There’s a reason “renovation regret” has become a thing. Between the Instagram inspo accounts and grand designs in your head, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of ‘before and after’ dreams.
But in the real world (you know, the one with budgets, cracked stumps, and surprise plumbing issues), renovations have a funny way of unearthing more than you bargained for (literally).
So before you jump on the tools or hire that mate-of-a-mate with a sledgehammer and a van, here’s what you need to know.
At a Glance
Before you swing that hammer, get clear on what you’re really signing up for. Here’s the quick-hit list to keep your reno dreams from becoming nightmares:
- It’s Never That Simple: Renovations are messy, expensive, and full of surprises. Budget for blowouts and brace for hidden disasters.
- Structure First, Style Later: Paint won’t fix bad wiring or sagging floors. Get the essentials right before you beautify.
- Old Melbourne Homes = Hidden Headaches: Asbestos, dodgy wiring, and sketchy plumbing are common. Building inspections are non-negotiable.
- DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper: Some jobs need a pro. Skip the fines and rework—get it done right the first time.
- Document and Budget Smart: Take photos before walls go up and stash a 20% buffer for the inevitable surprises.
When you know what to expect, you can plan smarter, spend wiser, and avoid the dreaded renovation regret.
Why So Many Renovations Go Sideways
TV makes it look easy: tear down a few walls, add some carpeting and throw pillows, cue the dramatic reveal.
In reality? Timelines blow out. Budgets get eaten alive. And your “simple bathroom update” turns into an electrical rewire and a week without hot water. It’s not always a disaster, but without proper planning, it can feel like one.
So what’s the problem?
- Hidden issues behind walls, under floors, or lurking in the ceiling.
- Poor structural bones in older Melbourne homes (hello, 1950s fibro).
- Tradies who don’t show up.
- Unexpected council or permit delays.
- The dream kitchen that turns out to be twice the price, and half the storage.
It’s not about being pessimistic, it’s about being prepared.
The smartest renovators aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones who plan for what could go wrong before it does.
Cosmetic Fixes vs Structural Problems
New paint and pendant lights won’t save you from a sinking foundation. And that’s the kicker, it’s often what you can’t see that ends up costing the most.
Planning to knock out a wall for an open-plan kitchen? You’d better hope it’s not load-bearing. That stunning clawfoot tub you’re installing upstairs? Better check the joists can take the weight.
Renovations that start with style in mind can quickly run into problems if the underlying structure isn’t up to scratch.
The rule of thumb: pretty can wait, but safety and structure need to come first.
Pro Tip: Booking a house inspection can help you figure out what’s safe to build on and what needs to be fixed first. Especially in older Melbourne properties, where charming quirks often come with decades-old infrastructure.
Older Melbourne Homes Are Hiding Nasty Surprises
Melbourne’s aging architecture has character. Federation beauties. Art Deco gems. Post-war brick veneers. But with all that charm comes a few sneaky surprises:
- Asbestos in walls, ceilings, or under lino
- Outdated wiring that isn’t up to modern safety standards
- Sloping floors or movement in footings from shifting soil
- Damp or mould behind plaster due to poor ventilation
- Timber pests in roof cavities or subfloors
And that’s just scratching the surface.
A common mistake? Renovating based on assumptions. If the house hasn’t been inspected in years, don’t rely on what the previous owner said. Get a professional home inspection before you start making changes.
Not All Fixes Are DIY
We love a good DIY job as much as the next weekend warrior, but here’s the cold truth: not everything should be tackled with a YouTube tutorial and a Bunnings run.
Some renovation jobs legally require a licensed professional, and skipping that step can leave you with hefty fines, dodgy results, or worse, an unsafe home.
Think plumbing, electrical, structural changes, waterproofing… even knocking down internal walls can have serious consequences if you don’t know what’s inside them.
And even if it is legal, that doesn’t mean it’s wise. A good tradie can save you thousands in future repairs by doing it right the first time.
Plus, they’ve probably seen a hundred renos just like yours and know how to spot trouble long before it becomes your problem.
Pro tip: Always check the license and insurance of any tradesperson you hire through the Victorian Building Authority’s website.
And if something feels off during the quoting process? Trust your gut and get a second opinion.
Renovating to Sell? Then Your Strategy Should Look Different
If you’re planning to flip or sell within a few years, your reno goals aren’t just about personal taste, they’re about smart return on investment.
That bespoke pink terrazzo sink might light up your soul, but will it appeal to buyers? When you’re renovating for resale, focus on updates that boost value and broad appeal. Kitchens, bathrooms, street appeal, and energy efficiency upgrades usually give the best bang for your buck.
Equally important? Avoid overcapitalising. Dumping $100k into a renovation on a street full of $600k homes probably won’t pay off at auction.
Need a clearer picture before you spend? A pre-sale inspection can flag issues that might spook buyers and help you prioritise fixes that actually add value.
Before You Build, Document Everything
Here’s a tip from the reno veterans: before you cover up those walls, floors, or pipes… take photos. Lots of them.
Snapping detailed pics of your wiring, plumbing layout, or new insulation might feel unnecessary now, but future-you (or your next tradie) will thank you.
Need to troubleshoot a leak? Locate that mystery power line? Having a record of what’s behind the plaster can save hours of guesswork and avoid rework.
It’s also a smart move for warranties, insurance claims, and council approvals down the line.
Trust us – your phone’s camera is one of your best reno tools. Use it.
The Pre-Renovation Risk Checklist
Want to avoid blowing your budget or being forced to live with “good enough” fixes? Start with this checklist before you renovate:
- Book an independent building inspection specific to renovations, not just pre-purchase. These focus on structural risks, material condition, and safety hazards.
- Check local council regulations. Permits might be needed for structural changes, plumbing relocations, or heritage-listed homes.
- Investigate the subfloor and roof. What’s underneath and overhead can affect everything from insulation to layout options.
- Check the age and condition of plumbing and electrical systems. These are expensive to fix once walls go back up.
- Get quotes from multiple tradies. Don’t assume the first one is the best fit. Always compare not just price, but availability, communication and vibe.
- Budget a buffer. At least 15-20% extra for the inevitable curveballs. And trust us, there will be curveballs.
Be the Smart Renovator, Not the Burned One
No one’s saying “don’t renovate.” But if you want the glow-up without the blowout, do your homework first.
The best renovations aren’t the ones with the fanciest tiles, they’re the ones where the homeowner didn’t need a second mortgage to fix hidden defects mid-build.
With NextGen Inspections, you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with – no guesswork, no nasty surprises, just solid peace of mind.
Book your inspection today and start your reno on the right foot.
