Renovation Stress? - It's Okay To Feel Lost
- 10 Studio
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
We get it - renovation can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. As professionals in this field, we totally understand the stress and panic that comes with not knowing what’s next. After all, we’ve seen it hundreds of times; renovation starts exciting, then slowly turns stressful. Juggling budgets, timelines and expectations is extremely tiring and stressful. Which is why we’re here to guide you with care and experience, to hopefully ease some of the stress from your renovation journey, because we care about your home just as much as you do!
Let’s get straight into it!
Planning Phase
Probably the most important phase of your renovation journey is the planning phase. Understanding your budget, design intent and lifestyle are the first things you should be considering before even editing your floorplan.
Be realistic. If your budget is tight, prioritise the ‘must haves’ over the ‘wants’. Things such as large format tiles & that additional dry kitchen carpentry might not be necessary, but having a functioning kitchen and wardrobe tailored to your needs is a better place to allocate your budget to.
Understand how you live. Many first time owners only want to design spaces that wow their friends/family, but most of them don’t take into account how the space actually works for them.
Consider materials. Do you prefer tiles or vinyl? Do you need a glass backsplash or will you choose tiles? Understanding what you want will help streamline the process and give less headache!
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As someone who does this for a living, it’s extremely clear which clients are first time owners and which are experienced owners just by the things they prioritise. Experienced homeowners prioritise FUNCTION over form, while most first time homeowners prioritise form over function. Breaking down the planning phase into small steps makes a big difference. Even the biggest renovations start with just one decision.
Set Priorities
Know what matters most to you so your choice feels easier. Identify your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. This makes compromises easier and keeps your vision on track.
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Remeber to prioritise function over form!
Trust Your Gut
Your home should feel right to you, not anyone else. Take everything you see online with a pinch of salt. While it might look nice on Pinterest, it might not be ergonomically friendly for the way you live. This is why understanding your lifestyle as a first step is important as it helps you narrow down design choices.
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Choosing contractors & going through multiple quotes is a stressful process too. Here's what to look out for: a. Price too good to be true? Check all the line items to make sure everything is quoted for. And make sure it is LINE ITEM quoted!! Cheap quotes might end up costing more in the future. Check out our other article "Red Flags Unveiled: How to Spot Warning Signs in Interior Designers & Contractors". b. Is the contractor responsive with their texts/replies? You might want to be cautious if they take longer to reply as this might affect your timeline. c. Looking for a designer? Does your designer listen to what you want/need and give suggestions that relate directly to the issue?
Ask For Support
Designers exist to guide you, troubleshoot, and answer the questions you didn't even know you had. We're here to take the overwhelm off your shoulders. Unsure of how to pick a designer? Check out our other article "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Interior Designer for Your Home".
Renovation is a big step - and it's normal to feel nervous or uncertain. But with clear steps, thoughtful priorities, and a bit of support, the journey can be exciting and deeply rewarding! Do not hesitate to contact us for any enquiries you have on renovation, we're more than happy to help!
About 10 Studio SG
We’re a boutique interior design studio in Singapore that believes design should reflect how you live — not just what looks good on Instagram.
From thoughtful layouts to lifestyle-based choices, we help first-time homeowners create homes that actually feel like home.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post!
Looking to renovate your home? We're here to help. Click on the button below to contact us for more information!
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