Careful planning and attention to detail are the keys to successful renovations.
Good planning enables you to identify risks and issues which might develop and to eliminate them, therefore ensuring that your renovation project goes as smoothly as possible.
With our Renovations’
complete project management package, all these issues will be considered and managed for you (at no additional cost to you) – so you can enjoy your renovation, knowing that everything has been taken care of.
Here are the 39 points you must consider before starting a renovation project:
Council Requirements and Permits
-
Are you familiar with your local council requirements and restrictions?
-
Do you know what permits are required for your proposed renovation and how long it usually takes to get council approval?
-
Have you considered issues like building and roof infringements, cross-leases and site coverage issues?
Plans
-
Do you have a clear idea of what changes you want to make? (some popular reasons for renovating include: adding extra space to accommodate expanding family, adding rooms for specific purposes or changing the configuration of the house for ease of use, better flow or orientation for sun and views)
-
Have you found an experienced architect, designer or engineer to produce the design plans or will you need help in sourcing such a professional?
-
Have you considered issues such as energy-saving and environmentally-friendly features?
-
Have you got professional advice on what changes would genuinely add value to your home?
-
Have you considered the future and how your needs will change over time?
Budgets and Financing
-
How much can you realistically afford to spend on your renovation?
-
How are you going to finance the project?
-
If you are borrowing, have you checked your allowances and requirements with your bank?
-
Have you obtained a signed quote from a quantity surveyor?
-
Have you set aside separate budgets for associated costs, such as possible alternative accommodation and insurance?
Time Frames
-
Is the renovation for a specific purpose – do you need it completed for a certain time? (eg. new baby)
-
Have you discussed timelines with your team of professionals and have you obtained their feedback on how realistic your expectations are?
-
Can you communicate regularly with your project manager?
-
Are your contractors flexible in dealing with any unexpected problems that may crop up?
Resources Required
-
Do you have a trusted team of support professionals lined up? (eg. architect, interior designer, painters)
-
Have you arranged alternative accommodation for the duration the renovation process? If not, have you considered how you will need to rearrange your lifestyle and routines to fit in with the renovation work?
-
Have you organised building inspections for each stage of the project?
Your Expectations
-
Why are you doing this renovation? What are your goals and long-term objectives?
-
What do you hope to gain - lifestyle benefits for your family or a financial return on investment?
-
Do you have a realistic idea of how long the renovation is going to take and how disruptive it is going to be to your lifestyle?
Health & Safety
-
Do you have experienced contractors and project managers who are knowledgeable in the health and safety aspects of your proposed renovation project?
-
Do you have to make special provisions for specific health risks, such asbestos or mould or fumes from building materials and glues?
-
If your family will be remaining in the house, have you considered hazards of building sites (especially for children) and the risks of power tools or exposed wiring?
Security
-
Have you thought about home security during the renovation project? (Burglaries are commonplace during times of construction work when a house is more “open” to strangers.)
-
Do you have adequate insurance to cover theft and vandalism during the renovation?
Interior Design
-
Do you have a trusted interior designer who shares your vision?
-
If adding an extension to your house, how will the new interiors blend with the existing rooms?
-
Are you updating and remodelling the house to give it a fresher, more modern look?
-
Or are you trying to restore the house to its original style?
Insurance
-
Have you notified your insurance company about your intended renovations? (current policies for Home & Contents insurance may not provide cover during renovations, unless the insurance company agrees to extend the cover)
-
Does your builder have contract works insurance to over damage to the property in the course of construction or alterations? (This will also cover theft and vandalism, environmental damage from storms and natural disasters, etc)
-
Do your contractors have public liability insurance, for protection against damage to third party property and personal injury to others, caused by negligence?
Personal Input
-
How much involvement will you want in the renovation project?
-
Will you be providing significant personal input for architects and interior designers?
-
Are you planning to make regular personal inspections of the work in progress?
