Browse Forums General Discussion 1 May 09, 2009 11:57 pm We are in the midsts of extending our 1950's brick home and making a few internal changes. We have added on a family room, study, kitchen, turned our dining room into another bedroom (so a total of 4 bedrooms) and our old kitchen into another bathroom and seperate toilet. I've heard people say before add another 10 to 20% costs to your budget, has this been true for you? I reckon we will be about $25,000 out by the time we finish. There were initial extra costs like the council insisting we build a 2 metre trench filled with concrete around the extension because of trees at a cost of $5,500 and removal of asbestos for $2,000. Along the way i didn't budget enough for lights and taps and we decided to upgrade our oven and include a built in bookcase. Then i didn't realise how much it would cost to install an air conditioner, upgrade the electrical switchboard and others costs $300 here, $200 there all adds up. Just interested to know if others really stuck to their budget or blew it. Re: Did you go over your budget? 2May 10, 2009 1:43 am Always expect the worst. I remember we have a renovation for our bathroom. I can't imagine we will spend $2,000 for a simple bathroom. Our budget then was $1000. Consider the materials you will be using. Sometimes when you browse the net or visit a shop, you will find new design and you want to acquire it. I suggest don't be an impulsive buyer. Stick to your budget as much as possible. Re: Did you go over your budget? 3May 10, 2009 9:24 am As well as what's already been said have a think about things which have to be done now as opposed to which can be done later. If budget it tight concentrate on the things which have to be done now and you can save up and add optional things later. Coming back to your old stomping grounds, huh? Renovations on a budget can be quite the journey. It's like giving your house a new lease on life. The twist of not knowing… 1 2790 Thanks mate. Yeah good points! Leaning towards Option 3 to get a bit extra space in the cabinets but not going too crazy high (and expensive). Would require a mini… 13 30513 No the fireplace doesn’t work. It’s been enclosed. I’m not sure what was removed, as it was done quite some time ago - well before what I can see with photos online… 2 9107 |