Budgeting your renovation, from the scope to concrete prices

Concrete prices, the amount of concrete you need, and how you can afford to pay your trades are some of the practicalities that come with renovating. Building and renovation projects are exciting and some people might’ve ‘caught the bug’ after watching the reality shows on TV. Programs like The Block, House Rules and Reno Rumble, though entertaining, only offer a snapshot of what a project is like.

Starting the project is a commitment in itself, especially for first-timers. Buying the property and doing a walkthrough causes a mixture of excitement and intimidation. But that walkthrough and subsequent visits will give renovators an idea of what needs to get done right away. This is called ‘scoping the project’.

Scoping the project includes setting out the initial budget. It’s important to be transparent with your builder and contractors about your costs and what you can afford. What you want won’t always translate financially. NAB recommends budget calculators to keep you honest and track what you spend.

Getting quotes is the logical next step. Reocrete provides on-site delivery of Readymix Concrete. We also provide steel mesh, which is an essential component to any concrete slab. Our concrete prices depends on how large an area you need. The business is family-owned, friendly, and competitive on price. Our combination of steel mesh, concrete delivery, and even on-site storage makes us your one-stop-shop for a major component of your renovation. Our quotes are delivered the next day, so you won’t have to wait long at all, unlike some trades that take more time.

As with all planning in advance, you should set some money aside for contingencies. Sometimes builds go over budget thanks to last minute decisions and clients not understanding what’s included in the scope. The general recommendation is adding an extra 10 – 20% to the total budget.