Planning for successful renovations

Despite your best intentions, without thought out planning and prior planning, even the simplest of home renovations can turn into a disaster.

Whether you have a major garden landscaping project on your hands or a bit of DIY painting, planning is the most important part of any renovation job.

More often than not, ambitions exceed capabilities and resources. For example, while you may have grand ideas to revamp the kitchen, bathroom and lounge, your finances, time and personal ability may not be adequate.

Before you begin your project, list each job in terms of priority - this way you ensure that what needs to be done is completed!

You may find listing each task in one of the three categories helpful - essential, optional, desirable - then you can approach your renovations more realistically.

It is also important to identify what jobs you can take on yourself, don't overestimate your own abilities to end up with an inferior job. Be honest and ask yourself whether a certain task can be completed by yourself efficiently, or if it would benefit from the services of a professional.

Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to complete your renovations in, keeping in mind your normal routine, work commitments and other responsibilities - you're not super human so don't set yourself unrealistic time expectations.