Home Renovation Essentials Workshop: Planning, Budgeting & Approvals

What you'll learn

Learn how to plan your home renovation with confidence with our home design and renovation courses in Sydney!

Renovating a home can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between budgets, approvals, consultants, builders, contracts, and countless decisions, it's easy to make costly mistakes before construction has even begun.

This practical workshop is designed to help homeowners understand the renovation process before they commit significant time and money to a project. Guided by an experienced architect, you'll learn how to assess the feasibility of your ideas, establish a realistic budget, understand planning and approval requirements, and confidently navigate the journey from initial concept through to construction.

Whether you're considering a kitchen renovation, home extension, major remodel, or even a new build, this workshop will provide the knowledge and practical tools needed to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

By the end of the day, you'll have a clearer understanding of how successful projects are planned, managed, and delivered — helping you move forward with greater confidence and fewer surprises.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Home Renovation Essentials Workshop, you should be able to:

• Understand the key stages involved in planning a home renovation or new build
• Assess the feasibility of a renovation project before committing significant resources
• Develop a clear project brief for designers and consultants
• Establish a realistic budget and understand the financial considerations involved
• Understand the roles of architects, designers, certifiers, builders, and other consultants
• Navigate planning controls, Council requirements, and approval pathways
• Understand Development Applications (DA) and Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
• Prepare a project programme and manage timelines effectively
• Evaluate builder quotations and understand construction contracts
• Understand the construction process, including variations, payments, and project completion

Course content

What will be included in this Home Renovation Essentials Workshop?

Session 1 (9am - 10.45am): Planning your project 

• Understanding the renovation and building process from concept to completion
• Assessing feasibility: understanding what can realistically be achieved on your site
• Key planning legislation and controls affecting residential projects
• Creating a project brief for your architect or designer
• Establishing project goals, priorities, and expectations
• Developing a realistic budget and contingency planning
• Identifying the consultants required for your project and understanding their roles

Session 2 (11.00am–12.45pm): Approvals and documentation

• Understanding Development Applications (DA)
• Understanding Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
• Navigating Council requirements and planning pathways
• Understanding planning controls including LEPs, DCPs, and relevant State legislation
• The National Construction Code (NCC) and how it applies to residential projects
• Understanding drawings, documentation, and approval requirements at different project stages
• Preparing a project programme and timeline

Session 3 (1.30pm–3.00pm): Construction and project delivery

• Understanding construction loans and project finance considerations
• Obtaining and evaluating builder quotations
• Selecting and engaging a builder
• Understanding construction contracts and insurance requirements
• Managing payments throughout the construction process
• Variations and design changes during construction
• Compliance, certification, and project completion
• Common problems that arise during construction and how to manage them

Delivery method

This Home Renovation Essentials Workshop includes:

• Illustrated presentations and visual examples
• Interactive discussions and practical exercises
• Demonstrations using architectural drawings and 3D modelling software
• Guided exploration of planning and approval resources
• Opportunities to discuss your own project ideas and questions

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Home Renovation Essentials Workshop for?

This workshop is ideal for homeowners planning a renovation, extension, major alteration, or new home build.

It is particularly suitable for people who are at the early stages of a project and want to better understand the planning, budgeting, approval, and construction processes before committing significant time and money.

No previous building, architectural, or construction experience is required.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Additional information

Please note the following:

This workshop provides general educational information only and does not constitute architectural, legal, financial, planning, engineering, or building advice. Individual projects and site conditions vary, and participants should seek professional advice appropriate to their specific circumstances before making decisions relating to a renovation or building project.