First Home Buyers |

If you're a first home buyer, we bet you're a first home renovator! It’s an exciting milestone—new keys, fresh start, big plans. Maybe you’re already dreaming about open-plan living, a walk-in pantry, or a full bathroom reno. But before you pick up the sledgehammer or start ordering tiles, pump the brakes. The best renovations start with patience, not panic. So here are our tips on getting the best out of your new investment.

Don't rush to knock down walls.

We get it—you’ve watched enough Grand Designs to know that “open-plan” is the dream. But before you start swinging hammers, live in your new home for a while. Let yourself settle. Pay attention to how you naturally move through the space, what corners you use most, and which areas you tend to avoid. Maybe that wall you were going to remove actually provides a useful buffer between noisy zones? Or perhaps the kitchen you thought was too small actually functions just fine. Patterns emerge over time, and you might find that your priorities shift after living there for a few months.

Experience every season first.

There’s real value in living in your home for at least a year before making major changes. Different seasons will reveal different quirks and challenges. You might find the living room that seemed light and airy in summer turns into a freezing cave come winter. Or maybe that back corner of the house that felt quiet and cozy is actually where the wind whistles through gaps in the cladding. Rainy months could expose a sneaky leak in the roof, or poor drainage around the property. Experiencing your home through all seasons gives you a much clearer picture of what really needs to be addressed—and what can wait.

Focus on what impacts your daily life.

Once you’ve had a chance to settle in, you’ll start to notice the things that really need work. Maybe it’s poor lighting in the hallway, a leaky tap that’s driving you nuts, or storage that just isn’t cutting it. This is the time to make a realistic list of what needs attention—starting with the things that impact your daily comfort and safety. Don’t forget that some issues (like damp spots or dodgy wiring) might not have been obvious during your initial inspections or necessarily identified in the LIM or Builders Report, but items such as these will definitely need fixing before any aesthetic upgrades.

Don't go spending good money after bad.

It’s tempting to think that dropping a quick $100k on renovations will “add value”—but without a plan, you might just be pouring money into the wrong places. A renovation without clear direction can quickly turn into a budget blowout. The smarter move? Start with a holistic design plan. Work with INLINE and look at your home as a whole. Then, break that big plan into smaller, bite-sized projects that make sense for your timeline and budget. That way, every dollar you spend is part of a bigger vision—and you avoid the trap of redoing work later because the first round didn’t quite hit the mark.

Your first home might not be perfect from day one, but that’s part of the journey. Take your time, plan wisely, and make changes that truly work for you. Renovating is a marathon, not a sprint—and with a little patience, you’ll create a space that feels just right.