How to get your home renovation within your budget

1. Don't DIY

It is a myth that doing it yourself will save you a ton of money. DIYers often end up paying more for building materials, disrupting their household for way longer than they need to by taking way longer than they expected, cocking up the job - or all of the above. Whereas we at Fix It Renovations will do the job right first time. And did you know that DIY is one of New Zealand’s leading cause of accidents and injuries?

2. Get a fixed quote first

Paying a builder by the hour for renovation work is a mug's game. There's no incentive for him (or her) to get the job done promptly and who knows what he (or she) is going to find under your floorboards or plasterboard? We recommend you first get a quote or at least an estimate from us. That way there are no surprises when your project’s completed.

3. Get professional advice

Another advantage of calling us in is that we’ll come around to look at the job, listen to your aspirations and ideas, and give you the benefit of our experience and advice. The best part is that in most cases this will cost you nothing except some of your time.

4. Be realistic

Looking for a Champagne renovation on a beer budget? Beware of builders who supply you with an unrealistically low estimate in order to get your work. Chances are they either don’t know what they’re doing or they’ll start adding “extras” well before the job’s finished. It’s hard to say no when there’s a hole in your roof or your toilet’s been disconnected. In contrast, we’ll tell you upfront what your project will cost, what’s involved and how long it will take. Then we’ll communicate with you all the way through so everything goes smoothly.

5. Be straight up

Did your mother ever tell you that your eyes were bigger than your stomach? You’d be amazed at how many people come to us with a wishlist that’s much, much bigger than their budget. Our role is to match your aspirations with your budget. But to do that, we need to understand two things. First, how much you what you want to spend and second, we need to understand what’s negotiable and what’s not negotiable on your wish list. We understand that a lot of people aren’t straight up about their budget because they’re afraid that if they tell us ten thousand and the job should cost seven thousand, we’ll tell you it will cost ten thousand. So we won’t ask you – instead we will ask questions about what you would like and reflect back estimated costs for these things – e.g. a tiled floor with underfloor heating at around $2,500 of a vinyl floor for around $750 and together come to a design and product solution that best aligns your wishes with your budget to ensure you get a solution you are happy with. Try us, and you’ll see.

6. Accept that changes cost money

The best way to blow your renovation budget is to make changes to your project part way through. While that’s your prerogative, even if you’re a man, the best way to avoid the need to make changes is to do your homework before the project commences. We’ll help by giving you plans and a full scope of works, so you’ll know in advance what’s going to happen. But feel free to ask us any questions you may have and talk everything through before we start work. We’re here to help.

Click this button or ring 0800 CAN FIX any time of the day or night to make an appointment or request a free quote - we are happy to help!