Must-Haves vs Nice-to-Haves: How to Prioritize Your Renovation Wishlist
Renovating your home is exciting—until you’re staring at a wishlist that feels more like a novel and a budget that makes you want to cry into your coffee. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
The truth is, when it comes to renovations, it’s easy to get caught up in all the things. But here’s the secret to staying sane (and on budget): break that wishlist into two categories—must-haves and nice-to-haves. It’s a simple shift that makes decision-making a whole lot easier.
Let’s dig in.
Step 1: Brain Dump Your Wishlist
First things first—get it all out of your head and onto paper. This is your no-judgment zone, so don’t overthink it. Just write.
Here are a few prompts to get you started:
What’s driving you crazy about the space right now? (Lack of storage, bad lighting, awkward layouts?)
What’s your dream vibe? Sleek and modern, cozy and rustic, or something in between?
Are there features or materials you’ve been low-key obsessing over? (Looking at you, Pinterest boards.)
What’s functional vs purely aesthetic? (Both matter—this is your dream list, after all.)
✨ Pro tip: Don’t hold back. This is your chance to dream big before we start narrowing it down.
Step 2: Highlight Your Must-Haves
Now it’s time to get real. Grab a highlighter (or your favourite app) and go through your list again. For each item, ask yourself:
Does this fix a problem or make the space more functional?
Is this something I’ll use or appreciate every single day?
Would the renovation feel incomplete without it?
These are your non-negotiables.
Example:
If your kitchen layout makes cooking feel like a game of Twister, fixing that layout is a must-have.
If you’ve always loved the look of a farmhouse sink but it doesn’t change how you use the space, that probably lands in “nice-to-have.”
Step 3: Define Your Nice-to-Haves
Everything left over? Those are your nice-to-haves. They’re the cherry on top—great if you can swing them, but not deal-breakers if the budget says otherwise.
Examples:
Heated bathroom floors: dreamy, but maybe not a must if the numbers are already tight.
That stunning designer light fixture: gorgeous, but you could find a dupe and still get the vibe.
The trick here is honesty—what’s going to change your everyday life vs what just makes you smile when you walk into the room.
Why This Matters
Renovations are a big investment, and it’s easy to lose track of priorities. Sorting your wishlist this way means you’re not just making decisions—you’re making smart ones. You’re putting your money where it matters most, and still leaving space for those fun extras when the budget allows.
And remember: this isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Your must-haves will look totally different from your neighbour’s or your best friend’s. That’s the beauty of it—you’re building a home that works for you.
Renovations will never be 100% stress-free (sorry, I wish I could say otherwise😜), but they also don’t have to make you want to pull your hair out. Taking the time to split your wishlist into must-haves and nice-to-haves gives you clarity, saves you from budget heartbreak, and keeps the process moving forward.
So grab a pen—or your favourite app—pour yourself a coffee (or a glass of wine), and start dreaming. The end goal isn’t a picture-perfect Pinterest board, it’s a home that feels like you. And trust me, that’s worth it.