The Pitfalls of Renovation DIYs

If you’re ready to renovate and have been considering saving money through a bit of DIY, you need to talk to the experts at Refresh Renovations. Their specialist Christchurch team has handled countless renovations and seen firsthand how costly it can be when DIY goes wrong. 

While there are some details that you could consider tackling yourself, when it comes to bathroom, kitchen, and whole house renovations, engaging the experts can save you time and money in the long run.

Our local consultants offer free consultations and can guide you through everything you need to consider when renovating a house, so whether you’re concerned about kitchen design mistakes or how not to DIY, get in touch today. 

Do you have the necessary skill and time?

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that to effectively DIY you need a lot of time up your sleeve as well as skill, equipment, and resources. (Believe us when we say not everything can be learned from Youtube or the HGTV channel!) 

Renovations can be transformative for your home, like this fresh take on a 1970s house in Hoon Hay, but they do require a huge amount of skill to achieve. DIY home construction can require specialist tools and knowledge, and making a mistake and then calling in the experts to fix it makes the job more costly than it needs to be. You also need to consider if you will be happy looking at crooked flooring or patchy paint if your skills aren’t quite up to par! 

Does DIY really save money?

DIY is often not as cheap as people think it will be, and combined with the added stress, is often not worth it. In fact, trying – and failing – to DIY is one of the most common renovation mistakes. DIY often requires hiring specialist equipment, it takes you far longer than a skilled professional, and you won’t have access to trade discounts for materials. Plus, things like kitchen design mistakes can be a source of endless frustration! For an example of a beautiful kitchen and flooring renovation that was completed on budget, check out this fabulous renovation in Burwood. 

Can I DIY plumbing and electrical?

Plumbing and electrical are definitely off limits when it comes to DIY. You must use qualified tradespeople who can make sure the work is safe and compliant. Trying to DIY these elements is not only dangerous but can result in costly damage and won’t be covered by your insurance. 

Do I need consent to renovate?

That depends on the renovations! Extensions, new bathrooms, decks, new wiring, and plumbing will more than likely need consent to make sure everything is built safely and is compliant with modern building codes. When it comes to bathrooms, if you are simply swapping out new fixtures and keeping existing plumbing in place, you may not need consent, but changing plumbing positions or swapping to a tiled shower for example will likely need consent. While this is possible to navigate yourself, working with a Refresh Renovation Consultant means that the council consent paperwork and process is taken care of on your behalf. 

Should I design things myself?

Spending money in the design and planning stages for expert help is an investment that pays off. A professional designer will ensure you avoid frustrating bathroom design mistakes for example by properly assessing your space and designing a renovation that suits your needs – and budget, and employing tips and tricks gained from years working in the industry. When it comes to design and refurbishment in your home, always consider functionality as well as aesthetics, look for ways to maximise your space, and ensure measurements are accurate. It is possible to DIY, but it’s always a good idea to prioritise a designer if you can. This transformative bathroom remodel in Wainoni avoided DIY pitfalls and bathroom remodel mistakes by using a professional designer and builder.

Want some guidance from the professionals?

If you’re considering renovations – whether DIY or professionally managed – talk to the experts at Refresh. They offer a free consultation with no obligations, so get in touch today for personalised advice and a friendly chat.