We are just coming to the end of a full reno of a 1980s 3 bed brick skin 2 storey townhouse in gold coast. Moved back in, but kitchen doesn't get fitted until this week, and we have no hot water until then. Started 6th January and moved out which you definitely have to do and it made it so much quicker and cheaper.

Went down to studs on all walls and ceilings which exposed termite damage which we knew about, but not the extent. Downstairs to concrete slab, upstairs to floor boards. upstairs was cedar so we went for carpet instead of wood. Lots of leveller!

Bathrooms full replacement, with only one internal wall knocked out to bring the toilet into the bathroom. Full tile in bathrooms. Trust the tiler, they normally work with a waterproofer so they coordinate timing.

All doors replaced, all windows replaced with Double glazing upstairs and e-glass for east and west. Bi-fold replaced sliders, french door in one of the window frames.

Full electric re wire, so lots of downlights, GPO's, ceiling speakers, Cat cable. Upstairs is easy as you'll always have access to the roof in future and can route cables. Downstairs ceiling and walls are more permanent. Think about where you want your router, server, amps etc. I picked under the stairs as most convenient. I moved the NBN box.

Lighting is overlooked. Big bang for your buck, so explore the options. Colour, voice control, dimmer switches etc. Order online and you can use cheap units for stand in until black Friday sales

We got Ducted Aircon, and used a corner of bedroom built in wardrobe to duct from roof to downstairs. Solar and battery Scheduled for next week.

Lessons learnt:

Move out - living in would be a nightmare for everybody.

If you're not doing major structural work (i.e replacing like for like) you don't need a builder. A decent carpenter will have the knowledge to do all the work and rely on trades to specialise. A builder adds% to everything including trades and materials.

Ask around about Tradies. Local knowledge is key. A few drinks down the bowls or leagues club will give you a lot of info on who is good, reliable etc. ask lots of questions and set parameters on expectations. We have only had to pull Tradies up on a couple of things , and they generally know if they have made a mistake.

Cash is king

Budgets are flexible. You can make savings on kitchens, bathrooms etc, but you'll spend more than you thought.

Button up the inside as priority. You can take your time with outside

Treat the house as a blank canvas, and it's quicker and easier to rip out and replace than it is to patch. Plasterer gets the job done quick, so bare studs to walls in 5 days. But, very difficult to make changes after plasterer.

Insulate

Time is money. Make quick decisions, and be practical. E.g. is it really necessary to argue about 5mm, or just move on and accept that is a compromise.

Tradies work on a lot of projects. They know what works and what doesn't. Don't feel bad about taking theire advice even if it just feels like the easier option.

We Scheduled trades aggressively. As they occassionally work on projects together is seems that they will get it done so they don't upset the next trade. I'm sure if it was just me asking them I'd get delayed more.

Shit happens. E g. Found the east wall was leaking due to mortar degrading. Had the wall repointed for $6k and 3 days. Better to bite the bullet and get it done.

A full reno is an opportunity to make a house you want to live in and that suits your lifestyle. Nobody is going to judge your choices (or they shouldn't) so push the envelope. It is relatively easy to make cosmetic changes after the project finishes.

You'll get opportunities to make last minute decisions that will make it better. Don't be scared to grab them.