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7 Things

You Need To Know Before a Home Reno​

Vision board on desk with Clipsal products

There’s nothing like a home renovation project...

...to add approximately a million things to your to do list.​

​Here’s the things you should know before you start to help you prepare and ease some of the stress.
(You might want to bookmark this page!)

Modern bathroom sink
Modern bathroom sink

1. Plan Unique Features Before You Start

One of the most popular bathroom trends is the shower niche, a built-in shower shelf. They look chic and effortless, but actually require forethought and pre-planning as they’re installed during the build – which is the case for just about every ‘effortless’-looking feature. ​

Before you start a renovation project, do your research and decide what trends, unique features or seemingly small elements you want. Include everything in your plans from the beginning. Generally, it’s the ‘effortless’ elements that require the most consideration!

Lady fixing her hair in mirror
Stairs in a modern house
Clipspec consultant with customer
Lady fixing her hair in mirror
Stairs in a modern house
Clipspec consultant with customer

2. Lighting For Your Lifestyle

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to do your makeup in front of a dark mirror because the good light is over the toilet!​
Consider what lighting is right for your lifestyle:​
- Where do you like to read?​
- How much light do you need in the kitchen?​
- What kind of lighting do you need over the bathroom mirrors?​
- Do you need any feature lights to highlight wall art or photographs?​
- Where do you want ‘mood’ lighting, and where do you need ‘task’ lighting?

It’s also important to consider where your light switches should be positioned – they should make your life easier, not harder. For instance, using multiway control lights for your bedroom is always an effective option. You can have a switch at both the top and bottom of a flight of stairs, or either end of a hallway for example, and even control them from the Clipsal Wiser Room app  on your phone. This means you can turn off your lights from afar, like your bedroom light controlled from the warmth of your bed. (And you’ll no longer stub your toe trying to navigate your way back in the dark.)

If you’re not sure what light design would work best for you, we recommend getting an expert during the planning stage. We have an electrical design service, Clipspec [https://www.clipsal.com/learn-and-discover/clipspec-design-service], where an expert can provide you with a detailed electrical and lighting plan that factors in all your needs and style preferences to make your lighting function best for you

Group of people designing with Clipsal products
Group of people designing with Clipsal products

3. Learn That Reno Lingo

One of the best ways to ensure you manage your reno project well is to learn the lingo – it helps you understand what you need, what’s going on, and your less likely to be ripped off. ​

Research what you need to know for the rooms you’re renovating. If you’re renovating the outside, learn the different roof types (skillion, hip, gabled) and what a HVAC contractor does (stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). If it’s the bathroom, find out the difference between cement, grout and mortar. ​

The more you speak the language, the more you’ll understand the process and will be able to spot any hiccups along the way!

Lady checking Smoke Alarm
Lady checking Smoke Alarm

4. Let’s Talk Safety

There are lots of safety regulations when it comes to building, particularly around balconies, railings, and fire safety. ​

Get a grasp on which regulations are going to impact the parts of your home you’re renovating, and be flexible in your plans just in case your preferences don’t meet that safety checklist. It’s also worth investigating what materials are safer for your family – safety first and peace of mind applies all round! ​

It might make you yawn, but it would be a shame to start a reno with your heart set on a design feature, only to discover safety regulations won’t allow it.

Clipsal Iconic cover in design space
Clipsal Iconic cover in design space

5. What Materials Are Right For Your Style 

Whatever the reason for your reno, you’ll no doubt have a style in mind. One of the important things to consider is what materials suit your style. ​

For example:​

• Rustic – plaster walls, distressed and dark wood, wooden beams, stone floors​

• Industrial – cement, concrete floors, exposed steel and brick, copper​

• Scandinavian – organic materials, light-coloured timber, matte finishes ​

Ensure you’re using the right materials to create the look and feel you’re wanting to create.

Clipsal product in kitchen
Clipsal product in kitchen

6. Repeat After Me: Plan Your Power points!

Anticipate where you’ll need your power points in each room. So simple but often renovators can underestimate the number needed! ​

Do you want a power point in your bathroom cupboard to use the hair dryer? What colour is going to ensure it flows with the room? What about where you do the ironing? And if you need more than one near your desk? Where would the family be likely to charge all their devices? What if all family members want to charge them all at once?!  ​

Power points might seem like a small detail, but strategic positioning is an easy win. 

Modern kitchen
Modern kitchen

7. Bit of High End, Bit of Low End ​

Unless you have unlimited funds for this project, you’ll likely need a budget. Think about where your money would be wisely spent, and where a lower-cost item would work just as well. ​

We recommend using a mix of high and low end materials and products, and considering what will have an impact – often it’s the small details and finishes! Think door handles, tapware, window coverings, light switches. ​

For instance, you might want to invest in door handles and opt for cheaper doors, as the door handle changes the whole look and feel. Or you might want to use expensive decorative tiles, but rather than using them for the entire bathroom, you could create a feature wall and do the rest in a low-cost white subway tile. ​

The creative ways in which to do things are always half the fun of a home reno! 

Clipsal renovation mood board Switches

Renovation

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Clipsal Clipspec plan with electrical accessories around it.

Inspiration

Find inspiration from industry experts to help you with your house project – no matter how big or small.
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My Home, My Style

A splash of colour or textured finish on your light switches and power points, is a great way to personalise your home.
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Smart Home

Smart homes give you even more control of your comfort, security and convenience. We have all the technology to make your home smarter, right here!
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