RENOVATION REGRET? HERE’S WHAT SMART HOME OWNERS KNOW BEFORE THEY START

Mounts Bay Constructions
May 1
9 min read

Updated: May 13

Too busy to read? Listen instead!

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Renovating your Perth home sounds exciting, right? It's like turning a blank canvas into a masterpiece. You get to transform that old, tired space into something fresh, modern, and uniquely yours. Whether it's updating your kitchen to handle those scorching summer barbies, adding a room to catch the Freo Doctor breeze, or redoing the whole house, the possibilities are endless!

But let's be fair dinkum for a second—it can also feel overwhelming. The endless choices, the planning, the budgeting, and the maze of Perth council regulations—it's a lot. You might be asking yourself, "Where the bloody hell do I even begin?"

The good news is that with proper planning and the right approach, renovating your Perth home can be manageable and even enjoyable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process to help make your WA home renovation smooth and stress-free.

1. DEFINE YOUR VISION: THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR PERTH RENOVATION

Before picking up a hammer or calling a tradie, take time to clearly define what you want to achieve. According to a survey by the Housing Industry Association of Australia, Perth homeowners who had a clear vision before starting were 70% more likely to report satisfaction with their renovation results.

Start by asking yourself these key questions:

What problems am I trying to solve with this renovation?
How will my family use this space throughout Perth's distinct seasons?
What's my design style? (Coastal Perth, modern Australian, Hamptons-inspired, etc.)
Which features are must-haves vs. nice-to-haves?
Am I renovating for the long haul or sprucing up to sell?

Pro Tip: Create a physical or digital vision board with images that inspire you. Apps like Houzz and Pinterest are excellent for collecting and organizing ideas. Local home shows like the Perth Home Show can also provide inspiration specific to WA homes.

Consider your renovation's purpose:

For Family Living: If you need more space for the family, focus on indoor-outdoor designs that work year-round in Perth's climate. Alfresco areas with sliding doors create seamless transitions between spaces and take advantage of our gorgeous weather. According to REIWA, well-designed outdoor living spaces can add up to 10% to your Perth property value.
For Climate Control: Perth's hot summers demand smart design choices. Consider north-facing windows for winter warmth, while adding eaves and verandahs to block the harsh summer sun. Properly designed climate-responsive renovations can reduce your energy bills by up to 20%.
For Entertaining: Aussies love to entertain, and Perth's climate is perfect for it. A well-designed entertaining area with a built-in barbie, shade options, and connection to kitchen spaces creates the perfect spot for those Sunday arvo gatherings. According to Perth builders, entertainment-focused renovations are among the most requested in WA homes.

Your renovation's purpose should drive every decision that follows. When you hit roadblocks or tough decisions later (and in Perth's building market, you likely will), referring back to your core purpose provides clarity.

2. CREATE A REALISTC BUDGET: THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER

Perth homeowners consistently cite "going over budget" as their number one renovation regret. The key to avoiding this is detailed planning and building in contingencies, especially important in WA's sometimes volatile building market.

How to build a comprehensive Perth renovation budget:

Research WA costs: The average Perth kitchen remodel costs $30,000-$50,000, while bathrooms typically run $15,000-$25,000. These figures are higher than the eastern states due to Perth's isolation and higher freight costs.
Get multiple detailed quotes from local tradies: Don't rely on rough estimates. Request itemized quotes from at least three Perth-based contractors who understand local building requirements and material costs.
Prioritize spending for Perth conditions: Allocate funds to structural improvements and climate-appropriate features first (like proper insulation and ventilation for Perth's heat), then to items that affect daily functionality, and finally to purely aesthetic changes.
Plan for the unexpected: WA building experts recommend setting aside 20-25% of your total budget for unexpected issues, higher for character homes in established suburbs like Subiaco or Mt Lawley.

Here's a realistic breakdown of where your Perth renovation budget typically goes:

Expense Category	Typical Percentage	Why It's Important	Perth-Specific Tips
Labour	35-40%	Quality workmanship ensures durability and safety	Get multiple quotes from trusted Perth tradies, and check their reviews on local forums like the WA Builders & Renovators Facebook group
Materials	30-40%	Determines the aesthetic and longevity of your renovation	Check out Bunnings for basics, but consider local suppliers like Midland Brick or WA Timber for specialized materials
Council Approvals	5-10%	Required by most Perth councils for significant renovations	Each council has different requirements - check with City of Perth, Joondalup, Fremantle etc. depending on your location
Contingency Fund	20-25%	Covers unexpected issues like structural problems, termites, or asbestos	Character homes in older Perth suburbs like Fremantle should budget 30% for contingencies
Design Fees	5-10%	Professional planning prevents costly mistakes	Many Perth home centres offer free design services with purchase; check out Home Base Expo in Subiaco
Temporary Living Arrangements	0-10%	Needed for whole-home renovations	Consider short-term rentals during Perth's off-peak tourist season for better rates

Common Perth Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid:

Underestimating the cost of shipping materials to WA
Forgetting about council approval fees and inspections
Not accounting for skip bin and waste removal costs
Skimping on contingency funds, especially during Perth's periodic building booms
Not factoring in additional costs for heritage-listed properties in suburbs like Guildford or South Fremantle

3. DIY VS. PROFESSIONAL: MAKING THE SMART CHOICE

According to the Housing Industry Association of WA, 1 in 3 Perth DIY renovators regret not hiring a professional for at least part of their project. The key is knowing when to DIY and when to call in the local experts.

When DIY makes sense in Perth:

Cosmetic updates (painting interior walls, hardware replacement)
Simple landscaping with native WA plants
Basic tiling in non-wet areas
Installing prefabricated furniture or fixtures from Bunnings or IKEA

When Perth professionals are worth every dollar:

Structural changes (especially important with Perth's sandy soil conditions)
Electrical work (must be done by licensed WA electricians by law)
Plumbing beyond simple fixture replacement (requires licensed Perth plumbers)
Specialized finishes
Any work requiring Perth council approvals
Outdoor renovations requiring termite-resistant materials

The real cost of DIY gone wrong in WA:

The Building Commission of WA reports that fixing DIY mistakes costs Perth homeowners an average of $9,000 per botched renovation. That's enough for a Bali holiday with the family!

If you do decide to hire Perth professionals, here's how to find the right team:

Check WA credentials: Verify licenses with the Building Commission of WA, confirm insurance, and check for HIA or MBA WA memberships.
Review local work: Ask for photos of completed Perth projects similar to yours, ideally in your suburb or ones with similar building styles.
Contact Perth references: Speak with at least three previous local clients, preferably from your area.
Evaluate communication style: Choose professionals who understand the unique Perth building terminology and clearly explain processes.
Trust your gut feeling: If something feels off during initial meetings (like they don't know about Perth council requirements), it probably is.

4. CREATE A DETAILED TIMELINE: MANAGING THE PROCESS

Most Perth renovations take 30-40% longer than initially estimated due to WA's trade shortages and occasional material delays. Building a realistic timeline from the start helps manage expectations and reduces stress.

Typical Perth renovation timeframes:

Kitchen: 6-10 weeks
Bathroom: 4-8 weeks
Whole house: 4-9 months
Room addition: 8-16 weeks
Add 2-4 weeks during peak building periods or in regional WA areas

Key phases to include in your Perth timeline:

Planning and design: 3-8 weeks (longer if council pre-approval consultations are needed)
Council approvals: 4-12 weeks (varies significantly by council - City of Stirling tends to be faster than Fremantle for heritage areas)
Demolition and site preparation: 1-3 weeks
Rough construction: 3-5 weeks (account for weather delays during Perth's rainy winter months)
Mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing, air conditioning): 2-3 weeks
Insulation and plasterboard: 2-3 weeks
Finishes (flooring, cabinetry, tile): 3-5 weeks
Fixtures and final touches: 1-2 weeks
Final inspections and certificate of completion: 1-2 weeks

Perth timeline management tips:

Build in buffer time between phases for our notoriously unreliable tradies (we love 'em, but time management isn't always their strong suit!)
Order materials well in advance, especially imports which can take longer to reach WA
Plan outdoor work around Perth's seasons - aim to complete external work before winter rains or summer heat
Schedule regular progress meetings with your builder over a coffee or at the site
Consider timing your renovation to avoid peak periods - January to March tends to be busiest with the new year rush

5. NAVIGATE CHALLENGES: PROBLEM-SOLVING DURING PERTH RENOVATIONS

Even perfectly planned Perth renovations encounter obstacles. A 2023 WA Housing Industry survey found that 82% of Perth renovators faced at least one significant unexpected issue. Strewth!

Common Perth renovation surprises and how to handle them:

Coastal concerns: Perth's proximity to the coast means salt damage and corrosion in many older homes. Solution: Use marine-grade materials in coastal suburbs from Cottesloe to Rockingham.
Sandy soil surprises: Perth's sandy soil can reveal foundation issues once you start digging. Solution: Get a geotechnical assessment before major structural work, especially in riverside suburbs.
Extreme weather delays: From scorching summer days to winter downpours, Perth weather can halt outdoor work. Solution: Build seasonal flexibility into your timeline and have indoor tasks ready as alternatives.
Heritage headaches: If you're in Fremantle, Guildford or other character areas, unexpected heritage requirements can emerge. Solution: Consult with a heritage specialist early if your home is pre-1950s.
Material delays: Perth's isolation means shipping delays are common. Solution: Order critical materials like kitchen cabinets or specialty tiles at least 12 weeks in advance and have local backup options.
Tradie shortages: During building booms, good tradies are as rare as hen's teeth. Solution: Book key trades early and be flexible with scheduling.

Perth emotional survival guide:

Set realistic expectations about disruption to daily life - maybe plan a weekend down south when the chaos peaks
Create a renovation-free zone in your home or garden where you can escape with a cold one
Schedule regular breaks from the project - a day at Cottesloe Beach or Rottnest can provide needed perspective
Document progress with photos to remind yourself how far you've come when things seem to drag on
Remember that even the worst renovation dramas make great stories at your next barbie

6. FINISHING STRONG: THE DETAILS THAT MATTER

The final 10% of a Perth renovation often determines how you'll feel about the entire project. This is when attention to detail becomes crucial.

Essential Perth finishing touches:

Climate-smart lighting: Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for flexibility. In Perth's bright environment, consider dimmers and smart lighting systems that can adjust with our intense natural light patterns.
Coastal-friendly hardware: Choose marine-grade cabinet handles, doorknobs, and fixtures that won't corrode in Perth's salt air, especially if you're near the coast.
Quality paint: Perth's harsh UV light demands premium exterior paints. For interiors, consider low-VOC options to cope with our tendency to seal up homes during air-conditioned summers.
Outdoor connections: Perth's indoor-outdoor lifestyle means paying special attention to transitions between spaces. Quality sliding doors, decking connections, and covered alfresco areas extend your living space.
Professional cleaning: Perth's famous sand gets everywhere during renovations. Professional post-construction cleaning removes fine dust from areas you might miss, like inside cabinetry and air conditioning units.

Before considering your Perth renovation complete:

Create a detailed defect list (or "snag list" as the local tradies call it)
Test all systems thoroughly (plumbing, electrical, and especially air conditioning before summer hits!)
Check all surfaces in different lighting conditions, including during Perth's intense midday sun
Review the original project scope to ensure all items were completed to WA building standards
Collect all warranty information, especially for appliances, as Perth's isolation can make servicing more complex
Prepare for Perth's first big storm after renovation - that's when you'll discover any waterproofing issues!

STILL EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS?

That’s okay. A renovation is a big decision—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s talk. Contact us here and let’s see what’s possible.

CONCLUSION: YOUR PERTH RENOVATION SUCCESS STORY

Successful Perth home renovations don't happen by accident—they're the result of careful planning, realistic expectations, and thoughtful decision-making that accounts for our unique climate and building conditions.

Remember these key WA takeaways:

Start with a clear vision that embraces Perth's indoor-outdoor lifestyle
Create a detailed budget with WA-appropriate contingency funds
Know when to DIY and when to hire Perth professionals
Develop a realistic timeline that accounts for Perth's trade availability and weather patterns
Prepare for challenges with flexibility, patience, and a good sense of humor
Pay special attention to climate-appropriate finishing details

With this approach, you'll not only end up with a beautiful, functional home that works perfectly for Perth living but also enjoy a smoother renovation journey along the way. And there's nothing better than celebrating your renovation success with friends and family at your first backyard barbie in your new space!

READY TO RENOVATE WITHOUT REGRET?

The first step is easy—and completely free.

Book a 15-minute consultation with one of our renovation specialists. We’ll talk about your ideas, budget, and timeline—no pressure, just clarity.🔗 Click here to get started.

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