The Block’s Scott Cam shares his top tips for getting it right, from budgeting and planning to DIY dos and don’ts.
Know your limits before you lift a hammer
It might seem like a fun challenge to take on a DIY project but if you bite off more than you can chew, you risk wasting time, money and even your safety. “A nine-inch grinder is the best way I know to cut your arm off,” says Scott Cam.
And for anyone tempted to try advanced carpentry or plastering without experience? “Forget it. Your first eight tries will look terrible.” Instead, Scott suggests choosing tasks within your skill set. “Painting, swapping cabinet doors, maybe installing flat-pack furniture is all doable,” he says.
Stick to a budget like your reno depends on it
Running out of cash mid-reno is a mistake that Scott sees all too often. “Budget is the most important thing,” he says. The biggest threat to you crossing the finish line? Variations. “Changing your mind adds up. A few tweaks can turn into $30,000 before you know it.”
He suggests working with a square-metre rate as a starting point and investing in a professional estimator if your plans are bigger than just cosmetic tweaks. Budgeting tools and apps can help keep you honest and Scott also recommends spreadsheeting every trade and task: “Break it into sections, like plumbing, electrical and plastering, so you know exactly where the money’s going.”
“Get a whiteboard. Plan your week. Know exactly when each tradie is coming and when they’re needed.”
Look for little upgrades with big impacts
The fine-line navigated by all renovators is boosting their home’s value without spending more than it’s worth. “A new kitchen or bathroom will always add value. You’ll enjoy using it and it’ll sell your house faster,” says Scott. But there are smaller wins, too, like replacing doors on existing cabinetry or putting new benchtops on old carcasses. When asked what the best $500 you can spend on a reno is, Scott doesn’t hesitate: “A coat of paint. It’s simple, effective and can instantly refresh tired spaces.”
Plan tradespeople like a pro (or pay the price)
“The top mistake people make is poor planning,” says Scott. He’s seen it firsthand on The Block—when tradies are booked too early, they stand around on the clock and the budget takes a hit. “Get a whiteboard. Plan your week. Know exactly when each tradie is coming and when they’re needed,” he says. A little organisation goes a long way toward saving time, money and frustration.
Get creative to close any small gaps
You don’t need to spend big to see real results but you do need to be organised so they’re done properly. Scott says the best bang for your buck is ceiling insulation. “You can do it yourself through the manhole—it’s a terrible job but it’ll make a difference to your home’s comfort and energy use.” One quick safety tip: “Make sure you stand on the timber, not the plasterboard or you’ll go straight through the ceiling.”
Another tweak is swapping in efficient lighting (with help from a licensed electrician). Scott says sustainability is non-negotiable on The Block: “We’re aiming for eight-star ratings and we’re strict about things like insulation and double glazing, because small gaps can ruin the whole effect.”