Protecting Your Property During a Renovation

Home renovations of any size or specification are an exciting yet challenging time for property owners. Whether you’re planning a bathroom makeover, a garage conversion or an open-plan lounge/diner, you’ll no doubt have all eyes on the end result. In fact, there’s nothing better than looking forward to completing an inspired home improvement project that can transform living spaces. 

Certain renovations can, at times, seem like an endless stream of non-stop deliveries, discarded piles of materials, and ongoing general mess. From the early morning drop-offs to what feels like a constant flow of tradespeople, your property somehow becomes a hub of activity. And, if not properly managed, this flurry of activity can lead to unintended damage to your home, furniture, or worse—injure people and pets.

Understand the risks

Although it’s rare for anything serious to happen during a renovation, building projects inherently come with various risks that you might want to be aware of. For fans of the TV show, Grand Designs, you have probably heard or seen examples of groundworks and excavation projects uprooting trees, knocking walls down, or causing unlikely mishaps. On some projects, heavy machinery on large vehicles often struggle to access tight driveways or can be seen inching their way into narrow spaces. Without good access signs, bollards, or concrete jersey barriers on site to manage traffic flow and safety, such situations might damage driveways, gates, and landscaped areas around your home. 

Likewise, delivery people carrying materials through doorways can accidentally scrape walls or chip door frames while it’s not uncommon for a tradesperson walking through your home with muddy boots to leave lasting marks on floors. Power tools, unsecured equipment, and heavy machines can be dangerous if they’re not put away properly, so consider childproofing your project and watch out for pets. Dust or debris can also infiltrate living spaces, stain furniture, and upend electronics if not adequately cleared.

Although many renovations can’t work well without skips, be careful about where you ask for them to be parked to avoid obstructing people or other cars, and try to avoid items carelessly being thrown about that might hit something or someone in close proximity. Steel and materials from skips and other items parked on your driveway can also leak rust or damage your driveway, gates, and fences. 

Watch out for wear and tear

Beyond the obvious risks of immediate damage, renovation projects often lead to accumulated wear and tear that might not be immediately apparent. The constant foot traffic of workers can be detrimental to carpets and flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases. Door hinges may become stressed from frequent use, while walls can become marked and scuffed from the movement of materials and equipment.

External areas are equally susceptible. Repeated vehicle access can damage lawn areas or crack paving stones, while scaffolding might leave marks on external walls or damage guttering if not properly installed. The weight of stored materials can also cause unexpected stress on flooring structures or create temporary but unsightly indentations in lawns and gardens.

Protect you and your property

Taking proactive steps to protect you and your property can significantly reduce the risk of damage or injury occurring during renovations. You might choose to create designated access routes through your property, and clearly mark them for all contractors and delivery personnel. Consider laying temporary protective flooring in these areas, such as hardboard or rubber matting, to protect existing floors and carpets. 

While it can be cost-effective, living in a home during a renovation can be challenging so find out different ways you can protect interiors during any refurbishment projects. You might want to consider installing corner protectors on vulnerable walls and door frames, particularly in areas where you expect that materials and furniture will be carried through on a regular basis. Temporary door frames can be created using plywood to protect original woodwork in high-traffic areas.

If you feel that furniture and fixtures can’t be moved, don’t be shy about asking builders about damage clauses in a contract to help protect your property inside and out. If you want to be extra vigilant, invest in proper protective coverings. Dust sheets alone may not be sufficient—consider using bubble wrap or foam padding for delicate items, and ensure they are properly secured. Establish a dedicated storage area for materials and equipment, preferably away from high-traffic areas and valuable items. 

Discuss your worries

Communicate with your contractors about delivery schedules and try to coordinate them to avoid multiple deliveries arriving simultaneously. Ideally, before any work begins, assess your property's access points and identify potential problem areas. If you have a specific and safer unloading area that minimises the risk to your property, let your tradespeople know at the start of the project. This reduces congestion and the likelihood of accidents occurring during unloading. For properties with limited access, consider requesting smaller vehicles for deliveries where possible. While this might mean more frequent deliveries, it can reduce the risk of damage to driveways, gates, or surrounding structures.

Clear communication with all parties involved in your renovation is key. Remember, builders are bound by a comprehensive set of guidelines, so pinpoint those best parking areas and preferred access routes as well as any areas that are strictly off-limits. Ultimately, if you are worried, check insurance policies and look into special mobile storage considerations for valuables, delicate items, or bulkier items.

Deal with incidents and damage

Despite best efforts, accidents can still occur. When they do, it's important to handle them promptly and professionally. Document the condition of your property before work begins, taking photographs of any existing damage or wear. This creates a clear record that can be referenced if disputes arise later. If you’re not happy with the standard of building work, there is a formal complaints route, but this may be complicated on a renovation where multiple contractors are involved.

Whenever possible, try and record any damage with photographs and detailed notes, including the date, time, and circumstances of the incident. Report the incident to the relevant contractor or delivery company as soon as possible. Most reputable companies will have procedures in place for handling such situations and will work with you to resolve the issue. You might also want to check your home insurance policy to understand what coverage you have for renovation-related damage. 

While protecting your property during renovations requires careful planning and ongoing talks with everyone involved, putting preventative measures in place early on can save you a significant amount of time, money, and stress in the long run. By taking the lead in safeguarding your home, any renovation project can run smoothly and safely.

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