Rob Swanson
What It Takes to Get a Fixed Price on Your Renovation
A fixed price renovation is possible when the right work is done before the job is priced. You’ll hear plenty of builders say a renovation can’t be fixed-priced. The thinking is that you never really know what’s behind the walls […]
You Won’t Notice This Renovation Trap… Until You’re Paying For It
Home renovation cost is rarely what causes stress at the very beginning of a project. Nobody signs a renovation contract expecting tension or budget pressure. Honestly? At the start, it’s exciting. You’re picturing the finished home… the light, the layout, […]
Why a “Cheaper” Move Can Cost You $200,000.00 More Than Renovating
When you get a renovation quote that’s higher than you expected, most people have the same reaction: “Maybe we should just move.” And look, it makes sense. If you’re about to spend a lot, starting fresh can seem like the […]
The 3 Silent Killers of High-End Renovations (And How a Holland Park Project Nearly Became One of Them)
There was a renovation in Crystal Street, Holland Park, that came very close to not going ahead. The family had already invested in plans. They were emotionally committed, and they could see the finished home in their minds. Then the […]
The 5 Quiet Costs Hiding Inside a ‘Free’ Renovation Quote
Most homeowners ask me the same question early on: “Why would I pay for a renovation quote when other builders do free renovation quote?” It’s a fair question. When you’re comparing quotes, it’s easy to assume a quote is a […]
Why Renovating in “Overcapitalised” Suburbs Often Delivers the Biggest Returns
Most homeowners hear the same warning the moment they mention renovating in a premium suburb: “Careful… you don’t want to overcapitalise.” But here’s why overcapitalised suburbs can deliver big returns. It comes from well-meaning friends, family, even professionals. And on […]
The #1 Builders Trick they Use to Look Cheaper (And Why It Can Cost You $30K After You’ve Already Signed)
Most homeowners trust the number on their quote like it’s carved in stone. But I’ve lost count of how many families I’ve met who only discover this builders trick once construction starts. It usually begins with a knock on the […]
This Simple Test Exposes Whether Your Builder Is Renovation-Ready – or About to Wreck Your Budget
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met families standing in a half-finished home, not really renovation-ready – dust everywhere, wires dangling – wondering how a dream renovation turned into a nightmare. The builder had the best intentions. They […]
Why Most Renovation Quotes Explode Mid-Build (And the Simple 8-Week Plan to Protect Every Dollar You’ve Budgeted)
Ask anyone who’s renovated an old home, and you’ll hear a familiar line: “You just never know with renovations”. They’re not wrong. Renovations or even renovation quotes simply don’t behave like new builds. With a new home you can measure […]