The renovation process: what is involved?

2 July 2023

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Each home renovation is unique, but they all involve a number of similar factors. Total Renovations Managing Director Matt Fenn explains the steps in the process and the key things to know when embarking on a renovation.

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Each home renovation is unique, but they all involve a number of similar factors. Total Renovations Managing Director Matt Fenn explains the steps in the process and the key things to know when embarking on a renovation.

We’ve all heard the stories of diabolical renovations: the budget-blowouts, the shifting timelines and the stress. It’s no wonder some homeowners are apprehensive at the idea of renovating their home.

But it doesn’t have to be this way, says Matt Fenn from Total Renovations Hawke’s Bay, a company that specialises in delivering stress-free house renovation projects.

“If you have the right builders on the job, who are experienced in delivering renovation projects, you can experience a stress-free renovation that comes in on time and within budget.”

Here, Matt takes us through the steps in the renovating process, talks about hidden costs, and his top tips for those embarking on a renovation.

This Hawke's Bay home received a complete upgrade with a new deck from Total renovations.

ArchiPro: Talk us through the start of a renovation process, when does the builder become involved?

Matt Fenn: When the client gets in touch we typically do a site visit or have a chat with the client to understand what they want to get out of the renovation, and what their budget and timelines look like. Then we’d discuss potential solutions and ideas with them.

AP: Who does the architectural design for the renovations?

MF: Once we have met the client and heard their brief, we get a draughtsman or architect to come on site. They have a better idea of what you can and can't do, and we'll have a look together and then come up with a concept. The draughtsman will draw up a plan and then we meet with the client again and see if they want to change anything on the plan and go from there.

AP: What are the hidden renovation costs that come up with older houses?

MF: There's a lot of stuff that you people don't see before you open the walls up. There might be rotten timber or walls that are way out of level. We've done quite a few tiled bathrooms lately, where nothing is square or level. If it’s not level, it just takes a lot of time to muck around with it, just to make it good enough to be able to tile. Sometimes it could take three extra days to level walls, so that can add a significant cost there.

Older homes often need substantial upgrades that improve warmth, comfort and structural stability says Total Renovations Matt Fenn.

AP: What's your main advice to someone who is considering renovating?

MF: I would say to wait until you have got the right budget to do your renovation properly, rather than trying to do something cheap. Do it once and do it properly.

AP: What services does Total Renovations provide?

MF: We’re a team of 10 and we take on all sizes of renovations from a bathroom project to a complete transformation of a house, adding a second storey or an extension. We can manage the entire project on a homeowner’s behalf, or work in with them.

Discover projects by Total Renovations Hawke’s Bay