Don`t renovate without first fixing faults. If the house needs re-stumping, re-wiring or re-roofing do this first. Putting time and money into cosmetic improvements without first making sure the building is sound is like putting lipstick on a gorilla.
Don`t renovate without an eye to re-sale. A darkroom, a home theatre or a sound-proofed music room might be perfect for you, but they may not appeal to anyone else when you list your home for sale. The classic? Converting the third bedroom of a three-bedroom home into a lavish en-suite and dressing room. Sounds lovely, but a house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms won`t suit many buyers.