Why Now is the Time to Start a Home Renovation or New Build
Architects provide advice on why these corona times provide the perfect conditions to start designing your dream home
Rebecca Gross
21 April 2020
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
While the impacts of Covid-19 have put many businesses on hold and into hiatus, architects and builders continue – and want – to help you realise your dream home. In fact, now may be a better time than ever to begin that project. It may seem counterintuitive, though starting the design process now can you put ahead of the market when it’s back to business as usual, and you’ll have had the benefit of undivided attention, competitive prices, your choice of builder and potentially a quicker turnaround of permit and planning processes.
We spoke to three architects about why now is the perfect time to start a home renovation or build.
We spoke to three architects about why now is the perfect time to start a home renovation or build.
Mihaly Slocombe
“Look at a longer timeline than coronavirus,” says Warwick Mihaly, co-director of Mihaly Slocombe. “Starting a project now will put you in a good position to be ready for construction work in nine to 12 months, having gone through all stages of design, documentation, planning and permits.”
Architecture firms have quickly adapted their work practices to the challenges of coronavirus, making use of online video software to converse with clients. This means there is no hindrance to approaching and selecting an architect to work with, after which it’s time to develop your brief and design.
“Look at a longer timeline than coronavirus,” says Warwick Mihaly, co-director of Mihaly Slocombe. “Starting a project now will put you in a good position to be ready for construction work in nine to 12 months, having gone through all stages of design, documentation, planning and permits.”
Architecture firms have quickly adapted their work practices to the challenges of coronavirus, making use of online video software to converse with clients. This means there is no hindrance to approaching and selecting an architect to work with, after which it’s time to develop your brief and design.
“These first steps are very easy and inexpensive to take as the vast majority of a project cost goes into the construction. Consultant fees is a fraction of the total project cost, and starting the process with an architect is a fraction of that. So it’s a palatable amount of money to spend in the initial stage if you’re concerned about the financial investment,” says Mihaly.
Interested in striking up a conversation with an architect about your future renovation? Find one near you on Houzz
Interested in striking up a conversation with an architect about your future renovation? Find one near you on Houzz
Architecture firms, like many businesses, are currently experiencing quieter times, but there is great benefit for clients starting or continuing projects. “They receive more undivided attention,” says Mihaly. “Architects are very capable of working on a remote basis and it doesn’t prevent us from doing good work. It’s also a great opportunity to support local businesses.”
Construction also supports local businesses including builders, tradespeople, materials suppliers and interior design and homeware companies. Builders are ordering imported materials early if need be, otherwise there are many Australian alternatives. “Sourcing local materials and products creates a more responsible design from a sustainability perspective. It also helps Australian businesses, keeps projects moving and reduces the embodied energy in your house,” says Mihaly.
Construction also supports local businesses including builders, tradespeople, materials suppliers and interior design and homeware companies. Builders are ordering imported materials early if need be, otherwise there are many Australian alternatives. “Sourcing local materials and products creates a more responsible design from a sustainability perspective. It also helps Australian businesses, keeps projects moving and reduces the embodied energy in your house,” says Mihaly.
Buck & Simple Architects
“Architects, builders and trades are still working and can do their job under these circumstances,” says Peter Ahern, co-director of Buck & Simple Architects. “It’s currently a buyer’s market. Just make sure you’re secure in your finances.”
Ahern says the conditions right now are ideal for starting a project. “We have more time to work with clients on developing the brief and design. Councils are still working and should have more time with less submissions. Builders and trades want to get work on their books, and borrowing capacity has increased as the banks offer low-interest loans. All factors are in place to be getting a project ready.”
“Architects, builders and trades are still working and can do their job under these circumstances,” says Peter Ahern, co-director of Buck & Simple Architects. “It’s currently a buyer’s market. Just make sure you’re secure in your finances.”
Ahern says the conditions right now are ideal for starting a project. “We have more time to work with clients on developing the brief and design. Councils are still working and should have more time with less submissions. Builders and trades want to get work on their books, and borrowing capacity has increased as the banks offer low-interest loans. All factors are in place to be getting a project ready.”
The design and approval process can take six months or more, so a project started today could be ready for building later in the year. “There will inevitably be a turnaround at the end of coronavirus and everyone will be going for broke. We want people to be primed and ready ahead of the market,” says Ahern.
Similarly, now is the time to secure a builder, as they – like many architects – have had projects put on pause. “Clients will have their choice of builder and timing, when they might previously have had to wait a year,” says Ahern.
Prepping for Change: How Designers are Handling These Times
Prepping for Change: How Designers are Handling These Times
Gardiner Architects
“Forward-think the industry,” says Paul Gardiner, director of Gardiner Architects. “If you spend six months now for design, documentation, planning and permits, then you’ll have a good opportunity for a competitive price from builders because they want security for future work.”
“Forward-think the industry,” says Paul Gardiner, director of Gardiner Architects. “If you spend six months now for design, documentation, planning and permits, then you’ll have a good opportunity for a competitive price from builders because they want security for future work.”
Gardiner says the slowing of the industry means that architects and designers have more time and council is more responsive. He also advises the next several months are a good time to put a project out for tender.
“If everyone postpones their project for six months and then engages an architect and builder, they will all be tendering at the same time and prices could skyrocket because of lumpy supply and demand. If you can afford the fees for architects and engineers, now is a really good time to begin,” says Gardiner.
“If everyone postpones their project for six months and then engages an architect and builder, they will all be tendering at the same time and prices could skyrocket because of lumpy supply and demand. If you can afford the fees for architects and engineers, now is a really good time to begin,” says Gardiner.
As with many industries, social distancing and the precarious economy has forced architects to be more flexible in how they provide their service. “Architects and design professionals are always adaptive. We use systems that help us communicate and manage the process better and have flexible fee schedules to help clients in difficult times,” says Gardiner.
Your turn
Are you now dedicating more time and thought to your future renovation or project? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Curious how other design industries are navigating the current times? Read Green Scene: Landscape Designers Respond to Corona Challenges
Your turn
Are you now dedicating more time and thought to your future renovation or project? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Curious how other design industries are navigating the current times? Read Green Scene: Landscape Designers Respond to Corona Challenges
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I'm currently working on the final details with a landscaper for a major project (major for me anyway) to start next month. When we did our ensuite I spent a lot of time looking at tiles and fittings in multiple places. I'd like to be doing the same with pavers at the moment but I'm only supposed to be travelling for essential reasons. I can't check the real colour of pavers on the web. I'm finding it a bit frustrating.
We had just been through the paperwork trail to renovate our heritage home, when Covid started. We put everything on pause unsure of the outcome of restrictions, but now feel reassured and will be starting a 6 month reno in 2 weeks. We have undivided attention from our builder and feel this could not be a better time to get started while our own lives are not under stress! Here's to a happy 6 months ahead!!
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