Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Feb 09, 2014 3:54 pm I'm looking to renovate my home which will require a builder and architect at a minimum. Do I start with engaging an architect or do I engage a builder who will bring/contact an architect themselves? Or do I bring in an interior designer who then engages an appropriate builder and architect? I've kept an eye on some of the builders that have built around my area recently (inner city Sydney) and every job seems to have a different builder, I've never seen the same builder twice around the neighbourhood. Added to that, when I google generic builders in the inner city/eastern suburbs, or look at sites like Houzz, none of the builders that I've seen around the neighbourhood come up in any of the searches. So how did they find their builders??? I've never renovated before so am at a loss where to start. Any advice appreciated. Re: Home renovation, where to start??? 2Feb 09, 2014 4:41 pm For us we checked the council development plan register and contacted 3 architects that appeared on the register with current (within the last 6 months) applications, each one came out to the house and did a walk around as we discussed ideas. The one we felt most comfortable with and that provided addresses of previous houses they designed/built we engaged. I hope this helps Re: Home renovation, where to start??? 3Feb 09, 2014 5:14 pm If you're not sure how to get the layout to work or otherwise need some help with the design get an architect. If you already know exactly what you want get a draftsperson or work with a builder able to draw up plans. Either way, try and meet with the town planners to be sure your ideas will be allowed and you don't end up paying for too many drawings that are beautiful but useless. Few people have faultless experiences with builders but do try and get one by referral and always inspect their work (and speak with previous clients alone if possible). http://camdenbuild.blogspot.com.au/ by invite only please pm me Re: Home renovation, where to start??? 4Feb 09, 2014 5:50 pm Thanks. So it sounds like I should get in touch with the City of Sydney council. They actually have an open development application archive and I've already been checking out some of the recent development applications around the area. My terrace was rebuilt in the early 90's and has some 'interesting' features such as lots of angled walls and a suspended walkway and definitely needs a refresh. Given the design, I definitely need an architect to see what's doable in terms of knocking out or changing the lines. Some of the applications in my street seem to have been approved despite not complying with council ratio restrictions, based on the fact that neighbouring properties are also non-compliant. Still, there is so much development in my area that even trying to narrow down to three architects seems overwhelming. Thanks for the advice. Re: Home renovation, where to start??? 6Feb 09, 2014 7:39 pm Absolutely start with the architect/building designer. But also have a budget and know what you are trying to do. You may find - as we did - that renovation quotes are often crazy town. Make sure you get your architect to provide a written guarantee that any building plans can be done within your budget, not some fantasy of building that you cannot afford. Then, when the building quotes come in you have some piece of mind. There is a better than even chance that the building quotes will exceed those of then plans you fell in love with! a building inspector should be able to tell you about any major problems but we need a floor plan with dimensions to clarify options for extra bedrooms ... sometime an… 1 8718 We are about to partially demo our house to begin a major renovation… by partial it almost may as well be a new build (keeping front for heritage) This will require the… 0 2490 Hello Josh, This is Irving from PRIMA, we are a manufacturer of the staircase, railings, kitchen cabinets, windows, doors from China. If you have requirement to purchase… 0 5456 |