Renovation Advice Please

[acuguy]

Looking for some advice regarding the whole renovation thing. Currently have a 3 bed/1bath low set brick. Looking to add another bedroom, rumpus room and 2nd bathroom. Got no idea about the process except that I need to see a draftsmen, then banks, then builders. Anyone who has extended etc and can give advice would be great. My hands are soft for a reason!

 

[Fatcat08]

Looking for some advice regarding the whole renovation thing. Currently have a 3 bed/1bath low set brick. Looking to add another bedroom, rumpus room and 2nd bathroom. Got no idea about the process except that I need to see a draftsmen, then banks, then builders. Anyone who has extended etc and can give advice would be great. My hands are soft for a reason!

Hey acuguy I'm going through a similar process right now actually, deciding what reno's to do on my house, getting plans drawn up etc.

Few thoughts.

1. With banks how you go about it will depend on your level of debt. If you have room on your home loan to extend the loan to 80% of your current house value then I would do that straight away so you have the money available. If not then you're going to need a fixed price building contract so they can value your house on its completed value in order to lend you the money. You can go over 80% you'll just have to wear a bit of mortgage insurance.

2. Draftsman, you'll definitely need someone to draw up your house as is and then be able to draw up some plans of proposed options. There are construction firms that do this as well as the building, and can be a good idea when you're unsure of how to go about it as they can tell you what's possible, whats cheaper or expensive etc etc. In your situation I would probably look for a company like that. Get a few to come out and have a look at your house and ask how they would suggest going about it. You don't have to commit then but it gives you a feel for how they are thinking. If you know anyone who was happy with their renos grab who they used and see if you like them.

I'm sure others will have more to add here. My background is the finance side so I know more about that and am happy to answer q's there. I luckily have an architectural draftsman for a best mate and a wife who is an interior designer/project manager so I don't have to take on so much from that side.

 

[Ceebee]

Just make sure you get it done properly in the first place, so there are no issues down the track.
Don't cut costs,you may regret it.
Speaking from experience here.

Good luck with it all.

 

[Crimso]

Get extremely prepared for a big disruption to your life while construction happens. for the client, it's all very exciting at first, it soon wears thin. Hope it doesn't rain too! Read your contract thoroughly and understand what you will be getting & what you will be up for. No matter what you see on TV, 99.9% of builders are honest people just trying to earn a buck in a shit industry. Ask questions but don't try to run the job.

 

[acuguy]

I have roughly 20 percent of equity, but I am sure will need to go down fixed contract and mortgage insurance route. Definitely lending within our borrowing capacity so have been responsible with the finance side.

Does anyone have a draftsmen they can recommend. Would really like to stay under 5k for drawings. I have a number of builder friends/associates so once I get to this stage I will be pretty confident the work will be done.

Just another big decision in life! Geez it didn't seem that long ago where Acu's only worry was what pub I should go to!

 

[MSB ROYS]

I have roughly 20 percent of equity, but I am sure will need to go down fixed contract and mortgage insurance route. Definitely lending within our borrowing capacity so have been responsible with the finance side.

Does anyone have a draftsmen they can recommend. Would really like to stay under 5k for drawings. I have a number of builder friends/associates so once I get to this stage I will be pretty confident the work will be done.

Just another big decision in life! Geez it didn't seem that long ago where Acu's only worry was what pub I should go to!

I have been through the approval process for a partial demolition of a heritage house and are just up to dealing with builders. I used an architect for this property and it's certainly more expensive and I agree with Fatcat08 re using a draftsman or even a builder that also includes this service.
On another concurrent project I am renovating an old house and need to remove an old outside toilet and extend the house to include this facility. For this project I am using a draftsman and you can PM me if you want more details...

 

[MICKYCONLAN]

Contact Archicentre. They can prepare a Sketch Design at a reasonable price.