Stage 1: The Idea
Renovating can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to consider, from will this space suit my needs, to which colours work together, and, of course, how much will it all cost? At Rise Residential, we guide you through every step of the process. But to help you know what to expect, we’ve broken the renovation journey into stages, from the initial idea all the way to completion, which we’ll share in a series over the coming months. This is the first in our series, starting with Stage 1: The Idea.
This stage can feel the scariest. There are a lot of unknowns, and many decisions depend on each other. The answers you find here will shape your final product, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
Phase 1: Define Your Main Goal
Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of this renovation?
- Add more space?
- Increase property value?
- Improve day-to-day functionality?
- Give your home a fresh, modern look?
You might want all of these and that’s okay. Just be clear about your priorities. For example, is your family expanding and you need to create more bedrooms? Do you want to add an ensuite? Does your kitchen need a functional upgrade? Whether it’s a small change or a complete transformation, defining your goals sets the direction for everything else.
Phase 2: Set Your Budget
- We’d all love to renovate every part of the house, but the budget usually has the final say. Big cost drivers: Moving plumbing (bathrooms, kitchens) and knocking down walls (especially load-bearing ones) can significantly increase costs.
- Prioritise: List the changes that will make the biggest difference to your daily life and start from there.
- Potential savings:
- Live in the home during renovations (if practical).
- Use partial tiling instead of full wall tiling.
- Minimise moving plumbing fixtures.
At Rise Residential, we offer free quotes and walkthroughs to give you the most accurate pricing possible.
Phase 3: Talk to a Builder
Speaking to one or more builders early gives you:
- A clearer idea of costs.
- Insight into whether your ideas fit your budget.
- Advice on whether you’ll need building consent.
Building consent is required for major changes like altering the floor plan or moving plumbing. This process can add around 4–6 months to your timeline, so it’s best to know upfront.
At Rise Residential, our quotes are detailed, breaking down every cost so you can make informed decisions.
Phase 4: Plan Your Timeline
Consent processes, design work, and contractor schedules all take time. Having a realistic timeline helps ensure:
- Your project fits into your builder’s schedule.
- Contractors are available when needed.
- Delays are minimised.
We act as your project manager, coordinating every contractor so your project stays on track.
Phase 5: Decide on Your Style
Here’s the fun part!
- Start a Pinterest board or save images of designs you love.
- Think about the overall style – modern, minimalist, traditional, or something unique.
- Explore colour palettes. Free paint swatches from Resene can help you visualise options in your own space.
Renovating isn’t easy, but starting the planning process early will reduce stress and improve your satisfaction with the final product. At Rise Residential, we’re here to help you every step of the way and connect you with the right people if we can’t answer something directly.