Benefits Engaging Project Manager For Home Renovation
CategoriesHome Renovation

Benefits Of Engaging A Project Manager For Your Home Renovation 

Benefits Engaging Project Manager For Home Renovation

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. 

Benefits Engaging Project Manager For Home Renovation

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.

Benefits Engaging Project Manager For Home Renovation 

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.

Top 10 Renovation Mistakes
CategoriesHome Renovation

Top 10 Renovation Mistakes 

Top 10 Renovation Mistakes

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. 

Top 10 Renovation Mistakes

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.

Top 10 Renovation Mistakes

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.

How Project Manage Extension Renovation Melbourne
CategoriesHome Renovation

How To Project Manage An Extension Or Renovation In Melbourne?

How Project Manage Extension Renovation Melbourne

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.

How Project Manage Extension Or Renovation Melbourne

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.

How Project Manage Extension Or Renovation Melbourne

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.

What Best Home Renovation Ideas Resale Melbourne
CategoriesHome Renovation

What Are The Best Home Renovation Ideas For Resale In Melbourne? 

What Best Home Renovation Ideas Resale Melbourne

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%. 

Best Home Renovation Ideas Resale Melbourne open plan

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%

Best Home Renovation Ideas Resale Melbourne decking

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.

Where Start When Entire Home Needs Renovating
CategoriesHome Renovation

Where Do You Start When Your Entire Home Needs Renovating? 

Where Start When Entire Home Needs Renovating

Have you just moved into a new home and want to start some renovations? Or do you simply want to give your home a complete makeover, but don’t know where to start?

If this sounds like you, please keep reading as we take a look at the best place to start your renovation project.

Undertaking a renovation or extension of any size can be an overwhelming task. There are so many things to do that sometimes, you don’t know where to actually start.

That is why we have created this simple step-by-step guide on where to start when your entire home needs renovating. We hope this guide can give you some perspective on the project as a whole along with the best palace to get started.

1). Identify The Problems

Renovations are often exciting because it’s an avenue for you to spice up your home and add some personal touches of your own.

However, renovations must also be practical and targeted to address your specific needs. There are a lot of things to consider first.

To being with, it is important to identify any existing problems with your house. It could be a lack of storage, it could be lack of space, it could even be systematic defects.

You should answer questions such as “Is the space in this room sufficient enough?” or “Do I really need more storage, or can this high traffic area flow better?” 

However, more importantly, the main question you should ask yourself is “What is the most urgent area in need of a renovation?”

Try to identify the most important issues that can be addressed before you proceed too much further with the planning.

When doing this, don’t just look at the renovation or extension itself, but also how these issues impact the rest of the house.

Remember to stick to the fundamentals. Address issues that pertain to things such as electricity, plumbing, insulation, space etc. 

Working together with a professional design and build team should be prioritised to help you professionally gauge which parts of your house should be addressed.

Where Start When Your Entire Home Needs Renovating

2). Draw Up An Action Plan

Once you’ve been able to identify the problems your home renovation intends to address, then create an action plan.

Make a list of things that you want to be renovated, whether it be floorboards, ceilings, lights, furniture, or anything else that stands out. 

After you are able to create this list, prioritise which room or renovation is most urgent. Which room has the most urgent issues? What problems are the most important to address?

Arrange your list according to priority, and then execute from there. This is meant to give you a clear vision of your action plan. You can even create a design layout.

Sketch out what you want your home to look like and then identify which areas of your home should be prioritised. This way, you will be able to have a clear vision of how you want your house to look and where to start. 

3). Budget Realistically

Often times, we tend to go overboard with home renovations. After all, who doesn’t want their home to have a fresh look and feel as close to perfect as possible! However, we must also be realistic in terms of the expenses. 

Budgeting is another realistic encounter when it comes to home renovations. Once you’ve been able to prioritise which rooms are more urgent to renovate, estimate and allocate a budget so that your home renovation is not only beneficial but economical as well. 

Where Start When Your Entire Home Needs Renovating

4). Try To Be Resourceful!

Sometimes, there are a lot of more suitable alternatives compared to our original renovation ideas. 

Perhaps you wanted to purchase a specific type of floorboard from a shop you had in mind, but maybe you can find a cheaper, more sustainable alternative from another shop.

Therefore, it is important to make sure you keep your options open. Do some research and try to find great alternatives for your home renovations.

This way, things that you once thought were urgent may have had a better alternative that can be easily carried out later on. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to renovating, our excitement often overwhelms us and it becomes difficult to find a starting point. However, don’t forget our four-step guide:

1). Identify the problems, so that you can keep in mind the problems your home renovation should address

2). Draw up an action plan, so you can prioritise your renovation ideas based on the urgent problems and then execute a plan

3). Budget realistically, so that you can make your renovation pursuits both practical, realistic, and economical

4). Be resourceful, so that you can find worthy alternatives to help make your action plan more doable. 

If you are looking for experienced and trustworthy professionals to help you out with each and every step of your period home renovation or extension, look no further than Period Extensions & Designs.

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.

What Features Add Most Value Home Renovation
CategoriesHome Renovation

What Features Add The Most Value To A Home Renovation

What Features Add Most Value Home Renovation

Home renovations are expensive so you have to plan them very carefully. When done right, renovations can significantly increase the value of your home.

This means that when you plan your renovation project, you need to be strategic in your approach. As you are investing money on the renovations, you might as well plan it so you add value to your home.

Balance your desired changes with purposely adding features that will increase your property value. We have listed here 8 features you can add to your home when renovating. We hope this helps.

1). Update Your Kitchen

The kitchen is perhaps the most important part of the house that adds the most value. When renovating your kitchen, make sure that you get the most out of your investment.

Some things you need to focus on are:

  • Kitchen layout – a free-flowing space, an open layout is ideal. It makes the kitchen look more spacious and feel bigger.
  • Repaint – Use neutral clean colours like white, light blues, and the like. Neutral colours make the space appear bigger and cleaner. It is also easier to furnish and decorate.
  • Modern appliances – Update all your appliances so your kitchen becomes more modern and functional. Choose some appliances that have bright or attractive colours so they can be both stylish and functional. 

What Features Add Most Value Home Renovation kitchen

2). Update Or Add Bathroom

A simple bathroom update can elevate your home value significantly. Adding a new one, even more. A few modern touches make a big difference.

An outdated bathroom(s) is a turnoff for homebuyers (just in case you decide to sell). It also does not do you any good aesthetically.

3). Update Your Doors And Windows

New modern doors and windows can totally change the whole look of your home. This is a stylish and affordable way to increase the value of your building and update the aesthetics.

Some popular styles are:

  • Metal framed doors and windows for that industrial look.
  • Sliding doors
  • Entry door windows for a dramatic look.
  • Bay windows 
  • Skylight and high windows
  • Fabricated metal doors
  • Carved wooden doors
  • Many others

4). Adding A Deck

Adding a simple deck, if allowed, can make your backyard more appealing. It is also practical. Decks can be used as an outdoor living space like outdoor dining, BBQ area, a reading space, exercise deck, etc. They can also add considerable value to your home.

What Features Add Most Value Home Renovation decking

5). Curb Appeal

Your home facade and the front yard is the first thing your guests and potential buyers see – a good first impression is a major influence factor. So make sure you do the following:

  • Painting the exterior to give it a fresh look and feel.
  • Pave your driveway.
  • Landscape your lawn.
  • Add outdoor furniture.
  • Use feature lighting and nice lighting fixtures.

6). Attic Renovation

Attics are mostly used as a storage space. It is usually a space that you do not show your guests because it is usually messy and full of junk.

If you have an attic, you can turn it into a guest room or a playroom. Make it into a conversational piece, a highlight feature instead of a space that you hide. A simple conversion like this can add so much value to your home.

7). Add a Family Room

Adding a new family room can increase your home value between five to ten per cent, maybe a little bit more if it is done well. 

Providing a versatile room where the family can hang out, watch tv and spend most of the time relaxing and enjoying each others company is a great investment and renovation idea.

What Features Add Most Value Home Renovation family room

8). Update Rooms

Small and simple updates to your rooms will greatly increase your home value. Here are some things you can do to change the look and overall aesthetics:

  • Update the paint job. Some fresh new colours will make a big difference.
  • Update or paint the doors and windows.
  • Change outdated lighting fixtures. Invest in great lighting. It makes your rooms look a lot more classy.
  • Update the upholstery on your furniture.
  • Update your appliances.

Important Tip:

Find a high-quality builder that you can consult with and include in the design, planning and building stages. This is important so you can set a realistic budget and stick to it. Engaging with a professional design and build team is the best option.

If you are looking for experienced and trustworthy professionals to help you out with each and every step of your period home renovation or extension, look no further than Period Extensions & Designs.

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.

What Are Benefits Carrying Out Home Extensions?
CategoriesHome Renovation

What Are Some Benefits Of Carrying Out Home Extensions?

What Are Benefits Carrying Out Home Extensions?

Are you thinking of remodelling your home? Do you want to add an extension, but aren’t sure if this is the best choice for you? If you’re not sure which way to go, please continue reading as we discuss the options in the article below.

Carrying out home extensions will offer you a wide range of advantages and benefits from navigating away from the daunting housing market to even saving a little bit of cash in your wallet.

That’s why we’re here to tell you all about the benefits of home extensions! Keep on reading to learn more!

Benefits Of Home Extensions

Home extensions are a great way for you to increase your living space, especially when you’ve already outgrown what you currently have. 

This can be considered a fairly practical decision because you won’t need to invest in purchasing a new house as you’ll simply be adding to your existing home.

As such, there are many benefits with building an extension, and here are just a few of them:

1). Cost And Time Effective

By adding an extension to your home, you eliminate the need to purchase a completely new home. You can instead spend your money upgrading your current home so that you can save more money over the long-term.

Furthermore, with the money that you save, you can then invest that in upgrading the interior of your brand new home extension. This means you can kill two birds with the one stone.

What’s more, installing a home extension is not only cost-efficient but time-efficient as well.

You can save time by not having to endure the whole process of putting your house on the market, selling it, going house hunting, and having to transfer furniture etc to your newly purchased home, and all the other stress and inconvenience that comes with moving. 

What Are Benefits Carrying Out Home Extensions

2). Value Increase

Adding an extension is not just cost-effective and time-efficient, but it increases the market value of your home as well. 

Adding or building a new room or space in your house means that the square meterage will increase and that the functions of your home are more expanded. As such, you add monetary value to your home thus making it an investment.

However, remember: make sure that the value that you add to your home is more than the cost of the renovation project itself to ensure that it really is cost-effective and makes economic sense. 

3). Completely Personalised

It’s vitally important that your home is suited to your needs and to your vision of what makes a great home. As such, adding a home extension can help further personalise your home so that it reflects your tastes and style.

This includes how much space is necessary, how the architectural design comes out and what the interior will look like to name a few things. 

The best thing about home extensions and if permits allow, they can be flexible. They are specifically tailored and catered to your individual needs and requirements, which makes them a very attractive option.

What Are The Other Advantages Of Home Extensions?

We’ve looked at the three main benefits of home extensions above, but there are also a few more advantages we’ll quickly touch on below: 

1). Adding a home extension eliminates having to be involved in the complications and intricacies of the housing market in which the timing of buying and selling are absolutely crucial.

2). You won’t have to negotiate a mortgage in a credit-crunch environment.

3). You won’t need to compromise on the benefits and advantages of your current home compared to moving into a new house in which you may have to compromise on certain features and start from scratch.

4). You can still continue to live in the neighbourhood that you have grown to become comfortable and familiar with.

5). Your space is truly yours—one that you have specifically designed and created to feel proud in.

What Are Benefits Carrying Out Home Extensions

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to add more monetary value to your home or create more space there is a multitude of benefits that adding an extension to your home can offer you, both in the short-term and long-term. 

You can avoid a number of inconveniences such as having to take out another mortgage and dealing with the intricacies of buying and selling in a volatile housing market, through to having to move furniture the extra expenses incurred in the whole process. 

Nonetheless, home extensions can be both effective and convenient and are definitely worth considering if you are looking to increase your space.

If you are looking for experienced and trustworthy professionals to help you out with each and every step of your period home renovation and extension, look no further than Period Extensions & Designs.

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.

How To Find High-Quality Builder Home Renovation?
CategoriesHome Renovation

How To Find A High-Quality Builder For My Home Renovation?

How To Find High-Quality Builder Home Renovation?

When renovating your home, it is crucial that you choose a reliable, high-quality builder. The finished product is only as good as the builder you choose. 

Finding a good quality builder can be a daunting task. Getting the balance right between reliability and costs can be a delicate task to accomplish. 

It is hard to stick to a budget if you can’t rely on your builder to stick to the plan or the time table. So, how do you find a high-quality builder?

Look Within Your Community

Going with a local builder has its advantages. They live and conduct business within your community so they have a local reputation to uphold. They are more invested in doing a good job because everyone in the community knows them.

The work they do for you can make or break their reputation as a trustworthy and reliable local builder. Word of mouth and client reviews are vital to their success.

Other advantages of hiring locally are:

  • They are easy to find
  • Communication is easier since you know them
  • Their time on your site is not limited since they live within the area
  • They are knowledgeable of local planning rules
  • Easy access to local suppliers
  • They are part of the community fabric so they are least likely to abuse and take advantage of you
  • Better customer service

Ask For Referrals

A personal recommendation from your friends and family is one of the best ways to find an outstanding builder. Their first-hand experience with a company or a team is your guarantee that you are making the right choice. 

When you get referrals, take the time to visit the homes and other projects of the prospective builder. Go and check out their handiwork firsthand. There is no better assurance and guarantee of excellent work than seeing the finished product yourself.

How Find High-Quality Builder Home Renovation

Check Online

The internet is a vast source of information. Search online for reliable contractors within and around your area. Read their client reviews and verify them. Always do your due diligence when searching online. 

From there you can come up with a shortlist and start calling around for consultations and quotations. Talking to prospective builders personally will help you decide if they are the right fit for your renovation needs.

Verify Their Credentials

No matter how good a builder’s local and online reputation is, you can never be too careful. Always verify their credentials. Check their licenses, registration, and insurance.

Ascertain if they belong to any recognised Industry Associations such as the HIA (Housing Industry Association) or MBA (Master Builders Association).

Make sure the builder has the relevant building insurances and licenses. Does the builder have the necessary skills to complete your project?

For example, if you require a large scale project such as adding a second storey and internal renovations carried out, you would want to ensure the builder has successfully completed such projects.

Also, when it comes to properties with a heritage overlay, you would be best suited to finding a company that is well accomplished with period style extensions and renovations.

How Find High-Quality Builder Home Renovation

Next Steps

When you have made a shortlist of possible candidates, it is important to:

  • Make a detailed list of your renovation must-haves. Make sure that the builder can provide and deliver these.
  • Request for a comprehensive quote. Compare prices. Ask about their vendors and suppliers. Check for product quality and reputation. It is tempting to go with the lowest bidder but considering these other factors is invaluable.
  • Meet with potential contractors. The only way you will know it is a good fit is when you get to sit down, talk, and discuss your design ideas and renovation requirements.
  • Agree on costs. After getting a quotation, it is crucial that you go into details and agree on costs and a timeline for the build before you officially hire a builder. 

Important Questions to Ask Around:

  • Do they communicate regularly?
  • Are they polite and accommodating?
  • Was the project completed on time and on budget?
  • Were there any extra and hidden costs?
  • What are their labourers and tradesmen like?
  • Do they clean up the site after?

Unsure? Give us a call at Period Extensions today. We will take your design ideas and renovation requirements and bring them to life. Tell us what’s important to you and we will listen. Our mission is to make your renovation dreams come true.

Please call us at Period Extensions today on 03 9882 5255 to you can fill out our contact form. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension
CategoriesHome Renovation

Is A Permit Needed When Adding A Small Extension To A Home?

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension

Are you planning to add a small extension to your home or carry out a small renovation? If so, please continue to read on for some important information.

Before conducting any type of home renovation, it is especially important that you not only ensure that the necessary building inspections are carried out but that you also secure a building permit.

However, depending on the significance and scale of the construction, having to secure a building permit may not be necessary. 

What Is A Building Permit?

Before we discuss whether a permit is necessary for adding a small extension to your home, it is best to understand exactly what a building permit is.

A building permit is issued by a registered building surveyor acknowledging that the plans and documentation submitted by your contractor have satisfied the relevant Building Regulations.

A building surveyor provides authority for building works to commence and is required for most new home builds, extensions and renovations.

Permits are essential because they ensure that your construction projects comply with all the local safety, health, and structural requirements and standards to ensure the general safety of not just yourself, but of others too. 

Moreover, permits are required for you to collect insurance in the event that your construction project is unsuccessful or suffers from unforeseen circumstances (for example, if a fire breaks out). 

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension To Home

Do All Types of Construction and Renovation Projects Require A Permit?

The simple answer: no. If you are conducting a project for minimal replacements or repairs, then you or a professional contractor can perform repairs and replacements without needing to apply for a permit.

For example, you may not require a building permit if you are making changes to the interior if it doesn’t alter the structure of your home such as:

1). Repairing or maintaining a part of your home
2). Remodelling your kitchen or bathroom
3). Replacing windows
4). Installing a wood heater

However, permits may be necessary for larger-scale projects that alter the structure of your home. Listed below are some scenarios in which a building permit may be required:

1). Adding an extension to an existing building
2). Changing the structure of a building
3). Installing a fence higher than 2 meters
4). Placing a shed bigger than 10m²
5). Constructing a swimming pool which is at least 300 mm deep
6). Installing a bay or corner type window which involves having to change the wall’s structure so that it fits

Therefore, if your construction project involves having to alter the structure and shape of the property in question, then chances are that you may need to secure a building permit.

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension To Home

What Else Do I Need To Know About Securing Building Permits?

Before you get a building permit, it is important to identify first whether or not your project will need a planning permit.

A planning permit gives the builder authority to build/modify land that is subject to Council Regulations. 

Your local council is responsible for issuing a planning permit. If your project requires a planning permit then it must be obtained before you obtain a building permit. 

Applying for a building permit usually follows the following steps: 

  • Obtaining the necessary plans and documentation
  • Choosing a building surveyor 
  • Filling out a building application form
  • Paying the fees associated with the scope of the project. 

As a tip to help you out, when securing a building permit, it is important that you hire an experienced contractor who can help assist and guide you through this application process.

This can often be tricky for the homeowner so having someone familiar with the process will definitely be a big help.

Final Thoughts

Building permits are necessary for projects that involve changing the structure of the property in question. As such, because adding an extension, big or small, changes the structure of your home, you will need to secure a permit for this.

However, you don’t need to be intimidated by this! If ever you need guidance through the process, there are many experienced contractors who can help you fulfil all the necessary steps before you proceed with executing your construction project. 

If you are looking for an experienced and trustworthy professional to help you out with each and every step of your home renovation, look no further than Period Extensions & Designs.

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.

Should Build Extension On Period Home
CategoriesHome Renovation

Should I Build An Extension On My Period Home?

Should Build Extension On Period Home

There are two main reasons people build home extensions on their period home in Melbourne – necessity or to add value. However, the most common reason people build an extension on their house is the basic need for space.

When you have a growing family and your space is becoming cramped, it is time to extend. Or, maybe you are planning to start a family so are thinking ahead?

Then, of course, we all know that a home extension can improve your house aesthetically and increase the market value, so can also be a worthwhile money-making exercise.

Whatever the reason may be, there is no doubt that a home extension adds value to your property.

Things to Consider Before Building an Extension

  • Budget – Building an extension can become a money trap if you do not plan ahead and set a budget. How much are you willing to spend on an extension? Is it enough for the extra space you want to add? Do some research so you can make an accurate estimate or consult with a builder or contractor so you know what to expect and can set an accurate budget.
  • Timeline – Do you have a deadline for the project? Do you need the extra room before your baby is due? It is important to set a timeline and plan the project around it.
  • Scale – How big is the new space you are planning to add? This is important because your timeline and your budget mainly depend on the scale of the project.
  • Do You Need to Move Out During the Build? – This is important because having some ongoing construction happening in your current home can be a major inconvenience. Therefore, you may need to actually move out so the construction crew can work without any disruptions and you can stay out of the way. However, staying in a hotel or temporary accommodation for months on end means more money spent.
  • Other considerations – Building an extension means you may need some additional work done on your plumbing, heating and electricity. This will then add to your long-term ongoing expenses so you need to check if you have enough room in your monthly budget for the additional utility expenses.

When you have ticked all these boxes, then it’s time to go to work.

Should I Build Extension On Period Home

The Design

Are you extending your kitchen, adding an extra room on the second floor, or adding a family room? The design depends on what space is actually available.

This will affect your timeline and budget. It will also help decide if you will be building on or off-site.

Will your extension compliment or contrast the main building? While most people go for a cohesive design that will blend in naturally with the existing house, a complete contrast can work well too.

Building Permits and Regulations

When carrying out the design phase of the project, there are certain building regulations and permits that may be required.

Furthermore, here are some other factors you need to keep in mind:

  • Structural Integrity
  • Ventilation
  • Fire safety
  • Damp proofing
  • Other specific factors

A professional builder will have a thorough understanding of all the permits and regulations required and can save you a lot of time by handling this process for you.

They can also take care of the other factors noted above such as structural integrity and ventilation.

Project Management

Managing a build requires great organisational skills, patience, high levels of problem-solving and decision-making skills.

This is a huge undertaking and isn’t really suited to the average homeowner, particularly if they don’t have any sort of experience with building and renovating.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended to utilise the services of an experienced professional to help with the designing and construction of any renovation you are planning, particularly where a period home is concerned.

Should I Build  Extension On Period Home

Insurance

Consult your current insurer and check if they can cover the build. The home and the renovation must be covered before you start construction.

Most of the time, your contractors will have insurance. However, you need to make sure you check there are no loopholes and potential issues with the policy coverage.

Have Fun

Enjoy the process. Let this build be a fun, learning experience. Building projects like an extension is usually stressful for home-owners. It doesn’t need to be. Stick to the plan and have fun doing it.

Finishing Touches

The best part of any build is the furnishing and decorating. You have a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Keep it clean, classy and functional.

Final Thoughts

Whatever your budget is, make sure you come up with an overall cohesive design that you’re happy with. After all, you are the one who has to live with it.

Designing your extension is critical to the overall outcome so you don’t want to leave it to chance. If designing is not your strong suit, hire a professional to do it.

Furthermore, if you don’t have much experience in building or extensions, the best way to tackle the project is to hire professionals who have a proven track record of success.

If you are planning on adding an extension to your period home, then look no further than Period Extensions and Designs.

Please call us today on 03 9882 5255 or contact us through our contact form and let us help you design and build your dream period home extension.

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