When you’re looking to renovate your property, you inevitably jump online to do some research and get some inspiration and for the aspiring certified owner builder a lot of ideas can be found on this handy little social media platform.
If you’ve been in the position of needing a little bit of inspo platforms such as Pinterest and to a lesser degree Houzz will have helped you through the initial stages of getting your ideas together and choosing the look for your renovation project.
But does Pinterest specifically work for or against owner builders in their quest to create the perfect space with the best ROI?
Apart from offering way too many options to choose from, Pinterest is a fantastic option for owner builders who are certified and ready to get cracking on a new building project for their investment or new property.
The app allows users to ‘pin’ inspiration to their own virtual pin board and create themed boards to help with future inspiration.
But is the whole Idea of a virtual pin board a recipe for spending too much money on décor and lofty renovation concepts, rather than being smart and spending time and money on essential items that will get a return on investment?
Here are a few things to remember for owner builders to consider when using Pinterest as a tool of choice for your next renovation project:
Does the look match your family? While the idea of a open plan living room and dining room looks incredible will it be practical with 2 kids a dog and a set of parents who like their own space and a place to chill out at the end of the day over a glass of wine.
Are the materials suitable for your home? Using materials that are super arty can be expensive and not practical for the upkeep of your property. While wallpapered rooms may look great, you might need to consider homes with painted walls so you can remove crayon from them or even wipe down when the dog comes into the house with a coat full of mud.
Is your décor to everyone’s taste? If you are a registered owner builder looking to sell as soon as your project is complete it is important to create a look that is suitable for a wide range of tastes. While bright orange pendant lights and bespoke wall panelling might be to your taste, will it put off buyers or renters?
Will your improvements add value? This is by far the most important consideration for owner builders looking to create a space that is functional and valuable for their return on investment. You don’t want to spend 6 months working on a property to have your décor or fit out choices devalue your property.
If you’re a certified owner builder looking to confirm a look for your property, by all means it is a great platform to get some ideas but be careful of getting too caught up in the app so that you start creating a look that sucks the budget out of your building project.
Pin a few images, get some quick inspiration but if you are trying to make the best return focus on what you have in front of you at your property and look to invest wisely, so you don’t overspend on your project by getting caught up in Pinterest madness.
Prospective NSW owner builders and QLD owner builders now have the option of undertaking an online course to get their qualification quickly and simply online.
If you’re passionate about renovating and looking to become an owner builder we have the qualification to suit your needs. We offer a fair trading approved certification via an online owner builder course that is suitable for NSW and QLD residents. To find out more click here to discover everything you need to know about becoming an owner builder today.