Home renovations can cost a lot of money. And when you do not have a big budget to work with, any money-saving tricks are most welcome. You do not have to spend on high-end materials to achieve a luxurious space. There are a number of ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of the build.

Aside from finding ways to save on the whole project, it is important to:

• Set a budget and stick to it
• Set a definite time for completion
• Hire the right contractor
• Consider the resale value or cost recuperation

Getting the project done right and on time can mean getting it done for less. But there are more ways to save money on the project too. Here’s how:

Plan Ahead

Plan the remodel by getting the designs and blueprint done early before you start. Look out for deals and promos for the materials, furniture, fixtures and accessories. Buy them during promo season before you start the project. Do not be in a hurry to start.

Make sure you have the materials sourced, ordered and in stock before you officially start the build. Once you start, you cannot delay or stop because you run out of materials. Have everything on hand. Be fully committed even before you start. 

Expect The Unexpected

Anticipate delays, mistakes, and accidents so you have enough wiggle room in your budget, time, and materials. Do not order the exact quantity of materials, always get extra in case some tiles break, etc.

Expect delays or mistakes in the materials you order so leave room in your schedule for some delays. Minor mistakes can set you back a day or two and can create a domino effect. Always be ready for the unexpected.

Do Not Change The Existing Floor Plan

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. If your existing layout works just fine, do not move or change it. Moving the floor plan means moving the plumbing and electrical system, possibly the HVAC system too. This is very expensive. Try to work with the existing layout to save money, unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.

Use Stock Sizes

Choose standard sizes for your materials as this is cheaper than custom pieces. This works for storage and fixtures too. It is also easier to source out materials with standard sizes so you don’t only save money, you save time as well.

Buy Cheaper Materials

Buying cheaper materials does not mean you are sacrificing the quality of the materials. Sometimes, where you buy the products matters.

For example, tiles are much cheaper at resale or outlet stores than in big home improvement stores. You can also find high-quality materials at a better price in online stores like eBay or Craigslist. Canvass the cheapest price from different stores before you buy.

Building Supply Auctions

Check for state and local auctions for building supplies. There are plenty around. Ask your local business association or your local authorities for scheduled auctions. Building auctions is a great place to buy good quality materials in bulk at a much lower price.

Haul The Materials Yourself

Where possible, try to pick up the materials yourself so that you can avoid expensive delivery charges. Renting a truck yourself instead of using the store’s delivery can save you a lot of money or better still, ask your mates to see if someone has a ute that you can borrow for half a day.

Stay Away From Recent Trends

Stick with classic materials and design. Avoid going with the trend. Trendy materials are expensive and can easily go out of style fast. Going with classic colours and style means you do not have to update your space often and the materials can easily be sourced. They are cheaper too.

Do The Small Jobs Yourself

Save on labour costs by doing the small jobs yourself. Labour costs have skyrocketed in recent years. A few odd jobs that you can do yourself can significantly lower your labour costs.

Save On Appliances 

There are ways to save on appliances:

• Buy during promos and big sales
• Look for unnoticeable scratches and dents
• Buy used but not abused furniture and accessories
• Skip the extended warranty

Do you want to learn more ways to save on your remodelling project and achieve the space you have been dreaming of? Talk to our designers and experts now! 

Please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Taking on a home renovation project is exciting but can also be intimidating. Unless you have an unlimited budget to cover everything that may go wrong, you need a good builder who will ensure your project will be on budget and on time.

Before you start any renovation project, you have to make sure that you are 100% committed and are ready to invest both time and money into it. Uncertainty about what you want can lead to multiple design changes, delays, and mistakes that can cost thousands of dollars.

We have put together a list of easy steps you can use as a guide when undertaking your own remodelling project. This list can be used as a guide to help you avoid the many pitfalls experienced by others.

Planning

Planning is perhaps the most important part of the renovation process. In fact, it is the most important part of any build. This is where you consider all the factors relating to the build, including design, budget and duration of the build.

• Budget – make sure you have enough money to cover the costs plus some contingency in the budget in case there are delays, accidents, and mistakes during the build.
• Timeline or Schedule – It is important to set a timeline for the completion of the project. This will help you stay within budget and achieve a cohesive build.
• Design – Sit down with your designer, architect or draftsman to come up with the design of your dreams that also falls within budget and can be completed within the time allocated.
• Choose the Right Contractor or Builder – Hiring the right builder or contractor means being able to stick to the budget and timeline while achieving a high-quality build. Put quality of work ahead of price when it comes to hiring a contractor. Check out their previous projects and talk to former clients. Don’t just jump at the cheapest option.
• Demolition – We highly recommend you hire professionals to carry out the demolition and subsequent build. A professional will have the expertise to do it right and avoid any mishaps. Furthermore, they can dispose of the building debris more efficiently than perhaps you may be able to. You also need to be aware of the presence of asbestos on your property, which will require professionals to demolish and dispose of as per the regulations.

Electrical and Plumbing

Once the space is cleaned and is ready for the next stage, you or your builder can start installing the HVAC, electrical wiring and plumbing system. This is important because the site will require an inspection of your electrical, HVAC, and plumbing system before you and your builder can continue the work. Make sure everything is in order so you will pass the inspection and avoid any delays and re-dos.

Drywalling and Framing

Only when you have passed the electrical, plumbing and HVAC inspections can you start the following:

• Installing the drywall
• Moving and constructing walls
• Adding new support beams
• Putting in door and window openings

Painting

The painting process should be the fun part if you are DIY-ing your renovation. You have a blank canvas to paint and design your dream space. Choose the right paint that will complement or contrast the existing building so you can get a cohesive and unique area.

Cabinets and Fixtures

Allow the paint to dry completely before you start installing cabinetry, lighting and fixtures including sinks, faucets, showers etc.

Installing Doors and Windows

When all else is done, you are ready to install your doors and windows before you can start bringing in the furniture and decorations and putting in hardwood floors.

Install Flooring

The flooring is one of the last things to be installed so it doesn’t get scratched, or damaged during the renovation process. Once the flooring is done, you can then install the carpets or laminate tiles or whatever finish you have decided upon.

Clean and Finish

Once you are done, make sure you work on the finishes and clean up so the space is ready for moving in.

Decorate

The room is not completely finished until you have brought in the furniture and accessories. This is where you can add a personal touch to the newly renovated space. Make it yours.

Congratulations, your renovation project is complete!

Final Thoughts

Home renovations can be exciting but they can also be overwhelming and a lot can go wrong if you don’t have the necessary experience.

Professional project managers know the dos and don’ts that can help keep you on budget and on schedule, not to mention deliver the best results.

For all your renovation and extension projects, trust only the best in Melbourne. At Period Extensions & Designs, we combine award-winning designs with down to earth service that is second to none. Let us help you bring your vision to life!

Please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Doing a home renovation project is a big decision and can be daunting at times. However, overseeing the project yourself can be more overwhelming, to say the least. At Period Extensions & Designs, we understand how big a responsibility it is to project manage a home renovation.

We also understand that most homeowners do not have the luxury of time and expert knowledge to manage a construction project. This is why we offer a one-stop service where we take care of your needs from start to finish.

Whilst you may think it is okay to personally manage your own renovation project, we do not recommend it. Without the experience and expertise, you can overlook a lot of factors that might end up delaying the project, jeopardising the budget and compromising the finish.

Construction and design mistakes are costly and the project can become a money pit if you are not careful. Our advice is that you engage a professional company to design and construct your renovation project. Following are the benefits of hiring a professional team:

Remove The Stresses Of Building

Hiring a professional does not mean you do not have a say in the running of the project. A project manager will consult with you during the build process and while making your vision a reality.

They will organise and lead the team from inception to completion while regularly updating you and coordinating with you and the team of trades. You still have full control over the project, you just hand over the day-to-day tasks so you can focus on more important things.

The Project Manager Can Coordinate The Timing And Phasing Of The Project

Coordinating the timing and phasing of the project so you can finish on time is a big challenge. Most projects rarely run on schedule even with professional project managers at the reigns.

It will be so much more difficult for a homeowner to coordinate this. A good project manager knows how to spot potential issues and organise the trades and schedule to get the project running as smooth as possible. 

Managing Trades

Managing trades is a complicated task that must be handled and coordinated properly. The project manager has to make sure that the carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc are brought in at the right time. Coordinating and managing various tradespeople is time-consuming, stressful and difficult at times.

A good project manager must be good at handling all kinds of people and getting them to stick to a strict schedule to make sure the project is delivered on time and on budget.

OH&S

The project manager is also in charge of the safety protocols during the build which is probably the most important consideration of all. This is a highly regulated sphere with immense responsibility and requires specialist training. 

Keeps Your Project On Time And On Budget

A project manager’s number one goal is to make sure that the project is completed on time and on budget without compromising the quality of the build. This is a big challenge because even the most experienced project managers know that delays, accidents, problems, and unexpected surprises can happen at any time.

These situations can delay the project and can cost a lot more money than planned. A good project manager can anticipate and work around these challenges so the project runs smoothly and is finished on time and within budget. 

While most projects do not always stay on budget and on schedule, finishing within or near the targeted completion date is doable when you have a reliable and experienced project manager.

Final Thoughts

Most homeowners think that they can save more money by overseeing or managing the project themselves. However, most of the time, you end up spending more when you do so.

When you are overly involved in your own reno project, you are bound to make abrupt changes often based on emotion and not practicality. And as we mentioned earlier, when you do not have the experience and patience in handling tradespeople, you might cause more delays and jeopardise the project even more. 

Let the experts handle your build. Professional project managers know the dos and don’ts that can help keep you on budget and on schedule, not to mention deliver the best results. 

For all your renovation and extension projects, trust only the best in Melbourne. At Period Extensions & Designs, we combine award-winning designs with down to earth service that is second to none. Let us help you bring your vision to life! 

Please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Home renovations can be a big challenge and can easily turn into a nightmare if they are not planned and implemented well. However, if done right, it can also make your dream renovation ideas come true.  

A few renovation mistakes can mean blowing your budget or delaying the project. It is important to know what to watch out for and focus on.

In this article, we have come up with a list of common but costly mistakes for you to try and avoid when you start your renovation project.

1). Choosing The Cheapest Contractor Or Builder

The cheapest almost always does not equate to ‘the best.’ Some companies give cheap quotes just to get the job. They then cut corners or provide you with materials and labour that are not up to standard. Remember that quality costs money. When you choose a building contractor, consider at least three written quotes.

Then, proceed by researching and checking their past projects and asking their previous clients for reviews. Stick to your budget without compromising the quality. When you go cheap, you get low-quality results. This, in turn, means you will regret the decision you have made later down the track. 

2). Lowballing Your Budget

Set a reasonable budget, that is making sure your budget matches the size of your project. When you set a very low budget, expect nothing but low quality. Do your research by asking others who have recently done a home renovation. Remember that the cost of materials is always on the increase and consequently, so is the cost of the build. 

Set aside 15% of the total budget as a contingency. Some unforeseen costs are bound to come up during the build. A damaged wall or electrical and plumbing issues can happen unexpectedly. It is important that you have a contingency budget available to fund these extra costs and avoid delays.

3). Skimping On Things That You Can’t See

Most of the components of your home that make it efficient can’t be seen. The foundation, insulation, plumbing and heating, termite treatments, etc. Just because you can’t see them does not mean you can skimp on quality. 

4). Measuring For Cabinetry

Measure twice and cut once. As the saying goes, accuracy in measuring cabinetry cannot be underestimated. Most homeowners buy cabinets without taking any measurements.

So when they buy and install, they realise it does not fit in their kitchen or other appliances such as their fridge don’t fit. When purchasing or having custom-built cabinetry, always measure and remeasure. 

5). Order Extra Flooring

Do not order just enough flooring to cover what you need. It is wise to order 20% more than what is actually required so you have enough on hand to allow for wastage when cutting the tiles to fit the area as well as to replace any damaged ones down the track.

This is important because tiles are hard to match should you need them down the track, because for example, they may stop manufacturing that design or style. There is no guarantee that you will find the exact match or similar pattern when you may next need them.

This can be applied to timber flooring as well. It takes weeks to order and receive flooring materials. Delays in a renovation project may end up costing you more money.

6). Not Putting A Floor Drain In The Laundry

This small detail is often ignored and omitted from the plan. Imagine if the hose of your washing machine breaks, you could end up with a flooded laundry and possibly the rest of the house. This can lead to problems with your flooring and can potentially cause mould growth in the future. 

It has become popular to install a floor drain but most people try and install it themselves to save money. This is a big mistake. A laundry drain must be installed properly by a plumber. Floor drains direct water to the main drainage system and if not done right, laundry water can end up in the bathtub drain or kitchen sink.

7). Choosing Hardwood Flooring Without Considering Your Lifestyle And Needs

Hardwood floors add a touch of luxury and earthy tones to a home but it is not for everyone. If you have small kids and dogs, your hardwood floors will suffer more wear and tear.

Pet nails can scratch and damage the hardwood. Kids can spill food and drinks and cause all kinds of damage too. Hardwood floors are expensive. Consider using single board laminates or tiles for busy houses.

8). Not Changing The Bathroom Layout

When you renovate, consider the best possible options and look to improve the natural flow of the space. Older bathrooms have awkward floor plans and most of the time, they do not work with the modern amenities.

Do not get intimidated with the task of changing the floor plan. It is usually not as difficult as it may seem. Moving the shower, toilet and sink can mean a more spacious and clutter-free bathroom.

9). Getting Too Trendy

The more you follow the latest trends for your home renovation, the quicker it goes out of style. Then you will need to redo it to update it. Stick with the classic and timeless styles and pieces and don’t go overboard with appliances.

10). Insisting On Granite

There are a wide variety of options for your benchtops rather than just granite. Some non-granite options are plate steel, butcher block, or a nice laminate. These are more practical and cost-effective choices.

When renovating your home, it is important to balance the quality and the cost. Plan it right and get it done with the best results so the changes will provide you with many years of comfort and joy.

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.

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.