Think you’re alone? It seems like a small consolation, but you’re not.

“It’s the same for everybody,” says David Kessler, managing director of Sydney Building Information Centre in Surry Hills. “Renovating opens a can of worms, and 99 per cent of people face similar challenges.”

How to get your energy and enthusiasm back

“Organise a visit by a building inspector to look at what has been done and what needs to be completed,” David Kessler says.

“The inspector will give verbal advice and prepare a written report to explain ways you can quickly and economically get to completion.” This report can also be used to lodge a complaint with the Department of Fair Trading should you have difficulty with any tradespeople.

“Write a list of the things that need to be done, and prioritise.” You can probably handle the unpainted walls and rough, unsanded floor for a little while, but plumbing, holes, and leaks need your immediate attention.

Celebrate what has been finished — it’s good to remind yourself that you are making progress. And breaking up seemingly endless building tasks into smaller jobs gives you a sense of satisfaction and pride when you complete each one.

Once the structural building side of things is done, you’re left with the niggly things like painting and fittings. This is usually when the inspiration runs out. So, break it down, room by room, rather than being daunted by the massive task ahead of you. Once one room is done (and you see good results), chances are your inspiration will come flooding back.And, if possible, take a little break. Go to the beach or the country and recharge, then come back refreshed to finish off.” State manager of Archicentre, Victoria, David Hallett, agrees. “Getting away from the whole building site thing can help you to focus on the end result. You need to keep reminding yourself of the long-term benefit rather than the short-term pain.”

And while there comes a point in most renovations where owners throw their hands up in despair and ask themselves, “why?”, David Hallett says being realistic from the outset helps avoid disappointment. “Develop some clear, realistic expectations in the beginning, and don’t think the project will be over in a few months,” he says. “And whatever you think the project will cost, have five or 10 per cent more up your sleeve as a contingency.”

Archicentre, a national organisation, runs free renovation seminars every four to six weeks. The website — www.archicentre.com.au — has lots of helpful links, such as design guides, cost guides and technical information sheets.

Interior designer and principal of the Australian College of Interior Décor, Linda Taylor-Burton, says renovators must know their limitations. “These days television is showing people that things are a lot easier than they are,” she says. “But you shouldn’t be attempting to do everything yourself. Realise your limitations, and also weigh up the cost of your own time in comparison to paying a tradesperson who may take a lot less time to complete the same job. You might not be saving the money you think you are.” When you realise this, you will be pleasantly surprised rather than disappointed with your renovations.

For more great ideas and practical solutions for your home see http://www.reallivingmag.com.au/