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.

Are Period Home Renovations expensive
CategoriesPeriod Home Renovation

Are Period Home Renovations Expensive?

Are Period Home Renovations expensive

From curved windows and pressed metal ceilings, the attention to detail and distinct features of an architectural era is what attracts people to period homes.

Who doesn’t want their very own little piece of history?

Potential Melbourne homeowners are always on the lookout for a beautiful period house to call home but it is not always that easy.

Acquiring period homes can be a costly exercise as there are usually a heap of hidden costs that can rack up over time, particularly if you try and go it alone.

Period houses usually require some type of renovation work to make sure that they are structurally sound and safe to live in.

This can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be if you plan and prepare. Before engaging a contractor for your period home renovation, here are a few pre-purchase considerations:

  • Pre-purchase consultation and inspection by a professional – If you are planning to buy a period home to renovate and sell, it is important to know what you are getting into. Aside from the potential selling price of the property, you need to know what improvements, repairs, replacements, and renovations need to be done to the property so you can determine the overall cost of acquiring the house.
  • Don’t rush into it – Take your time to think things through. A renovation is costly and can take up a lot of your time so you need to make sure you are ready not just financially, but also emotionally and mentally.
  • The extent of renovation – Will this renovation take many months to complete? As mentioned above, make sure you are ready to dive in financially, emotionally and mentally. A full renovation can be a daunting and prolonged task.
  • Check if the house is listed as a Heritage Property – If the house is listed as a Heritage Property, it will probably be protected by certain regulations. There may be certain changes you might want to make that might not be allowed.
  • Identify which parts of the renovation require permits – Before embarking on the renovation project or even buying the house, check what permits are needed for the changes you have in mind. This will save you time and money when you start.

Following are some other things to consider and why you should strongly consider engaging a professional builder to help with your renovation or extension.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos use was banned in the ’90s when its dangers were discovered. Asbestos poses severe health risks and should only be handled by certified professionals.

Period homes were built well before the ban came into effect. Therefore, you must have the property checked for asbestos before buying it because asbestos removal is very expensive.

Asbestos in period houses is usually found in interior and exterior cladding, roofs, vinyl floor tiles, insulation, kitchen splashbacks, bathroom tiles, imitation brick cladding, roof gutters, capping, and eaves.

The cost for asbestos removal and disposal ranges from a few hundred up to thousands of dollars depending on the removal needs. It is best to proceed with caution when purchasing a property and have it checked for asbestos first.

Council Regulations

If the house is listed as a heritage property, this could mean the house is protected by law. This means that renovations and repairs need to follow strict council regulations.

For example, if the original roofing is made of terra cotta tiles or slate roofing, you may need to use the same materials. Frontage appearance, colour, and materials might be strictly regulated as well.

If you engage a professional builder to handle your extension or renovation, they will take care of this process for you as they will also know exactly what information is required by the local council.

This will save you time and give you peace of mind that things are being handled correctly.

Are Period Home Renovations Expensive

Foundation Repair Costs

Although most period homes are structurally sound, you will still need to have the foundation checked for safety purposes.

Some of these repairs may include rotten timber, cracks in the walls, roof replacement, repairs to load-bearing walls, door and window repairs or replacement among others.

These items all add up and can end up costing you thousands of dollars. That is why you need to utilise the services of a professional builder as they will know the best course of action to take depending on what repairs or replacements are required.

Termite and Pest Removal

Period homes if not maintained properly will usually have termite problems. If uninhabited, the could also end up wildlife and other pests infesting the property as well.

Some wildlife and other pests like bats, possums and rats are health hazards and can cause severe damage to property.

Termite treatment and pest removal is expensive and are an example of some of the hidden costs that you don’t expect but will most likely encounter.

A professional builder will be able to advise on the best way to tackle the issue based on their extensive experience.

Updates or Replacement of Plumbing, Electrical and Heating Systems

It is expected that almost all period homes will have outdated electrical and heating systems, and there may also be plumbing issues.

Replacing of switchboards, power points and lighting will most likely be needed. This type of work can be a major blow to your budget, especially if you attempt to do this on your own.

A professional will understand the entire plumbing and wiring layout of the property and will be much more equipped to handle any replacements or additions required.

This will not only save time but could also save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars and will also ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Are Period Home Renovations Expensive

Flooring

Period homes generally have beautiful hardwood floors hidden underneath the tiling or carpets. All you need to do is remove the tiles or carpet and polish the natural wood to give an antique look to the floors.

However, this can still be a costly exercise if you don’t use a professional to get the best advice and to give you some options to choose from based on their experience.

Final Thoughts

Renovating a home, whether period home or not, will cost you. However, you can minimise the expenses if you engage a professional and trusted builder.

They will ensure that the project is planned carefully and that your budget is realistic and adhered to throughout the project. That is where Period Extensions and Designs is at your service.

Please call us today at Period Extensions and Designs on 03 9882 5255 or message us through our contact form for a pre-purchase consultation or for any of your period home renovation and extensions needs.

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