The Smart Renovation Action Plan
The following pages provide helpful tips and pointers for every stage of the renovation process:
PLAN. No matter how small the job is, some preparation and planning will help to keep communication clear and costs realistic. A well-planned project should result in a refit or rebuild that costs only nominally more than a poorer performing home produced by conventional methods (if any more at all), but can result in much lower ongoing operational costs. To find out how to plan for a successful renovation, visit:
DESIGN. The most critical stage is the design stage, which can determine whether rooms feel light and airy, have comfortable ambient temperatures and help to minimise heating, cooling and lighting costs. For ideas, tips and information, visit:
- Primary eco-design elements for homes
- Sustainable design tips: room by room
- Sustainable garden design
- DIY sustainable design and home-rating tools
- Working with a designer
BUILD AND FITOUT. The building stage is when the design becomes reality. This is also the stage when most of the materials and products used for your renovation will be selected and purchased. Eco-building practices include waste and pollution minimisation during demolition and construction. For ideas, tips and information, visit:
- Sustainable building and construction
- Building with eco-materials and products
- Fitting with eco-materials and products
- Working with a builder
- Quick guide to a clean renovation
FINISH AND FURNISH. Once construction, wiring, plumbing and internal fitting are completed, the painting and finishing stage begins. Ensure good internal air quality and a non-toxic indoor environment by using low-VOC, natural paints and finishes on floors, walls, surfaces and furnishings. For information
- Understanding indoor air pollution
- Quick guide to breathing easy in an eco-friendly home
- Quick guide to creating a low-pollution and allergy-free garden