The Australian Renovation Timeline: What Homeowners Actually Do

Australians are known for loving a good home project. However, the reality of when and how we renovate might surprise you.

TileCloud’s research data found that most homeowners don’t jump into renovations right after buying. In fact, 80% of TileCloud customers said they bought their homes more than two years ago, and 40% had owned their properties for over four years before starting renovations.

With this in mind, we share more on when Australians actually start renovating, which rooms they tackle first and the common challenges that come up. We've worked with local businesses that understand the market to get real insights into renovation patterns and timing.

Meet the local experts:

Jessica Pukacz, Senior Marketing Specialist at Laminex
Rebecca Senyard, Plumber at The Plumbette
Jalissa Morris, Brand and Segment Manager at Lysaght
Cushla McFadden, Interior Designer at Tom Mark Henry Studio

When do Australians start renovating a house?

We already know most people don’t renovate straight after buying — and the data from the experts backs that up. Laminex’s Jessica Pukacz puts their estimates at “within 2 to 5 years of purchasing a property”.

She continues: “This timing often coincides with settling into the home, identifying its unique characteristics and reassessing lifestyle needs.”

And once people start, most people prefer to do the work in stages, which allows them to live in the property while work is being done. The Plumbette’s Rebecca Senyard explains this can also come with financial benefits: “This approach can also help spread out costs and give more time for thoughtful planning.”

What gets people moving on home renovations?

Project plans usually kick off when there’s enough time and money to put into the home. The decision usually comes from a clear need: more space, modernising an older home or making the place feel more “you.”

Here’s what else can influence when renovations get underway:

Lifestyle changes: Working from home, welcoming kids or shifting routines often push homeowners to finally make a start.
Seasonal momentum: “Spring often inspires activity as homeowners prepare for the warmer months,” says Lysaght’s Jalissa Morris.
Economic factors: Interest rates, property prices and material costs can all affect whether people renovate now or hold off.
Selling or staging: Some plan renos around putting their home on the market, knowing a few smart updates can boost value and buyer appeal.

Metro vs regional differences

Renovation timelines can also vary depending on where you live. City homeowners often deal with tighter schedules and higher trade costs, while those in regional areas may plan projects around the availability of materials and trades. It all comes down to lifestyle and what you have at hand.

How to plan a home renovation timeline

When it comes to renovating, most homeowners don’t overhaul the biggest or most expensive rooms first. Instead, they learn the ropes by starting with spaces that make everyday life a little easier.

Here’s a deeper dive into where Australians usually jump into their reno journey and why.

Bathrooms and laundries lead the way

When it comes to kicking off a renovation, most Aussies start small. Bathrooms and laundries are usually the first rooms to get a makeover, as they’re compact, practical and give you a good feel for the process without taking over your whole house.

“These smaller, self-contained spaces offer immediate lifestyle upgrades and strong resale value, making them ideal for those testing the waters of home improvement,” says Pukacz.

Starting with smaller spaces first helps build confidence (and lessons learned) before diving into the heart of the home.

Kitchens come later

Once those are done, the focus often shifts to kitchens. They’re bigger projects that need a bit more planning; things like layout, cabinetry and finishes take time to get right.

“Kitchens often come with greater complexity,” Pukacz explains. “That’s why many homeowners choose to build confidence through simpler projects before diving into a full-scale kitchen transformation.”

What do homeowners find most challenging?

Renovating a home is exciting and full of opportunities to create a space you’ll love, though it does come with a few obstacles along the way. Here’s a closer look at what tends to trip people up and how to avoid the extra stress.

Planning

According to Tom Mark Henry Studio’s Cushla McFadden, renovators' nerves usually hit early: “The most common nerves we see are around the start of the build process.”

The early planning stage is “where initial excitement meets the realities of cost, complexity and coordination,” says Pukacz.

Renovators also need to navigate council approvals, compliance certificates and regulations. For peace of mind, bring in the pros early.

“The best builds start with collaboration,” says Morris. “Bring your designer (if you have one), builder and supplier together early to make sure your materials and design work hand in hand.” Thorough planning helps reduce stress and keeps the project running smoothly.

Budgeting

Balancing dreams with dollars is another common challenge. Expenses can add up quickly, and it’s easy to underestimate how much time, materials or trades will cost.

As Pukacz points out, “Investing time upfront to plan thoroughly and manage your project strategically can save significant time, stress and money in the long run.”

A well-considered budget keeps the renovation realistic while still achieving your design goals.

Layout

Creating a functional layout that flows well and maximises space can be tricky. Poorly thought-out layouts can make even the most beautiful spaces feel cramped or awkward. Thinking carefully about how you move through each room and where key elements sit will give you a room that’s as practical as it is stylish.

McFadden also says that ceiling heights can transform your home’s layout and help “maximise the feeling of space, volume and light in a space.”

Visualisation

It’s one thing to imagine your dream space, another to bring it to life. Tools like sample packs, mood boards and 3D renderings can help you see your design clearly before work begins.

Materials

Choosing the right materials means balancing style, practicality and durability. Bathrooms and kitchens need surfaces, like tiles and benchtops, that handle moisture and heavy use, while living areas may need finishes that wear well over time. If you need help, check out our guide on things to consider before choosing your tiles.

Spending time researching and testing materials ensures your renovation looks great and stands up to wear and tear.

Tips for getting reno ready

If you’re staring at a room in need of a refresh, you’re in good company. Renovations can be tricky, but with a little planning and the right approach, you can turn your ideas into a space that really works for you.

We’ve created this resource to help you get reno ready in five steps:

1. Dream it

Start by picturing your perfect space, whether it’s a living room, bathroom, kitchen or any other room in your home. Take our Reno Readiness Quiz, book a design appointment and start a Pinterest board to get visualising.

2. Plan it

Once you know your vision, it is time to get practical. Check for permits, get quotes and set a realistic budget. Simple updates can make a big difference without a full overhaul. As Rebecca Senyard explains, “Replacing tapware and the toilet, and reapplying silicone and grout in the shower and bath areas” gives you a mini makeover that can really get the ball rolling.

3. Book it

Lock in your key trades such as tilers, builders and electricians and map out your timeline. Knowing who is doing what and when takes the stress out of the process and helps everything run smoothly.

4. Choose it

Pick your materials, finishes and fixtures. Also consider practical choices such as durable surfaces and easy-to-clean finishes. Small swaps, like a new showerhead or tapware, can make a noticeable difference.

5. Do it

Bring your plans to life. Here you’ll have ticked off everything on the checklist above, and you’ll be in the swing of renovations! You can also see our blog on common renovation mistakes for what to watch out for along the way.

Planning a full home renovation? We can help

TileCloud’s research shows that home renovations don’t happen overnight; they’re shaped by time and how people grow into their spaces. Most homeowners take a few years to understand what works and what doesn’t before making big changes.

Whether it’s updating a bathroom, redoing a kitchen or tackling a full home refresh, planning and patience go a long way in creating a space that truly feels like home.

If you’re ready to start planning your own project, take our style quiz or visit in-store to find the right look for your new home.