The Hidden Costs of Renovating
- 360 Design Studio
- Apr 14, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 1
Most renovators plunge into their projects armed with nothing but Instagram reels and home renovation shows. These are the "plastic surgeons" of renovation, they show you the after but not the pain of getting there.
Research from a BRANZ study highlights how inadequate project planning and lack of project management often lead to a poor renovation experience with up to 30% wasted costs.
As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I've witnessed these hidden costs destroy budgets and timelines. This guide reveals what renovation shows don't tell you.
The 30% Waste Factor: Where Your Money Disappears
On a $100,000 renovation, inadequate planning wastes $30,000. Here's where it goes:
1. Design Changes During Construction
Changing your mind after construction starts is exponentially more expensive.
Examples:
Moving kitchen island after plumbing installed: $3,000-8,000
Changing tile selection after waterproofing: $5,000-12,000
Relocating light switches after walls closed: $1,500-3,000 per switch
Modifying bathroom layout after rough-in: $8,000-15,000
Why this happens: No proper design documentation, working from Pinterest images, Instagram "designers" who can't produce technical drawings.
How we prevent this: At 360 Design Studio, we provide floor plans, detailed 3D drawings, and concept mood boards so you visualise the completed project and make changes before construction starts.
My Diploma in Interior Design (Interior Design Institute, 2024) taught me to produce documentation that eliminates costly construction changes.
2. Incorrect Material Specifications
Materials specified without understanding performance requirements fail prematurely or don't meet building codes.
Examples:
Wall tiles on floors cracking: $8,000-15,000 replacement
Benchtops warping in moisture areas: $4,000-10,000 replacement
Paint peeling in bathrooms: $3,000-5,000 remediation
Non-commercial materials failing inspection: $10,000-30,000 remediation
Why this happens: Choosing materials based on appearance only, no understanding of performance characteristics, decorators or colour stylists specifying beyond their expertise.
How we prevent this: We understand material science. For Saravanaa Bhavan restaurants, we specified timber meeting commercial fire ratings, durable commercial-grade materials with extended lifecycles, and low-VOC finishes appropriate for food service.
3. Building Code Violations
Failed inspections require expensive remediation and delay completion.
Examples:
Kitchen island blocking required 1200mm circulation: $5,000-12,000 to relocate
Fire egress routes non-compliant (commercial): $15,000-40,000 remediation
Disabled access non-compliant: $8,000-25,000 rework
Why this happens: Unqualified designers with no building code knowledge, DIY renovators unaware of requirements, Instagram designers ignoring compliance.
How we prevent this: My Diploma qualification and DIA membership require comprehensive knowledge of Australian building codes (NCC), accessibility standards (AS1428), fire safety, and commercial regulations.
4. Poor Trade Co-ordination
Uncoordinated trades create delays, rework, and blowouts.
Examples:
Two trades scheduled same day, one idle: $500-1,000 wasted
Materials arriving at wrong time requiring storage: $800-2,000
Incorrect sequencing requiring rework: $5,000-15,000
Poor management extending timeline 30-50%: Holding costs, lost rent
Why this happens: No systematic project management, homeowner coordinating whilst working full-time, no Trade & Materials Schedule.
How we prevent this: We prepare comprehensive Trade & Materials Schedule (TMS) listing every task for every trade and all key furniture and fittings. This highlights dependencies, enables accurate quotes, and forms basis of realistic schedule.
Our renovation consultants manage maximum 1-2 projects simultaneously.
5. Scope Creep
Uncontrolled scope changes destroy budgets.
Examples:
"Let's do the ensuite too": +$25,000
"Replace flooring throughout": +$15,000
"Update the laundry whilst we're at it": +$12,000
Cumulative changes adding 40-60% to budget
Why this happens: No clear scope definition, no TMS, emotional decisions during construction stress.
How we prevent this: Our Trade & Materials Schedule defines exactly what's included. Changes documented with cost implications explained before proceeding. Fixed-fee structure means we're not incentivised to expand scope.
6. DIY False Economy
DIY work done incorrectly requires professional remediation costing more than hiring professionals initially.
Examples:
DIY tiling requiring replacement: $8,000-15,000
DIY electrical failing inspection: $5,000-12,000
DIY waterproofing causing water damage: $15,000-40,000
The reality: Professional trades are insured, guaranteed, and code-compliant. DIY work failing inspection must be completely redone professionally.
7. No Contingency Planning
Industry standard: 10-15% contingency for residential, 15-20% for commercial.
Unexpected costs:
Asbestos removal: $5,000-15,000
Structural issues behind walls: $8,000-25,000
Updating plumbing/electrical to code: $4,000-12,000
Termite damage: $10,000-30,000
Why people skip contingency: Allocating entire budget to finishes, unrealistic expectations from renovation shows, no professional guidance.
The Sustainability Hidden Cost
As co-founder of Dezinery (Australia's marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares), I've seen environmental waste from poor planning:
Poorly planned projects: 15-25% material waste to landfill
Demolished items that could have been upcycled
Opportunity cost of not designing for longevity
Sustainable approach saves money:
Upcycling existing items (saved clients $5,000-15,000)
Durable materials reducing future replacement costs
Energy-efficient lighting (LED achieves 70% energy reduction)
Designing for longevity avoiding premature renovation
Example: Retaining existing cabinet boxes, replacing only doors and benchtops saves 30-50% versus complete replacement whilst diverting materials from landfill.
The Real Cost Comparison
$80,000 Renovation: DIY/Unqualified vs. Qualified Designer
Cost | Without Qualified Designer | With 360 Design Studio |
Initial budget | $80,000 | $80,000 |
Design fees | $0-2,000 | $6,000-8,000 |
Changes during construction | $8,000-15,000 | $0-1,000 |
Building code remediation | $5,000-12,000 | $0 |
Material errors | $6,000-10,000 | $0 |
Poor coordination delays | $4,000-8,000 | $0 |
DIY remediation | $3,000-8,000 | $0 |
Scope creep | $10,000-20,000 | $2,000-4,000 |
TOTAL | $116,000-155,000 | $88,000-93,000 |
Over budget | 45-94% | 10-16% |
Qualified designer "costs" $6,000-8,000 but SAVES $28,000-62,000.
Questions to Protect Your Budget
Do you have detailed design documentation?
Is your designer formally qualified (Diploma/degree)?
Are they a Design Institute of Australia member with insurance?
Do you have a Trade & Materials Schedule?
Have materials been specified for correct performance and code compliance?
Is there a realistic schedule with dependencies mapped?
Who is coordinating trades?
Have you allocated 10-15% contingency?
Is fee structure fixed or percentage-based?
If you can't answer yes to most, you're exposed to hidden costs.
How 360 Design Studio Eliminates the 30% Waste
Qualifications:
Diploma in Interior Design, Interior Design Institute (2024)
Design Institute of Australia member
Professional indemnity insurance
24 years financial and project management experience
Co-founder, Dezinery (marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares)
How we eliminate waste:
Comprehensive design documentation preventing construction changes
Correct material specification ensuring performance and code compliance
Building code expertise avoiding failed inspections
Trade & Materials Schedule providing systematic project management
Fixed-fee pricing eliminating surprises and conflict of interest (earn more about our pricing)
Sustainable design minimising material waste
Maximum 1-2 projects simultaneously ensuring attention
Professional accountability through DIA
Service Areas:
Most Sydney suburbs (in-person)
Remote design services Australia-wide
The Bottom Line
Renovation shows don't show the 30% wasted on poor planning. Instagram doesn't show failed inspections, material errors, or scope creep disasters.
Hidden costs of inadequate planning, unqualified designers, and poor project management far exceed investment in qualified design and professional project management.
The most expensive renovation is the poorly planned one.
Call us now to eliminate waste and deliver your renovation on time and within budget.
About the Author: Vinti Verma holds a Diploma in Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute (2024) and is a member of the Design Institute of Australia. She specialises in sustainable commercial interior design and cosmetic renovations with environmental focus. As co-founder of Dezinery (Australia's marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares), she brings expertise in sustainable materials and environmental design. Based in Sydney with remote services available Australia-wide.
Learn more: Our pricing | Project Management services
Contact 360 Design Studio: Email: info@360designstudio.com.au | Phone: 0411 086 116 | Web: www.360designstudio.com.au
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