Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement Re: Extensions - suggestions and advice welcome 5Jan 23, 2022 11:25 am Hey melandBlitz Good luck with your project. Here is a link to a blog that gives details about the different stages of a custom home build. Extensions follow a similar process. These are the first couple of steps you'll need to follow: 1 - Have a building survey done (internal & external). 2 - engage a designer to draw a concept only 3 - The designer will develop a concept based on your brief and planning limitations. 4 - Then you'll have enough information for more accurate costing. There are two types of designers you can hire - an architect or a building designer. Here's a comparison of the two; Architects Architects are all-rounders, brilliant at bringing a vision to life. They use classic design principles to create beautiful designs. They usually work on larger, more complex projects. Charging about 10-15% of the total project cost, they can provide a completely hands-off experience for the client, managing everything from concept design through contract administration. However, they tend to be not-so-great at cost estimation. You will need to close on expected construction costs as the design evolves. Turnaround time on drawings can also be less than optimal. Go to a building designer if you are super clear on what you want and need someone to draw it up. If you have a complex brief with some outline ideas & photos and need someone to bring your vision to life – an architect is the person for the job. Building Designer (Draftsperson) Building Designers offer a more functional, cost-effective, and speedy service best suited to more straightforward projects. They usually cost about 5-8% of the total project cost and stick to just drafting. Although, some companies do manage planning and permits too. Building Designers typically do not offer services like interiors or contracts administration. If you have a very clear brief, vision, and ideally floor plans – a Building Designer is more suited to your project. They also tend to be weak at costing, and designs can lack flare. Whether you engage an Architect or a Building Designer, it’s best to work with professionals who have done similar projects in your local area. Ask to speak to old clients and be sure you know who you are dealing with before committing. Working with draftys involves a lot more hand holding. It sounds as though an architect may be best suited to your project based on the brief you provided. But it really depends on your overall budget. Hope this helps. Regards, Colin Operations Director Homebuildguide.com.au Click Here For A Free eBook About Custom Home Building Tradie may sit at home but will need to get house plastered as well or will you sit it out? 6 10235 Versaloc is a mortarless besser block system that still needs a properly engineered footing. If you just do a 400x200 footing it will fail in time. At 17m long you need it… 1 21627 ideal house depends on the site and location as much as internal floor plan....what is the distance from the house to all four boundaries, where is north, describe your… 3 15573 |