3 Things To Consider BEFORE renovating

Olivia Caplan Design: Renovation Tips

Hi Interior’s Enthusiast!,

Happy Friday! I hope all your weeks have gone well and are looking forward to a weekend of relaxing or renovating or whatever you might be doing!

If you haven’t seen, now is your chance to get free design advice!

Submit photos of your room with a description of the design challenges, and you'll be entered into a draw for personalized advice featured on my Instagram and TikTok. Submit here.

Anyway, onto my design tips of the week and this week, it’s on how to prepare for an upcoming renovation…

3 Things To Consider BEFORE renovating

1. What is your budget?

The first and most important question: How much are you willing to spend?

Budgeting isn’t just about setting a total amount—it’s about carefully allocating your funds to cover all aspects of the renovation. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Fixed-fee contracts: If possible, try to get a fixed-fee contract with your builder. This protects you from unexpected costs and price fluctuations during the project. However, be aware that changes in scope may alter the final price.

  • Sticking to your budget: Track your spending closely to avoid running into financial trouble down the line. Surprises always happen, so ensure you're prepared by planning carefully.

This may sound obvious but time and again people spend too little time really thinking about this, resulting in cutting corners later on or unnecessarily stressful decisions!

2. What are your timescales?

As we all know renovations rarely finish on time, but it’s important to outline your preferred timeline and communicate it to your contractor from the start. Whether you're driven by planning approval or a personal deadline (such as moving in before a special holiday), having a concrete timeline in mind will keep everyone on the same page.

That said, be realistic. Builders rarely stick to the original timeline, and it’s important to give yourself a buffer, especially around significant events like welcoming a baby or hosting family gatherings.

3. What are your priorities?

This is the key to making the most of your budget. Before diving in, identify the areas that are most important to you:

  • Are you more focused on the final interior design than the structural aspects? Ensure you leave enough in the budget for furnishings and décor.

  • Think about the areas where you’re willing to compromise. For example, if you’re not much of a cook, you might choose to spend less on kitchen appliances and more on the living room where you’ll entertain guests.

Remember: you can’t have fast, cheap, and good quality all at once. So, decide early on where to invest your time, money, and energy.

Don’t miss your chance to win a FREE 121 session with me!

Watch the video for details

Thanks so much for reading, see you next week.

Did you find this Newsletter helpful?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok using the links below