Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Mar 07, 2011 12:43 pm Sure this is a common post, but had a look around and could not find any similar. We live in an Sydney inner west suburb in a 2 bed pretty standard 1910ish workers cottage, yes with rising damp and all the issues After 5 years we are now in a position to rennovate, we want to add a 3rd bedroom by going up and making the back of the house open plan etc so will require a kitchen and bathrooms. We also want to complete damp proofing, floor leveling rewire etc. We have looked into several "project" building companies had concepts drawn up etc and also have buget quotes from a builder. We have been advised by a family friend in the construction business to go down the route of getting drawings completed by a draftsman/architect and then put the drawings to tender with local builders. We are not rich and are looking for bang for our buck and to keep the upfront costs as low as possible, but also get the build completed as quick as possible as we will have to rent during the construction Is there anyone on this forum who has been or currently going through this? I would appreciate your advice/experiences. Thanks Re: Help! Starting process of adding 3rd level and interior 2Mar 07, 2011 1:30 pm Your friend is right. Get what you want to do drawn up first. Get an engineer to do their bits etc as well. You may find that going to a 3rd story, you need to reinforce the lower floors making it way to expensive. You can also submit the drawing to council to make sure they aren't going to reject it. Then you can worry about finding people to quote on the work & do the construction. Re: Help! Starting process of adding 3rd level and interior 3Mar 08, 2011 8:38 am From my own experience and from friends, around 2 years of planning plus build time should be allowed as minimum. I'm not kidding at all. We started talking to our builder of choice January 2010 and have only just started to get our site ready to build. The knockdown happened last week. I agree with the_milesy in getting council approved plans first, we had planning issues that weren't found until a month ago because the builder hadn't applied for the permit until then. Re: Help! Starting process of adding 3rd level and interior 4Mar 10, 2011 1:08 pm Hi Guys ! We were in the same boat as you !! We bought a 1920's home 3 years ago, our extension is now almost finished (thank god) but we went the wrong way about it !!!! We originally where going to go with a project builder to, however after talking to a friend of mine who is in valuations - we changed our mine. The quality of the work is never as good as getting a private builder, and it devalues your home ! Depending on your local council DA approval can take anywhere from 1 - 3 months (we are in the south west canterbury council and it only took us one month If you are keen to get started I can assist you with the correct contacts - have a lot of friends in various roles in different councils !!! My advice is to get your plans drawn with a good architecht and an engineer - also can assist you there if needed, and then find a great builder !!!! Our first quote was for 280 K - we ended up going with someone who has it almost at lock up for only $150 and everything is fantastic, really quick (3months) !! Happy to help as I know how stressful it can be so let me know if you have any questions !!! !! Re: Help! Starting process of adding 3rd level and interior 5Mar 11, 2011 10:30 am Hey BuyRenovateSell, You Wrote "Our first quote was for 280 K - we ended up going with someone who has it almost at lock up for only $150 and everything is fantastic, really quick (3months) !! " Can I ask how big your extension is.... how many sqmeters and is it 2 storey or single. Thanks very much! And would the landscaper/contractor generally involve the engineer or is that something the client would do? Thanks for your help 2 9937 Hey, I am wanting to add a second toilet to my house, bit we have limited room. There is a hallway/entry that is never used, so was thinking this could be an option. Only… 0 4672 |