The very first home renovation that I
completed, I did under an "Owner Builder". The renovation process can
be exciting, but also a very daunting and costly time. Here are some tricks and
truths I learnt along the way.

- Buy off market if you can (Rather than at an auction). Get to know
local Real Estate Agents in the area you want to buy and try to buy in the
non-peak "Spring" season.

- Buy 1-2 suburbs further out from when you want to be, that way you
can afford to do you dream renovation whilst still be close to your ideal
location

- Buy a corner block or a property in a side street for ease of site
access

- To save time, get a kick start on the planning process (this can be
lengthy). Between property purchase and settlement day you can obtain the
current Vendor’s consent to apply to Council for your Planning Permit.

- Buy without a party wall if you can. This just causes too many
complications with the structural integrity of your neighbour's property.

- If heritage overlays exist, ensure your demolition contractor does not
remove the heritage items! Sounds simple, but believe me, the demolition
contractor goes in and out with such speed, it is so important you reiterate to
them what items are required to remain.

- Be friendly with your neighbours, but remember your rights on your land
that you have already obtained Council Permits for. You don’t owe anyone any
favours and neighbours who have been in the street for a long time will act
like they own your land too. Having said that, be respectful of your neighbours
site boundaries, access, noise, dust and structural integrity.

- Planning Permit and Building Permit: know that there is a difference.

- Draftsperson vs Architect: up to you, I went with a draftsperson as it
was my first property and more affordable than an architect. They also had
a lot of knowledge and input in the structural design.

- You may need to engage a range of consultants, from engineers to
surveyors. Ask your draftsperson or architect for recommendations if you don't
know any in your area.

- Budget tracking: track initially quoted prices vs agreed prices with
contractors. It is motivating to track the cost savings from negotiating on
quotes with contractors. Be careful not to drill the price down too low as you
want the contractor to complete the works sufficiently and to a high standard
(also saves problems and potential costs down the track).

- Surprise Fees: Council Asset Protection Permit Fee ($320) + bond
($1,000, returned at completion of project), Owner's Builder's insurance
($2,500), Survey Costs ($1,760), Structural analysis of building
engineering fee ($2,100) *These costs were based on a single-fronted single storey
home and subject to change based on which contractor you engage and where your
property is.

Happy Renovating! If you need to engage an Interior Designer or want to
learn more about how your Interior Designer can get involved with your
project, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sarah Thorpe

Director

Scarlett and Beau