Professional Help

• Doing it Yourself – Renovating your home is a huge commitment, while DIY can seem appealing and cost-effective, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Handling your own renovation requires time, knowledge, skill and the ability to coordinate tradespeople in the correct order. If you have a strong vision, good logistical skills and are willing to learn on the go then this might be a great option for you. Be sure to factor in the cost of investing in the right equipment and the time it will take to complete your project while attending to your usual work and family life.

• Professional Help – Hiring a professional will ensure your project flows smoothly. Whether it be a project manager or a Northern Beaches Interior Designer like my good self, they can handle the selection and scheduling of trades to ensure all work is done to Australian standards. It also means you’re covered by warranties for any issues that may arise down the track.

• Key tip – If you choose to go the DIY route, always ask for copies of trades’ licences and insurance for peace of mind and be aware that for large renovation projects you will need to complete your Owner Builder licence.

4. Prepare Your Budget

• Big Ticket Items – start by budgeting in the larger/costlier elements first – think plumbing, electrical work, and structural modifications. Make sure to allocate enough of your budget to essentials like heating, cooling, and insulation.
• All those little things add up – keep an eye on all the “fun” elements like furniture, fittings and decor. If you don’t keep a close account of these they can quickly spiral into a large sum of money.

Landscaping – for Northern Beaches homes, don’t forget to factor in landscaping and outdoor elements. Decks, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens are highly desirable in coastal areas, adding significant value to your property.

• Contingency – even with the best plans things sometimes don’t follow the path you expect. It is always good to allow at least 10% in your budget to cover the unexpected.

• Key tip: Purchase all your fixtures and fittings before starting the renovation to avoid delays and cost blow outs.

4. Follow the Right Sequence of Works

To avoid unnecessary headaches and rework, always follow the right order when tackling renovations. The general rule is to work from the top down:

• Ceilings: Start with your ceiling to ensure any mess or dust doesn’t affect completed work below.
• Walls: Once the ceiling is done, move on to walls, including any structural work or plastering.
• Floors: Finally, lay down new flooring, ensuring that the walls and ceilings are fully completed beforehand.

• If you’re doing a full kitchen renovation, the process becomes more specific:
• Design: Work out your kitchen layout, factoring in all appliances and electrical needs.
• Demolition: Clear the space by removing old flooring, cabinetry, and any unnecessary structural elements.
• Rough-in: Install plumbing, electricals, and gas lines.
• Walls and ceilings: Complete any plastering or drywall work.
• Windows and doors: Ensure all trims, architraves, and windows are installed before the cabinetry.
• Cabinets: Install the kitchen cabinets, leaving the doors off for easy access.
• Countertops and sinks: These are usually fitted at the same time for the best result.
• Painting: Finish any painting before laying floors or installing splashbacks.
• Floors: Lay your new floor once all other elements are in place.
• Appliances: Install the appliances, followed by lighting and any final fittings like tapware.
• Key tip: Northern Beaches homes often benefit from open-plan layouts and great indoor / outdoor flow. Consider how you can incorporate these elements into your renovation.

6. Prepare for Unexpected Delays

Even with the best-laid plans, renovating is unpredictable. From hidden issues like asbestos to delayed material deliveries, there are always unexpected obstacles. Don’t rush the final stages. In fact, many professionals agree that the last 20% of a renovation takes the longest and can cost the most.

Key tip: Stick to your checklist and budget, but be ready for surprises. Flexibility is essential in ensuring a smooth renovation.

Renovating your home can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a beautiful, functional space that reflects the relaxed coastal lifestyle of the Northern Beaches while adding value to your property.
If you’re unsure where to start or need assistance managing the process, please feel free to reach out to us here – we’d love to help you! With expert knowledge of local conditions and regulations, your renovation journey will be a smooth one.