🔥 Looking to renovate your home? What to do when revamping your house requires Major home renovations.
Sometimes, a fresh start is needed in home design and renovation to transform a space truly. Major home renovations can be daunting, but they can breathe new life into an old and outdated home. Homeowners undertake renovations to address their specific needs, whether functional, aesthetic or financial. Older homes need to be updated to modern standards, and renovations can turn your current home into a more comfortable living space. Lower interest rates have made it more appealing for homeowners to invest in their homes through major renovations. While minor renovations and smaller projects like updating fixtures or refreshing a room can make a difference, major renovations can greatly impact your home’s value and functionality. For example, a kitchen or bathroom renovation can be a major selling point for potential buyers and a worthy investment for resale value. Expanding the living area or creating new spaces like outdoor living spaces or finished basements can further enhance your living space and appeal to potential buyers. You must decide which rooms or spaces to renovate based on your specific needs and long-term goals. Please think of the renovation process as a journey for the homeowner to create a home that truly reflects their own style and needs and maximises their home’s potential.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps of major home renovations from conceptualising your vision to hiring the right professionals and navigating the construction process. Whether you want to modernise your home for resale or create the perfect forever home for you and your family, this comprehensive guide will give you the knowledge and resources to successfully do a major home renovation project. Get ready to transform your Gold Coast lifestyle and have a home to be proud of.
💡 How to Find, Vett and Collaborate with Architects, Contractors and Interior Designers
Do your research to establish meaningful connections with architects, contractors, and interior designers. Look for reputable professionals with portfolios that resonate with your style and project goals, and always check their proper licensing and credentials before hiring. Consult a national association like the National Institute of Architects or the Australian Institute of Building to find reputable professionals for your renovation project.
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from friends, family or colleagues. Use online resources and professional organisations like the Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Institute of Builders to expand your network. Take your time to evaluate potential professionals to ensure a successful partnership. Schedule interviews or consultations with each candidate to discuss your project, budget, timeline and specific requirements. Make sure they are appropriately licensed, insured and have a good reputation.
Communication is key when working with professionals. Be clear about expectations, budget and timeline. Regular check-ins and updates with your team will keep the project on track.
Collaborate with professionals, especially an experienced interior designer, to get personalised design solutions that reflect your style goals. Remember, you are the ultimate decision maker. Trust their expertise and be open to their suggestions and recommendations.
In Conclusion, finding, vetting and working with architects, builders, and interior designers is crucial. By doing your research, vetting candidates thoroughly and communicating effectively, you can have a successful renovation experience.
💭 Building Codes, Permits and Inspections in Your Renovation Process is essential.
When doing Large-scale renovations, your contractor must adhere to Australian standards set by the government. These standards ensure the safety and structural integrity of your entire property, including the building and surrounding grounds. Compliance with local building codes is not only a legal requirement but also crucial for the well-being of residents and for preventing potential hazards or accidents.

Before commencing any renovation project, one key step is to get the necessary permits. These permits are your green light to start any renovation and are called development approval (DA). The Permits are official approvals from the local council that allow you to proceed with your renovation plans. Getting these permits is important to avoid fines, demolition or legal consequences, including removal of any unapproved work. Make sure to check with your contractor PRIOR to any specific requirements.
Inspections are another important part of the renovation process. Building inspectors are independent of your builder and conduct inspections to ensure the work meets the established building codes and standards.
🏘️ The Renovation Process: What To Expect During Construction
After the demolition, the construction team will start building or installing new elements according to the project design. Some renovation projects may require structural changes like modifying or removing walls, updating wall insulation or expanding a room to improve energy efficiency and layout. Choosing the right materials is essential for durability, performance and long-term value when building or installing new features. This phase may involve various tasks like foundation, framing, electrical work, plumbing, and flooring installation, including choosing floor coverings and hard flooring or installing new flooring for a fresh look. Roofing, roof upgrades, and repairing or replacing damaged siding should be considered to improve curb appeal and protect your existing home. Regularly maintaining exterior elements like landscaping and outdoor living space is important to preserve value and create functional spaces. Upgrading or maintaining air conditioning systems, sealing gaps around doors and door frames and replacing outdated insulation, windows, or fixtures can make a big difference in energy efficiency and comfort. Kitchen and bathroom renovations should include updating appliances and plumbing fixtures for better functionality and style. Painting with low-VOC paint or paints helps reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds and improves indoor air quality. Creating personalised spaces both indoors and outdoors can have a huge impact on your own home’s value and livability.
During the construction phase, you need to anticipate unexpected challenges. Delays in material deliveries, weather conditions or unforeseen structural issues are common issues that can impact the timeline of your renovation project and, in some cases, increase the cost. You must be flexible and patient during these challenges, as they are part of the construction process. Many homeowners convert a spare room into temporary storage during renovations to protect belongings from dust and debris.
In addition to the construction work, you also need to consider the impact the renovation project will have on your daily life. You would need to make temporary arrangements or adjust your living situation for large-scale renovations. You can stay in your current home with minimal disruption for smaller projects or minor renovations like painting or updating fixtures. As the construction phase nears completion, your builder will do a final walk-through to ensure all the work has been done according to the design plans and specifications. This is an excellent opportunity to identify any defects or issues that must be fixed before finalising the project.
Once all outstanding items are resolved, you can move on to the final stages of the renovation process – finishing touches and clean up. Choosing the right team to build your vision is key to success. According to a national association, making top priority improvements, like energy efficiency upgrades or kitchen renovations, can be a worthwhile investment with strong ROI. For example, replacing old windows and upgrading insulation can deliver immediate savings and long-term value. Many homeowners are renovating their current home to better suit their needs for the next few years, and deciding which rooms or spaces to update can have a big impact on comfort, functionality and resale value.
🏘️ The Post-Renovation Phase: What To Expect After Construction
After all construction work is completed for your home renovation project, focus on the post-construction phase. This phase includes cleaning your home thoroughly. Also, scheduling a final walk-through with your builder is crucial to address any remaining issues or concerns. This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure the work meets your expectations. Your builder should fix any problems and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
Complete any final inspections or approvals required by local building codes or regulations. This may involve a final inspection, and an occupation certificate is issued via your independent certifier and formally acknowledged by your local council. Make sure all the paperwork is to avoid future issues.
You can now enjoy your newly renovated home. Take time to familiarise yourself with the new features and improvements made during the renovation process, and look after and maintain your home.
Lastly, communicate with your builder about any warranties or guarantees for the work done. This will protect you if any issues arise after the renovation.
In Conclusion, major home renovations are a big investment of time, money and effort. You can confidently navigate the renovation process by knowing what to expect during construction and communicating openly with your builder. You can turn your Gold Coast home into your dream home with proper planning and preparation.
🔗 Conclusion
Craig Preston, Master Builder on the Gold Coast
When you consider major renovations on the Gold Coast, remember that the ground floor extension and addition of a second-storey addition through to the lockup property stage could be the key to unlocking the financial freedom of ultimate lifestyle potential.
When you select Risen as your strategic building and construction company, owner Craig Preston will work with you on various building construction types, including renovating existing buildings and bespoke custom-built homes.
We will align our building strategy and plan with your renovation goals to maximise your property potential, giving you greater control over your investment. Enquire to discover more about this inspiring and potentially life-changing investment choice.
Are you looking to plan major home renovations on the Gold Coast, or are you curious about the permits the council requires? Please click to review Coast Council building applications.
# All photos and illustration artwork(s) are trademarked and intellectual property of Risen Development.
* Disclaimer: – * All costs displayed are for reference purposes only. It would be best to get a firm quotation on any size project.







