Why Home Renovations Are a Bloody Nightmare (If You’re Not a Pro)

Everyone loves a good “reno dream” story. The couple who turn a tired 60s bungalow into a Pinterest-perfect stunner with a few weekends, some paint, and a cheeky Bunnings run. What they don’t show you is the real story behind most renovations done by non-pros: blown budgets, frayed nerves, half-finished projects, and a healthy dose of swearing in the driveway.

Here’s why home renos are often a complete stitch-up when you’re not in the game full-time.

1. Everything Takes Longer Than You Think

On paper, replacing a kitchen should take two weeks. In real life? The electrician doesn’t show, the benchtop’s been cut 20mm short, and the tiler’s caught COVID. Before you know it, you’re washing dishes in the bathtub and living off Uber Eats for six weeks.

Reality check: Professionals build in buffers. Amateurs just hope for the best.

2. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

That old saying hits hard in reno land. What looks like “just painting a wall” turns into gib replacement because of unseen water damage. You think it’s a simple deck extension, then you’re knee-deep in council paperwork because it’s over 1.5m off the ground.

Bottom line: Renovations have a nasty habit of peeling back layers and exposing all the stuff you never budgeted for.

3. Budget Blowouts Are Inevitable

Unless you’re a builder or project manager with trade contacts, you’re paying retail prices, getting pinged for extras, and learning the hard way that "quote" doesn’t mean "fixed price." The $50k bathroom ends up costing $85k, and your marriage.

Tip: Always assume things will cost 20–30% more than you think. That’s not pessimism, that’s experience talking.

4. DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper

Sure, painting a wall or laying a deck looks doable on YouTube. But what they don’t show is the prep work, the gear you’ll need, or how long it actually takes to do it properly. And if you stuff it up? You’ll pay twice, once to fix it, and again to redo it.

Moral of the story: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

5. The Hidden Toll: Stress, Time and Sanity

Juggling trades, making 100 decisions a week, arguing over tile samples, and dealing with delays while trying to live in the chaos, it’s a full-time job. If you’ve got kids, a career, or just value your mental health, it’s a fast-track to burnout.

Professionals have systems, suppliers, backup plans and crews. You’ve got a mate with a nail gun and a half-charged drill.

So What’s the Solution?

If you’re hellbent on renovating, great but go in eyes wide open:

• Hire a good builder or project manager. They’re worth their weight in gold.

• Know your limits. Be realistic about what you can DIY and what needs a pro.

• Expect delays. Plan like you’re going to war because some days it’ll feel like it.

• Have a proper budget — with contingency. Then double-check it.

• Don’t get emotionally attached to timelines or finishes. Flexibility will keep you sane.

Or, Skip the Reno Altogether

Here’s a thought: Buy a place that’s already done. One with proper consents, good bones, and no surprises hiding behind the gib. You might pay a bit more upfront but in today’s market, time, stress and certainty are worth a hell of a lot more than a DIY disaster.

Want help finding one of those ready-to-live-in places? Or have a half-finished reno you’re sick of looking at? Give me a ring, I’ve seen every version of this story and can help you make the next smart move.