Staying on top of the costs

1. Be sure of your builder

Certified Builders’ Association chief executive Grant Florence advised homeowners looking to renovate to question their builder on what experience they have had on doing renovations.

2. Factor in age of property

If the house is older, it may well need to get updated rewiring or a new fuse box. If it was built before 2000, you’ll need to get it checked and tested for asbestos.

3. Plan carefully

Florence said lots of people ‘‘tend to get a bit overexcited’’ in the middle of renovations and change their mind without thinking how the costs could add up.

4. Factor in time and money

The industry is getting more regulated and consenting costs have risen. For a standard $150,000 renovation, consent costs nearly $3500.