The practical side of a better home
Useful checks for real rooms.
From the first plan to the final walkthrough.
Use these short checklists to organise your ideas, compare finishes and spot questions worth resolving before work begins.
01 / Planning
A short, practical brief makes it easier to compare design options and keep the essentials in view.
List three problems in the current space: not enough bench space, awkward access or storage that is hard to reach.
Separate must-haves from optional upgrades, and record any fixtures or appliances you want to retain.
Include the rooms involved, property type, preferred timing and a working budget range.
02 / Bathroom
A bathroom needs to work when doors and drawers are open, as well as when everything is closed.
Explore this serviceMark the entry door, shower opening and vanity drawers on the same plan. Check how each one affects movement.
Place everyday toiletries near where they are used; compare drawer storage with open shelves for your own routine.
Review ventilation and moisture control during design, alongside the room layout. Have the relevant professionals assess the solution for your home.
Further reading: YourHome: indoor air quality ↗
03 / Kitchen
An attractive kitchen can still feel awkward if the kettle, fridge and dishwasher all compete for the same spot.
Explore this serviceTrace the route from fridge to preparation area, sink and cooking zone. Note where someone walking through would cross it.
Draw appliance doors open. Check the dishwasher, oven and fridge against nearby drawers and the main walkway.
Choose appliances before cabinetry is finalised, and use the manufacturer’s installation dimensions and ventilation requirements.
04 / Laundry
Sorting, washing, drying and folding each need a place, even in a compact laundry.
Explore this serviceMeasure the items you actually store: baskets, vacuum, mop and cleaning bottles. Give tall items a specific cupboard.
Check appliance depth, door opening and required service access against the manufacturer’s instructions before confirming joinery.
Keep a usable folding area clear, rather than filling every surface with appliances or decorative storage.
05 / Materials
Colour, texture and sheen can look different in your own room. A small sample board is more useful than separate screenshots.
Place tile, grout, paint and joinery samples together, and view them in daylight and under the room’s evening lighting.
Ask the supplier about intended use, cleaning products, sealing and ongoing maintenance before choosing a finish.
Check product suitability for the location, including wet areas and floors, rather than relying on colour or a marketing label alone.
06 / Whole home
A shared schedule of finishes and decisions helps adjoining spaces feel connected.
Explore this serviceRecord flooring transitions, door finishes, paint colours and joinery details in one room-by-room schedule.
Identify existing features worth retaining before assuming that every surface needs replacing.
Map temporary access, storage and essential household needs for the work period before agreeing the sequence.
Further reading: YourHome: renovations and additions ↗
07 / Sydney apartments
A kitchen or bathroom renovation in a strata property can need approval. Check your scheme’s process early.
Read the scheme’s by-laws and ask your strata manager what approvals and documents are required for the proposed work.
Confirm delivery access, lift bookings, work hours and protection of shared areas.
Include approval lead time in your planning; do not assume approval for one type of work covers every change.
Further reading: NSW Government: strata renovation rules ↗
08 / Completion
Product information is easier to find later when it is collected as the project progresses.
Keep the final scope, approved changes and a record of the selected products together.
At the walkthrough, check the completed work against the agreed scope and record any items needing follow-up.
Collect the care instructions, warranties and applicable project documents. Record paint colours and product codes for future maintenance.
These are general planning checklists. Final dimensions, product suitability and work requirements need to be confirmed for your property.
More planning questionsYour next chapter
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