Renovating your home? You’re not alone.
More homeowners across Wollongong and the Illawarra are choosing to upgrade instead of upsize — but many dive in without a clear plan, hoping their builder or designer will “take care of it.”
The reality? Renovations without proper project management often go over budget, fall behind schedule, or cause avoidable stress.
At BetterBuild Advisory, we specialise in guiding homeowners through the renovation process — from the first idea to final inspection. Here’s what can go wrong when you try to go it alone.
❌ Mistake #1: Starting Without a Clear Scope or Budget
A common scenario: you have a general idea (“new kitchen, open up the living area”), but no defined budget or plan.
Without a clear scope:
- Builders quote based on assumptions
- Variations pile up
- Designs drift from practical to unaffordable
Project managers help clarify your goals early, define what’s realistic within your budget, and ensure every trade works to the same brief.
❌ Mistake #2: Hiring Trades Without a Plan or Sequence
Good trades are busy. Coordinating multiple trades without a plan often leads to:
- Delays due to availability gaps
- Rework because one trade finishes before another is ready
- Poor sequencing (e.g. painting before final fixes)
A project manager builds a realistic schedule, lines up the right trades in the right order, and ensures nothing falls between the cracks.
❌ Mistake #3: Assuming Your Designer or Builder Will Handle Everything
Designers focus on design. Builders focus on building. But neither is solely responsible for:
- Obtaining approvals
- Managing neighbour communication
- Keeping trades on budget
- Handling unexpected issues mid-build
Without someone coordinating the full picture, things get missed — or left up to you. A renovation project manager becomes your single point of contact, advocating for your interests every step of the way.
❌ Mistake #4: Making Decisions On the Fly
Renovations are full of decisions: fixtures, tiles, powerpoints, cabinetry, window types — the list goes on.
Without help, decisions get rushed, inconsistent, or worse:
- Made too late, causing delays
- Made in isolation, leading to design clashes
- Made emotionally, blowing the budget
With BetterBuild Advisory, you’ll have structured advice and decision support, so nothing holds up your build — and every choice fits the bigger picture.
❌ Mistake #5: Underestimating Time, Risk and Stress
Even small projects come with:
- Delivery delays
- Scope changes
- Trade no-shows
- Council issues
- Weather impacts
These can derail your project quickly — unless someone is across it all. A renovation project manager anticipates problems before they become major and helps keep everything on track.
🧰 The Betterbuild Advisory Difference
We’re not builders. We’re not designers. We’re independent renovation consultants and project managers who work for you — the homeowner.
- ✔ Define your project scope and timeline
- ✔ Connect you with reputable trades and designers
- ✔ Oversee delivery and quality
- ✔ Manage risk and decision-making
- ✔ Ensure you stay in control — and out of the stress
“I couldn’t have done it without them” is something we hear often.
🏡 Thinking About Renovating in the Illawarra?
From Woonona to Warilla, Thirroul to Tullimbar – we help homeowners across the region renovate with confidence, clarity, and control.
✔ Expert, local advice
✔ Tailored to your budget
✔ Project planning from start to finish
