Taking on an extension or renovation project is a major undertaking and can be massively overwhelming.

Some homeowners may like the challenge of personally overseeing the whole process while others are hesitant because it is such an intimidating task.

Many of those who choose to project manage an extension or renovation often find that it ends up costing more due to their lack of expertise and experience. 

The aim of this article is to give you a greater understanding of what’s involved in the entire process and why you should consider outsourcing the task to a professional.

The cost of hiring a professional builder may seem on the high side, however, they are worth their weight in gold as they can get the work done faster and with fewer mistakes and delays.

Let’s take a look now at what’s involved when it comes to project managing an extension or a renovation.

Design And Drafting

Having a clear design concept is the first step. Consulting a designer or architect to help you design and plan the renovation or extension will help you to come up with a design that is functional, practical and cost-effective.

When you have finalised the design, make sure you stick to it. Avoid adding or changing things along the way. A lot of homeowners tend to make changes and additions to the original design as they go along.

This is mostly because people tend to browse around or continue researching for designs even after the build has commenced. Avoid changes to the plans as these constant changes will add more time and cost to the project.

Plan! Plan! Plan!

Turning a dream space into a reality is not as easy as taking a clip from a magazine and breathing life into it. It takes a lot of planning and consultation with experts. The following items are a good starting point:

• Write down all your must-have design ideas.
• Make a list of the items you absolutely require.
• Set a calendar of activities and tasks.
• Use a planner so you don’t miss your schedule.
• Research local suppliers and vendors. 
• Get quotes. Do not be afraid to negotiate.

Set A Budget

Controlling your budget is the most important aspect of any extension such as ground floor extensions or second storey extensions or any renovation projects. Dedicate a certain amount of money towards the project and stick to it.

It is also practical to set a contingency budget just in case but stick to the original budget as much as you can. You can do this by:

• Sign a fixed-price contract with your builder. This way, you are making them accountable for the budget too.
• If you choose to go ahead as an owner-builder:
  • Choose materials, furniture, fixtures, and accessories in advance.
  • Order materials in advance. Delays are mostly caused by hold-ups with material deliveries, and damage to materials like cracked or broken tiles and benchtops.
  • Make sure all your materials and everything else you need are on hand when you start the build.

Choose A Reliable Builder And Tradespeople

When you choose to do it yourself, you will find that a major cause of delays can be the trades that work for you and material suppliers. Research and take your time in choosing the right tradespeople.

Hiring the wrong people can lead to increased costs, delays and other problems.

Set A Schedule

Make sure that everyone is aware of the schedule.

• Work to a job time schedule. 
• Discuss progress regularly. You can set daily, weekly, and monthly progress meetings with your tradespeople. 
• Make sure that you are all on the same page when it comes to the design, budget, and schedule.

Be Detail-Oriented

Stay on top of everything by knowing and understanding all the specifications, the full scope of work, the plans and documents involved, etc.

A good project manager should know every single aspect of the project, as well as being able to delegate, monitor, and perform quality control among other things.

Aside from all of the above and taking responsibility for the build, it is also the project manager’s job to:

• To oversee the work of the contractors and subcontractors, tradespeople, etc.
• Deal with the local authorities like permits, planning, health and safety.
• Contract administration.

Coordinating with the design team and other professional consultants like:

• Structural Engineers
• Architects
• Historical Building Specialists
• Ecologists
• Landscapers and other professionals. 

Tools And Equipment You Also Need To Purchase:

• Printed Plans (Pinned on the wall)
• Tape Measure (for checking dimensions)
• Scale Ruler
• Camera (to record progress)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – hard hat, boots, work gloves, etc.
• Cleaning materials.
• Portable toilet for workers.

As we can see from the above, project managing an extension or renovation is a big responsibility and will take up a majority of your time and can be very stressful.

You will have to sacrifice a significant portion of your own time and overall, it can be a very overwhelming experience. 

Why take on a major task when you can entrust the job to experienced professionals who can get the job done right, within budget and within schedule?

Period Extensions & Designs is an award-winning home extension and renovation specialist based in Melbourne. We can design, build and project manage your dream space without going over budget or over time.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Home renovations and extensions, when done right, can significantly increase the value of your property. An upgraded modern bathroom or even some classy floor tiles can make your home look and feel that much more luxurious.

And when you are planning to sell your property, the aesthetics cannot be underestimated.

While some buyers look for properties with great potential, most look for a clean, well-maintained and ready to move-in homes. And in a very competitive market, upgrades, unique features, and luxurious additions can put you ahead of the competition.

These things and more can help sell your house fast and at the price you want. When selling a property, it is not just the resale value that matters, it is also important to close the sale as fast as possible and this is where renovations can help.

Important Considerations Before Investing In Home Renovations

1. What are your renovation goals?
2. Understand which parts of the home yield the highest returns.
3. Set a budget.
4. Work with an experienced design and build team. 
5. Will your design concept and style still be relevant after five to ten years?
6. Plan and set goals.

Renovations are major projects whether you are just renovating a single room or the entire house. It has to be planned and executed correctly in order to gain maximum benefit.

Let’s take a look now at what renovations and extensions can potentially give you the best ROI.

Open Concept Floor Plans

Open concept homes are very popular and will continue to be so for a long time to come. You can open up your space by taking down walls to create an open space concept.

You can keep the original features of your home like wooden beams while you take down walls and barriers that make the space look and feel cramped.

A majority of buyers in today’s market are looking for open concept floor plans and a large kitchen. 

Expected ROI: 50% – 95%. 

Kitchen Remodel

There are so many things you can do to upgrade your kitchen and completely change the vibe of your home. The kitchen is the heart of the home so a major upgrade or a minor renovation can improve your resale value significantly.

Here are some improvements and changes you can make that can increase your property value:

• Update the floor plan. Older kitchens usually have floor plans that no longer work with today’s modern technology and innovations. Keep your floor plan open and as simple as possible. Plan the space so that you have a good flow so your new kitchen will function smoothly.
• Consider upgrading old tiles to marble floors. Marble floors add a touch of luxury with its shine and radiance. This simple upgrade can make potential buyers fall in love with the space.
• Upgrade your kitchen splashback. Remove your outdated tiles and put in subway tiles to give your kitchen an updated modern look. Updating your splashback can make a big difference to your kitchen’s overall appearance.
• Restore or add new granite benchtops. Sometimes a single element can elevate an entire space. Benchtops take up a big space in the kitchen and can become the centrepiece when you choose the right design and materials.
• Add more storage. More practical storage spaces can help to keep the kitchen organised and function better.
• Install new, modern, and practical furniture, appliances and fixtures.
• Use creative lighting and modern lighting fixtures.

Expected ROI: 80% – 90%

Garage Renovation

Sellers usually underestimate garage spaces. In fact, we usually don’t give it too much thought. Your garage can increase the value of your property if you are able to maximise the space and add more functionality to it.

Add more cabinets and drawers for enhanced storage options. You can also replace your old garage door with a modern automated alternative.

Expected ROI: 90% – 98%

A New Deck

Outdoor living spaces are also a major factor that attracts buyers to a house. Outdoor living spaces add functionality and give you more options when it comes to entertainment.

Outdoor spaces like a new deck help buyers to imagine using the space with their family and loved ones. A potential buyer needs to be able to see and imagine themselves using the space.

Design a deck where families can eat and cook a BBQ. Install a hammock or comfy furniture where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. To really enhance the space, consider building a veranda or installing sail shades or some form of shelter.

Expected ROI: 75% – 80%

Bathroom Upgrade

Bathrooms are one of the biggest considerations for buyers when looking for a new house. When renovating, upgrade the bathroom and give it a new modern look.

There are so many options with bathrooms. Shower screens, taps and fixtures, tiles, skylights, cabinets behind mirrors – you are only limited by your imagination.

Expected ROI: 80% – 92%

Final Thoughts

Home renovations are major undertakings that take a lot of planning and expert knowledge of construction and design to get the best results.

Although DIY projects are okay, hiring professionals who have years of experience in renovation and design is always the best option. 

By doing so, you can stick to your budget and design concept without making major design and building mistakes, which in turn lead to delays and other issues which can end up costing a lot of money.

Are you planning to renovate your home? At Period Extensions & Designs, we have updated our business processes so we can continue to serve you during the COVID pandemic.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.