Reno rookie advice to create your own House Rules

Everyone is a reno rookie at some point. And if that’s you right now, then it helps to know what other rookies have learnt from their mistakes so you don’t make the same ones!

Here, we’ve compiled some tips from previous House Rules contestants on what they learnt along their wild reno ride. Both Carly (Season 1) and Michelle (Season 4) started out as complete reno rookies, so they know how you feel. At least you get to cut your teeth without the entire nation watching you!

Budgets are important (even on a TV show)

Michelle: When we first started out, not budgeting properly made things really difficult. We also made the mistake of not project managing thoroughly enough – not keeping track of all our tradies cost us in the first couple of Renos.

Get to know the tradie lingo

Michelle: Another mistake is presuming your tradies know what you are talking about! It’s amazing how many different interpretations there can be! So it’s super important to be completely specific – even drawing pictures or showing photos so they know exactly what you want. If you’re not really specific, the end result can be a big disappointment.

Carly: Use common sense. The customer (that’s you) is not always right so listen to the experts.

Save your money for…

Michelle: We believe quality fittings and finishings are pretty important. It may seem silly, but we just love our kitchen fittings – quality drawer fittings and cupboard hinges (you can’t even see them, but they are used all the time!) will ensure everything opens and shuts with ease… unlike the cheaper ones that end up falling off or getting stuck! If you can avoid it, don’t skimp on kitchen and bathroom finishings and fittings – these need to last and look good for a long time. Having a good tiler is pretty important too.

Carly: Real timber and stone. They are essentials for that feeling of quality and luxury. If you have gone to all that effort in the reno, don’t scrimp on these two aspects. And spend the money on trades to do the work that you’re not licensed or qualified to do; it will save you money in the long run if you get the job done properly the first time.

Don’t make this mistake

Carly: Never paint a ceiling burgundy. Even if the rule is that there is no white anywhere in the house, burgundy is not the answer!

Michelle: ‘Measure twice, cut once!’ Stuffing up measurements can cost time and money.