Renovate with confidence: Shannon Vos shares top reno tips Part #1

As a painter turned interior designer, and having won The Block with his brother Simon in 2014, Shannon Vos is no stranger to renovating.

In2019, Shannon and his wife Lisa purchased a mid-‘80s four-bedroom home to transform into the perfect family home for them and their two boys.
Shannon put his DIYer skills to good use and managed a lot of the renovation himself – including the construction of the front DecoBatten® fencing.

Tip #1. Live in your home before you renovate

Shannon’s believes it is important to live in the space before you start making changes. Living in the home allows you to properly understand the design and layout, and why things are the way they are. The firsthand experience will help you to evaluate what works (or doesn’t work) for you and your family, helping to ensure any changes align with your lifestyle.

TIP #2. Hire proper trades and experts

One of Shannon’s golden rules is knowing when to bring in the professionals. While it’s rewarding to get hands-on and tackle some DIY during a renovation, it’s just as important to recognise the value of experienced trades and specialists. Proper planning and expert advice can save time, money and avoid costly mistakes.

TIP #3. Tidy up around the job site

A painter by trade, Shannon can’t emphasise enough the importance of keeping a clean worksite. Even if you aren’t on the tools, supporting trades by tidying up the jobsite can really help keep things running smoothly. Removing rubbish, sweeping up the dust and debris, emptying the bins are all ways to make sure the tradies can get in and get the job done!