Don’t Wait Until You’re Desperate to Renovate: Here’s What to Do Now
You know that feeling when you’ve had a long day… and you finally walk in the door only to trip over school bags, dodge the dog, and sigh as you glance around your tired kitchen?
We’ve been there too.
And if you’re like many of the families we work with, you’ve probably said something like:
“We’ve outgrown this layout.”
“We need more space, more storage, more flow.”
Or simply: “I wish we’d done this sooner.”
That’s exactly why now—yes, mid-winter, end of financial year, right before the chaos of spring—is actually the perfect time to start planning your dream renovation.
Let’s walk through how we approach this as both professional renovators—and homeowners ourselves.
Start with how your home feels
When our own renovation journey began, it wasn’t because we wanted a prettier bathroom or fancier finishes.
It was because we had some big life changes on the horizon.
Our home was a small two-bedroom, one bathroom for two adults and a baby on the way. The kitchen bench doubled as a work station. And we didn’t have any space for our friends or family to come over for dinner.
Sound familiar?
A good renovation starts with function, not just form. So ask yourself:
What’s frustrating you on a daily basis?
Which rooms feel cluttered, cramped, or completely unused?
How could your home better support your lifestyle?
It’s not about making your house bigger—it’s about making it work better.
Dream big, but sort your priorities early
It’s easy to get swept up in inspiration and Pinterest boards (we love those too!).
But the most successful renovations come from knowing what matters most.
A recent client of ours came to us wanting “everything”—open-plan living, a luxe ensuite, but also a functional mudroom and laundry. After walking through their daily routine together, we realised what they really needed was a better connection between zones—less walking in circles, more smart storage, and better use of natural light.
We were able to design a solution that ticked their boxes without overcapitalising.
So, what are your non-negotiables? And what could be “stage two”?
Write it down. This becomes the heart of your brief.
Understand your numbers—and give yourself space
We know... talking budgets isn’t fun. But it’s essential.
Many families we work with come to us after months of trying to “guess” renovation costs—and getting stuck.
Instead, we recommend a clearer, more empowering path:
Speak to your bank or broker early about your borrowing power
Get a feel for the market by talking to builders who specialise in your style and scale
Leave room in the budget for quality materials, finishes, and that one feature you’ve always dreamed of
You’re not just investing in a new kitchen or bathroom—you’re investing in how your family lives every day.
Bring your builder in early (not just your designer)
Here’s something not many people tell you: the earlier your builder is involved, the smoother your renovation will be.
When you work with us at LUXE Building, we guide you through our Concepts and Pre-Construction Packages to map out every detail before the first hammer swings.
We collaborate with trusted designers, architects, and trades to ensure your vision, budget, and timeline align from the start. No nasty surprises. No rushed decisions. Just calm, confident progress.
And because we limit how many projects we take on, our calendar fills quickly—often 6 to 12 months in advance.
You don’t need to do it all today... but you do need to start
We’re not here to pressure you into a decision.
But we are here to tell you that planning ahead makes all the difference.
Whether it’s booking your first discovery call or walking through your home with fresh eyes… take that first step.
Because the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll stop saying “we really should…”—and start saying “I’m so glad we did.”
Or reach out anytime to chat about your dream renovation. We’re here to help.