A HANDY 7-STEP-CHECKLIST* TO KICKSTART YOUR NEXT RENOVATION PROJECT.

SIMPLY MOVE DOWN TO THE STEP THAT SUITS YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES TO SEE WHAT COMES NEXT.

STEP 1 - SET A BRIEF & BUDGET

YOUR BRIEF IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY RENOVATION PROJECT.
ESTABLISH GOALS EARLY. THESE CAN CHANGE OVER TIME, BUT IT’S GOOD TO HAVE A BASE TO START FROM.
GATHER INSPIRATION, IDEAS AND INFORMATION AND STORE IN ONE PLACE.
COSTS CAN VARY ON THE BASIS OF COMPLEXITY, QUANTITY OR QUALITY.
SAVINGS, EQUITY OR BORROWING CAPACITY MIGHT ESTABLISH THE UPPER RANGE OF A BUDGET.

STEP 2 - DESIGN YOUR PROJECT & DEVELOP BUILDING PLANS

STEP 3 - GET A PLANNING PERMIT

DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF YOUR HOME, EVEN A MODEST RENOVATION MAY REQUIRE A PLANNING PERMIT.
A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL CAN ALERT YOU TO ANY PLANNING CONTROLS EARLY ON.
A PLANNING PERMIT CAN ONLY BE ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS ARE USUALLY ADVERTISED PUBLICLY AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR NEIGHBOUR INPUT.
OCCASIONALLY, A PLANNING PERMIT WILL REQUIRE SPECIALIST INPUT FROM A RANGE OF BUILDINGS CONSULTANTS.
IF UNSURE, YOU CAN SCHEDULE A PRE-APPLICATION MEETING WITH YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL OFFICERS WHO CAN PROVIDE MORE DETAIL.

STEP 4 - GET A BUILDING PERMIT

A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED TO PHYSICALLY DEMOLISH OR CONSTRUCT MOST PARTS OF A HOME.
TYPICALLY YOU WILL REQUIRE ARCHITECTURAL PLANS (WORKING DRAWINGS), SPECIFICATIONS AND A BUILDING CONTRACT TO OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT. ONLY A BUILDING SURVEYOR CAN ISSUE A BUILDING PERMIT.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS TO A HOME THAT DO NOT AFFECT THE STRUCTURE OF A BUILDING MAY NOT REQUIRE A BUILDING PERMIT.

STEP 5 - SELECT & ENGAGE A LICENSED BUILDER

CONTACT A RANGE OF ‘CUSTOM-BUILD’ BUILDERS TO GAUGE INTEREST IN YOUR PROJECT EARLY.
IF A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED, YOUR BUILDER WILL NEED TO BE REGISTERED.
BUILDERS CAN OFTEN PROVIDE AN INDICATE PRICE BUT WILL RESERVE PROVIDING A FORMAL QUOTE & BUILDING CONTRACT UNTIL ALL DRAWINGS, SELECTIONS AND PERMITS ARE IN PLACE.
BUILDER COSTS VARY DEPENDING ON THEIR TEAMS SIZE, EXPERTISE AND AVAILABILITY.
ALWAYS USE A STANDARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SUCH AS ABIC-SW OR HIA NOTE THAT A LENDING INSTITUTION MAY HAVE A PREFERENCE.

STEP 6 - START CONSTRUCTION

ONCE ALL PERMITS ARE IN PLACE A BUILDER WILL TAKE POSSESSION OF YOUR SITE AND START CONSTRUCTION.
BE MINDFUL THAT DURING MOST RENOVATIONS, YOU MAY NEED TO MOVE OUT AND FIND ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION.
PAYMENTS TO THE BUILDER CAN BE BASED ON FIXED CONSTRUCTION STAGES OR MONTHLY.
YOUR BUILDING CONTRACT WILL OUTLINE YOUR RESPECTIVE ROLES AND OBLIGATIONS AS CLIENT OR BUILDER.
IF PREFERABLE, YOU CAN ENGAGE AN ARCHITECT TO ADMINISTER THE BUILDING CONTRACT ON YOUR BEHALF.
DURING CONTRUCTION, YOU WILL REQUIRE BUILDERS APPROVAL TO ENTER YOUR SITE/HOME.
REMEMBER THAT LANDSCAPE, FURNITURE, CURTAINS AND BLINDS ARE TYPICALLY EXCLUDED FROM A BUILDING CONTRACT. LEAD TIMES APPLY, SO ORGANISE THESE ITEMS IN ADVANCE.

STEP 7 - MOVE IN!

ONCE ALL WORK IS COMPLETE, YOUR PROJECT HAS REACHED PRACTICAL COMPLETION AND READY FOR HAND OVER. A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS ISSUED CONFIRMING THAT YOUR HOME IS SAFE, AND READY TO MOVE BACK INTO.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ADJUST YOUR HOME & CONTENTS INSURANCE IN LINE WITH THE NEW HOME.
A BUILDER MUST PROVIDE WARRANTY ON THEIR WORK WHICH INCLUDES 2 YEARS FOR NON-STRUCTURAL WORK, AND 6 YEARS FOR STRUCTURAL WORK, AFTER PRACTICAL COMPLETION.
MAKE A START ON THE GARDEN.
SIT BACK AND ENJOY.

FOR MORE RENOVATION ADVICE, INFORMATION OR PROFFESIONAL ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT OUR STUDIO.

Architectural Floor Plan of a Beach House Renovation Project in Anglesea, Victoria.

Anglesea Beach House Renovation (Alterations & Additions)

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, home renovation projects can vary widely, and local regulations may change. If you are seeking specific advice related to your renovation project, we strongly recommend contacting our office or consulting with a qualified professional. Every project is unique, and individual circumstances may require a personalized approach. By accessing and using the information in this blog, you acknowledge that it does not constitute a professional relationship or engagement. We disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this blog. Remember, the intricacies of home renovation projects often necessitate expert guidance. Our team is here to provide the assistance and advice you need for a successful and tailored approach to your renovation endeavors.

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