Top 5 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid in Sydney

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Renovating an apartment in Sydney — whether it's in the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, or Inner West — comes with a unique set of challenges. Space constraints, outdated layouts, strata rules, and budget pressures can turn even a simple bathroom renovation into a stressful process. But most of the stress comes from avoidable mistakes.

Here are the top 5 renovation mistakes we see time and time again — and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Understanding Strata or Building Restrictions

Apartment renovations are not the same as free-standing homes.

Common issues:

• Noise restrictions and work hours

• Load-bearing walls you can’t move

• Strata needing waterproofing certification

• Approval delays from the Owners Corporation

✅ Solution: Before anything, consult a builder who understands apartment compliance. At Milani Concepts, we handle all the communication with strata and understand the legal pathways — so you don’t have to.

💸 Mistake 2: Underestimating the Cost of Custom Work

Many people assume apartments are cheaper to renovate due to size — but complexity often increases cost.

Why?

• Restricted access (stairs, lifts, loading zones)

• Plumbing or electrical limitations

• Custom cabinetry to fit tight spaces

✅ Solution:Get a professional concept plan and budget before you commit. Our free Design + Renovation Roadmap Session maps out the realistic scope, cost, and timeline based on your exact apartment.

🚿 Mistake 3: Poor Layout Planning — Especially Bathrooms & Kitchens

Sydney apartments often have awkward, outdated layouts. Simply replacing old fixtures won’t fix the root problem.

Common issues:

• No under-vanity clearance (hard to clean)

• Small showers and poor storage

• Wasted wall space and bad lighting

✅ Solution:Work with a designer-builder who understands both structure and function. We specialise in rethinking the flow of tight spaces, making them feel bigger, brighter, and smarter.

🧰 Mistake 4: Hiring Separate Designer & Builder

Too many clients tell us, “The designer blamed the builder, and the builder blamed the designer.”

What happens:

• Scope misalignment

• Cost blowouts

• Delays from redrawing or miscommunication

✅ Solution:Use a Design + Build company where the same team handles both. At Milani Concepts, our architecturally trained director works on both your design and build — so there’s no blame, just results.

🕳️ Mistake 5: Overlooking Hidden Defects

A beautiful renovation on the outside doesn’t mean everything’s right behind the walls.

Common apartment issues:

• Old waterproofing that leaks

• Mould build-up behind tiles

• Rotted floors under baths or showers

• Ventilation problems in laundries

✅ Solution:Don’t skip proper inspections. We use advanced tools (like thermal and moisture detection) to check what’s happening under the surface — and plan your renovation right from day one.

✅ Summary: Renovate Smart, Not Just Stylish

Renovating your Sydney apartment is more than choosing tiles. It’s about planning smarter, avoiding hidden traps, and investing where it counts.

🏗️ At Milani Concepts, we offer a complimentary Design + Build Roadmap Session to help you make the right start — no pressure, no obligation.

📍 Areas We Service in Sydney

We work with apartment and townhouse owners across:

• Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Randwick)

• Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt)

• North Shore (Mosman, Neutral Bay, Chatswood)

• Northern Beaches (Manly, Dee Why)

• North West / Hills District (Castle Hill, Kellyville)

• CBD & City FringeAnd more.

  
  

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