Renovation Made Easy: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Journey
- 10 Studio
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 22
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. That’s why we’re here to guide you with care and experience. We hope to 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!
The Planning Phase: Your Foundation for Success
The planning phase is the most important part of your renovation journey. Understanding your budget, design intent, and lifestyle are the first things you should consider before even touching your floorplan.
Be Realistic About Your Budget
Be realistic. If your budget is tight, prioritise the ‘must-haves’ over the ‘wants’. Large format tiles and that additional dry kitchen carpentry might not be necessary. Instead, focus on having a functioning kitchen and wardrobe tailored to your needs. That’s a better place to allocate your budget.
Understand Your Lifestyle
Understand how you live. Many first-time owners want to design spaces that wow their friends and family. However, they often overlook how the space actually works for them.
Choose the Right Materials
Consider materials carefully. Do you prefer tiles or vinyl? Do you need a glass backsplash, or will tiles suffice? Understanding what you want will help streamline the process and reduce headaches!
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As someone who does this for a living, it’s clear which clients are first-time owners and which are experienced. 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.
Prioritising Your Needs
Know what matters most to you so your choices feel easier. Identify your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. This makes compromises easier and keeps your vision on track.
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Remember to prioritise function over form!
Designing for You
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 may not be ergonomically friendly for the way you live. This is why understanding your lifestyle as a first step is crucial. It helps you narrow down design choices.
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Choosing Contractors: What to Look For
Choosing contractors and going through multiple quotes can be stressful. Here’s what to look out for:
Price Too Good to Be True?
Check all the line items to ensure everything is quoted. Make sure it is LINE ITEM quoted! Cheap quotes might end up costing more in the long run. Check out our other article "Red Flags Unveiled: How to Spot Warning Signs in Interior Designers & Contractors."
Responsiveness Matters
Is the contractor responsive with their texts and replies? If they take longer to respond, this might affect your timeline.
Designer Compatibility
Looking for a designer? Does your designer listen to what you want and need? Do they provide suggestions that relate directly to your issues?
The Role of Designers
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 how to pick a designer? Check out our other article "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Interior Designer for Your Home."
Embracing the Renovation Journey
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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