Tag: construction

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

Real estate winners and losers: What to renovate before you sell

Image courtesy of Realestate.com.au

A smart renovation will almost always add value to your home but be warned – it’s also easy to overcapitalise. That wine fridge and rose gold tap you just had to have, can blowout the budget and if you’re planning to sell, cost you in the long run.

“I think the most important thing for an owner when they are renovating, if they are going to sell, is it needs to be very neutral to suit the general market. Don’t go overboard on expensive fittings because the reality is you probably wont get the money back,” says Reno Addict resident expert and award-winning real estate agent Mark Foy. “I think a lot of the time homes don’t need to be renovated they just need new carpet, new floorboards, new paint, to be professionally styled and they will sell very well.”

Image courtesy of realestate.com.au
Image courtesy of realestate.com.au

So, before you strap on a tool belt or call in the trades, here’s a room-by-room list of what to consider.

Kitchen: A contemporary kitchen is very appealing but according to Mark it’s not always necessary. “If the house is half-done then I would renovate the kitchen but if the house needs a full makeover then I’d leave it to the new owners.” Mark also warns against extravagant fittings, which can be overlooked by buyers.

Bathroom: Adding an extra bathroom requires council approval but if you have the space, you could reap a huge reward! “If you have one and you can add a second bathroom that will make a huge difference,” said Mark however “if you have two already and you want to add a third, it wont make as big an impact.” As for updating an existing bathroom, Mark says the same rule applies as the kitchen. “If the rest of the house is done, do it. If the house is a dump, leave it for the new owners.”

Home office: A small bedroom is more appealing than a dedicated study but if the room is too small then Mark says a “study is better than nothing,” just don’t go overboard with state-of-the-art equipment.

Deck: An outdoor entertaining space is a guaranteed winner in this country, especially when it’s undercover. “If you can have a deck with an awning, rather than a deck without, that’s a big value adder. Just a little awning – two metres squared – so if you come home and you’re at the back door fiddling with your keys, you’ve got some cover.”

Dual living quarters: “100%!” value adder says Mark, “particularly with people looking after their Mums and Dads at home that’s a huge one, or even having a teenage retreat.”

Flooring: Mid-range timber floorboards make a home feel more luxurious and in turn, more appealing to buyers. “It’s a bit more expensive than carpet but it makes the space feel larger,” said Mark.

Natural Light: Light is one of the most desirable aspects of a home’s design. “If you can open the property up so it gets more light; atriums, skylights, even reflective light is important, this will add value to your house.”

Image courtesy of The Fifth Estate
Image courtesy of The Fifth Estate

When you’re ready to sell, selecting an agent that has good buyer relationships in the area can bump up the price. “It’s not about adding a brass tap, it’s about a feeling when buyers walk into the place. They have to be welcomed by the agent and that’s what will make people pay the right price,” said Mark.

And at the end of the day, renovation or not, it can all come down to market conditions. “At the moment in Surry Hills the market is red hot, there’s no stock around. It doesn’t matter what you do, you could rip the place up and it’d still sell well. But in normal market conditions, you need to be very careful about where you spend your money to make sure the renovation doesn’t cost you.”

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to: Pick the right tradie

We’ve all heard the horror stories. Having difficulty with a tradie is almost par for the course in the renovating game but there are ways you can minimise your risk. Given that your role in a renovation project is, at a minimum, to make sure the renovation comes in on time, on budget and is a good project, your choice of trades is key. Your team is the one thing you can control, that will directly impact on the success of your renovation. No pressure!

tradie
Image courtesy of Tradie Point

Word of mouth

Just as when you engage any sort of service in life, referrals are key. Ask your friends and family for tradie recommendations and you can even cast the net wider and put the call out on social media. Finding a trade through word of mouth should help mitigate some of the risk of things going awry – it’s akin to vetting someone for a job.

Registration & insurance

Make sure you check that your tradie has a current licence that ensures they are qualified to carry out your job – you should also check their insurance too. The Master Builders Association and other similar, more trade-specific bodies, should be able to point you in the right direction of accredited tradies in your area.

Quotes

The general rule of thumb is that you should obtain three quotes for any job and this is obviously an important part of choosing a tradie. As for the quote, check that it includes basics like an ABN and licence number. Also, you should ask yourself – is it detailed? If not, it’s usually a red flag, as you could be leaving yourself wide open for extra costs. You should also ask what is excluded from the quote so that you know what other expenses may be coming your way. And as for making your final decision, cheaper isn’t necessarily better – make sure to check the finer details as the cheaper quote may have omitted some key things.

tradiequote
Image courtesy of Tradie Point

Are you on the same page?

It sounds basic but does your tradie understand your end working goal? First up, it’s up to you to share it with them but you should ask yourself – do they truly understand? This is essential to any working relationship, but especially a renovating one.

Communication

This one is mostly your responsibility but it helps if your tradie is a good communicator too as communication is key to any team environment. As an aside, make sure to provide instructions in verbal, written and visual form throughout all stages of the project.

Reliability

This one doesn’t really require much explanation other than to say that, when it comes to trades, reliability is key. When you are working against the clock and every day is an extra day of holding costs or an extra day off market, it is essential that your trades are reliable. A dependable trade could save you money in the long run.

 Are they a team player?

Given there are so many people involved in a renovation, it’s important that you choose a tradie that is a team player. It will make your life so much easier.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging. 

Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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Before & Afters House Tours Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real Reno: Tired kitchen transformed into modern masterpiece

AFTER kitchen

Building a kitchen from scratch, while raising a baby and toddler, was always going to be difficult! But the Tasker family have done just that with remarkable results.

“It’s a very classy feel with industrial undertones,” said busy mum Sarah, who helped her husband Dean make all the design decisions from appliances, to lighting and fittings. “My husband’s a cabinetmaker so we designed everything together and were able to do a lot of the work ourselves. We fell in love with Calacatta Blanco by Smartstone and based our entire renovation around this stone. We used it for the benchtops and splashback in the kitchen and carried through to the vanity in the bathroom,” she said.

BEFORE kitchen
BEFORE kitchen
AFTER kitchen
AFTER kitchen

The renovation took six weeks including the removal of a large wall to open up the kitchen and living area. “The first decision was easy, remove the massive wall and open it up and let the light through and wow! What a difference it’s made! Now when you walk in the entrance you really get a wow factor,” said Sarah who purchased the three-bedroom home in Miranda NSW before it went to auction. “It had a lot of character with its raised ceilings and original floorboards but was extremely dated. We saw potential right away.”

BEFORE kitchen
BEFORE kitchen
AFTER kitchen
AFTER kitchen

Excluding appliances, the kitchen renovation cost the husband and wife duo around $20-25,000. “The joinery is an investment but you just cannot beat good quality that lasts. I think the pewter pendant lights and saddle stools really add a lot of character and tie it all together,” Sarah said.

AFTER kitchen
AFTER kitchen

“Once you start a reno though it’s hard to stop and one thing leads to the next! We planned on doing the kitchen and bathroom and that led into a whole lot more,” said Sarah who has been overwhelmed with compliments from family and friends. “We have been getting such positive feedback and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Having a home that flows and is easy to keep clean and organised makes all the difference in the world to us!”

kitchen9

As for advice for would-be renovators, Sarah suggests taking paint and material samples with you when deciding on other finishes for your home. “Choosing the right colours is so, so, so important and can make all the difference. Start from the bottom, like the floor, and work your way up.”

Contact Tasker Joinery here.

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Bathrooms Before & Afters DIY Expert Tips Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

How to: Budget for your next renovation

AFTER

Like a runaway train, a renovation budget can quickly derail once you lose control. It can happen to the unlucky, the unsuspecting and even to the most experienced renovator. That’s because you’re nearly always dealing with older properties where tricky problems arise and one can of worms can quickly lift the lid on another.

It underlines why it’s so important to be highly disciplined about all the aspects of a budget that are completely within your control and allow a 10% contingency for the inevitable ones that aren’t.

flip-4-before
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER

Here are four ways to help you budget for your next renovation:

Set your budget limit

For any cosmetic renovation, I recommend you cap your renovation budget at 10% of the total value of the property. So that means if you purchased your property for $600,000 you should spend no more than $60,000 on your total renovation. That’s for everything, inside and out. If you’re doing every room in the house, then you might want to break it down room by room, keeping in mind the kitchen and bathroom will generally always be the most expensive and trade-intensive rooms to renovate. If you’re handy with Excel, I recommend keeping a running sheet of costs.

Research, research, research…

Nearly all professional renovators and developers work to a set formula: they know roughly what repairs cost, what the various trades charge and when to walk away from a project because the cost of repairs or improvements simply doesn’t make the numbers stack up. Things like replacing an old roof, re-stumping or doing a complete rewire of a property could prove cost-prohibitive if you were looking to make a profit on the renovation. The internet is full of information, so educate yourself as much as possible about what things typically cost, especially remedial works. Knowledge is power in the renovation game.

BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER

Always get three quotes

The only real way to know if you’re getting a fair price for the task at hand – whether it’s waterproofing and re-tiling a bathroom, or getting the façade rendered and painted – is to get a minimum of three quotes. It might seem like a lot of extra hassle, but you’ll be staggered at how much prices can vary: sometimes it’s not hundreds of dollars, but tens of thousands! A ridiculously low quote should ring alarm bells, as should an absurdly high one. If there’s a massive disparity between your three quotes, then get a couple more. And make sure you’ve detailed all the works required, in writing, so you’re comparing apples with apples.

Shop around for materials

Unless you’re a bargain shopper, you’re not stretching that budget as far as it can go. Finding a floor stock vanity for 50% off, end-of-line tiles, a heavily discounted kitchen on an auction site like GraysOnline, and comparing prices online for all your major fixtures and fittings… this is where you’ll save serious dollars. And let’s face it, there’s nothing more satisfying than bagging a bargain.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

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Bathrooms Before & Afters DIY Kitchens Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: Neglected semi overhauled in just eight weeks with stunning results

BEFORE exterior

A rundown two-bedroom semi in Sydney’s inner west has been transformed from ugly duckling to swan in just two months by a seasoned renovator with a budget of $100,000.

“It literally felt like a real life The Block with all the tears, laughter and successes but without the cameras,” says owner Judith Treanor who completed the overhaul while running her interior design business.

“The home was in desperate need of tender loving care and in original condition. Ceilings were cracked, windows were rotting, kitchen was falling apart, bathroom was tiny and impractical, wiring was exposed, garden had been neglected with uneven concrete. It was possible to see the potential however.”

BEFORE exterior
BEFORE exterior
AFTER exterior
AFTER exterior

A first-time flipper, Judith made a $54,000 profit on the renovation which included a new bathroom, bamboo floors, fresh coat of paint and opening up the kitchen and laundry to give buyers direct access to the backyard. “The all white L-shaped contemporary kitchen including breakfast bench and in-built laundry cupboard brightened up the formerly drab living area immensely and brought the house bang up to date,” she said.

BEFORE kitchen
BEFORE kitchen
AFTER kitchen
AFTER kitchen

The backyard is now unrecognisable. “It’s a real oasis in the city,” says Judith who completed the landscaping, including laying the pavers and installing planter boxes herself with help from family and friends. “If you’re able to get involved in some of the work where feasible, do – not only does this save you money but it gives you a great sense of pride and achievement.”

BEFORE backyard
BEFORE backyard
AFTER backyard
AFTER backyard

Renovation hiccups included uneven floors in the kitchen and damage to the drainage system and electrical circuitry. “I love to create beautiful spaces. However if I was to flip a property again I would stick to one requiring only aesthetic changes not structural. When renovating a house of this age and condition you need to have a big buffer in the budget for unforeseen circumstances,” said Judith.

Unexpected costs aside, as an interior designer the biggest challenge she faced was resisting the urge to splurge. “I wanted this to be a stunning showcase for the business whilst simultaneously keeping to a strict budget as the plan was to sell for profit.

“It almost goes without saying but renovating a home for profit is vastly different to renovating a home to live in. It’s hard to not want to go with your heart and create a design masterpiece but you need to appeal to the market. However I’d also say that doesn’t mean going completely neutral as you risk your property being forgotten alongside all the other homes a buyer may have inspected on the same Saturday.”

AFTER bedroom
AFTER bedroom

As for advice for other would-be renovators, Judith says “when choosing a builder don’t make the mistake of going with the one who quotes low to get you to sign the contract. This so often ends up becoming the most expensive as they will create variations at every turn. Make sure the scope of works from each trade is very through and detailed.”

Visit Judith’s online store.

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Architecture Design Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT Shopping

Trend alert: Stand out from the crowd with vibrant, slimline bricks

Gone are the days of boring, brown brick that’s crying out to be covered in render. In 2016 it’s all about making an architectural statement with eye-popping, slimline bricks and the new linear range from PGH Bricks & Pavers doesn’t disappoint.

Dating back to the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style of the early 1900s, the use of slimline bricks to play with pattern and proportion is re-emerging as a major architectural trend across Europe and Australia.

“Linear bricks can be used to create smooth lines, sharper corners and texture for a stand out home,” said Michelle Gissel, general manager of marketing and strategy at PGH Bricks & Pavers.

From aqua to mustard yellow, there’s a colour to help every design savvy renovator amplify street appeal. Stuart Vokes, director of a leading residential architecture firm, Vokes and Peters, envisions exciting new designs with the collection.

“The linear profile is a lovely shift in proportion from the typical 230mm brick. I see these being used to create unique feature walls and incorporated with standard-size bricks for textured exteriors. They would also work well as an internal or external paver,” he said.


Dry pressed linear bricks offer a matt look and are available in 10 colours, including new balmerino blend, popular mowbray blue and gledswood blend bricks.

The linear glazed brick collection features 25 colours, including colourful vibrant bricks, a strong and dark palette of academy bricks, cutting edge urban metal bricks, and the soft and cool tones of the seascape bricks.

See here for more information.

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Architecture Before & Afters Design Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real Reno: Neglected hoarder’s hovel transformed into breathtaking family home

Residential

A heritage listed, dilapidated hoarder’s home set on an incredibly steep block. It’s enough to frighten the most experienced renovator but in just eight months, two courageous brothers have transformed the junk-filled squalor into a multi-million dollar property.

“It was our second hoarder house so I was a little more confident this time. Doing a major renovation, you just ignore it and look at elevation, the view and try to get a feel for the finished product,” said owner of Graya Construction Rob Gray.

BEFORE exterior
BEFORE exterior
AFTER exterior

The finished product is a contemporary four-bedroom family home, with three bathrooms, two living areas and a pool, split over three levels. “It’s very steep and the most tricky part of the build was having to slide the two-story original house. We had to slide it down the hill and just getting the machines up and down and material in and out was a bit of a nightmare. Being on a steep block can easily add 20% to the cost of the build,” said Rob.

BEFORE backyard. Bulldozers are brought in to removes the piles of rubbish and begin earthworks
BEFORE backyard
AFTER backyard

To meet heritage guidelines, the weathered front façade has been restored and the original framework remodelled to form a spacious master bedroom on the top level, with sweeping views of the neighbourhood.

“With the heritage listing there are two options: you can essentially keep the character throughout the whole house, or you can modern it up which is what we chose to do,” Rob said. “I think the master bedroom is easily the best part of the house, the whole level is just yours. It’s huge. It’s a 3.4-metre ceiling and every person that’s seen the house is just blown away by it.”

BEFORE master bedroom
BEFORE master bedroom
AFTER master bedroom ensuite
AFTER master bedroom ensuite

But it’s the rear extension, with its expansive timber lined roof and walls, that makes your jaw drop. “I love using natural timber both inside and out. It softens it up and adds texture. White gyprock can be very boring,” Rob said.

BEFORE exterior
BEFORE exterior
AFTER exterior

The second level of the home features the guest bedroom, main living area and an open-plan kitchen with “super-white” marble bench-tops that Rob says “catch the light and sharpen up the island to give it an element of architecture.”

AFTER kitchen
AFTER kitchen
AFTER living and dining
AFTER living and dining

A large void and staircase lead down to the ground level, where you’ll find two more bedrooms and the rumpus, which opens out to the pool.

AFTER staircase and rumpus
AFTER staircase and rumpus
AFTER ground level
AFTER ground level

Purchased in late 2015 for $750,000, it took Rob and the team just eight months to complete the renovation. “I started designing the plan when it was under contract so when it settled, I was busy on another job for four weeks then I jumped straight onto it. It was a 30-day settlement and I used that in planning and that’s a big one for anyone that’s looking to do something to on-sell is really use that time to your advantage.”

He adds: “If you are designing it for your family or designing it to sell, it’s two different processes. If you’re designing it to on-sell you have to get in the mind of your buyer. But if you’re designing it for yourself the first step is to decide how many different bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas you want then I would start looking at sizes. Compare houses on the market to what you want to build. Then work out roughly how many square metres you need to get the house that you desire before you start drawing, which people always forget to do. It is really important to talk to some builders and get some estimates on square metres. People really miss that step and it always comes back to bite them.”

Rob also suggests would-be renovators tread carefully with trends to ensure a renovation stays timeless. “There is nothing worse than a modern house where people use the latest fads and then two years down the track it just doesn’t look good and devalues the house. Try to avoid glosses. Use matt two-pack in the kitchen, matt coating on the timber floors and tiles. I did go black tapware in this house but it’s an easy cosmetic update.”

AFTER main bathroom
AFTER main bathroom

The hoarder house, in the sought-after Queensland suburb of Paddington, is now known as the water tower home and sold prior to auction to a couple with a young family.

Rob and Andrew Gray
Rob and Andrew Gray

You can find out more about Rob and the team at Graya Construction here. Photos courtesy of Scott Burrows Photography.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to keep things clean during a renovation

Renovating a home can be a stressful process, especially when dealing with the chaos of noise and debris and the panic of keeping your precious belongings from harm. Preparation is key when keeping your space clean during a renovation.

RA keeping clean during renovation construction
Image: Alair

Remove everything
The first thing to do is remove absolutely everything (including rugs, curtains, furniture and small goods) and place them in an isolated area or off-site in a storage facility. Consider it like a contamination spill you’re trying to desperately control.

Controlling dust and debris
Dust and dirt is going to become your worst enemy throughout your renovation – limit the spread with these tips:

  • In the case of renovating a smaller space such as the kitchen or living area, it’s best that you remove everything to another area. If you’re living in the space whilst renovating then it’s essential to quarantine the renovation and workspace. By using thick plastic and construction tape you can effectively contain the area to limit the amount of debris that is spread. You’re still able to have access to the area, but remember, the more you go into it, the more likely you are to spread dust and dirt.
  • Dust usually comes out of ceilings and walls and due to it being extremely fine, it becomes quite difficult to contain. Make sure that you have adequate ventilation.
  • Often people think it’s fine to have the windows open with the flyscreens still attached. This is a big no. Flyscreens can get dirty easily, as dust and debris are blown through by breezes – they act as a filter and become difficult to clean.  Alternatively, it’s better to remove the flyscreens and ventilate the area without using the screen as dust-catchers.

RA keeping clean during renovation shell
Image: Slotegraaf

Covering items
If the renovated space holds any heavy, bulky items, you should cover them with thick plastic and construction tape, if possible, and make sure there are no crevasses or cracks for dust to filter through.

Many people think cupboard doors will stop dust going through, but sadly not! When getting tiling done or your floor sanded, it’s important to make sure that the items in your cupboards are sealed up.

Create a boardwalk
Once items are removed and the renovated space is isolated, create a pathway for people, especially tradesman, who wear protective  footwear, to use when walking through the area. You can use gaffer tape and cardboard, ply or even drop sheets to create a walkway, to ensure no damage is done the existing floors or carpet.

Daily clean up
In order to manage and reduce the build-up of mess, it’s best to keep on top of it on a daily basis. Vacuuming is great, but not with a standard vacuum cleaner as construction debris and dust can often be too overwhelming to collect. Unless you have an old vacuum that you don’t mind damaging, consider hiring a construction vacuum for the project duration.

Be nice to your tradies
Contrary to popular belief, most tradesmen want to do a good job and clean up after themselves, so make it easy for them. Give them a quick introduction of where you want all the debris to go, give them a skip and show them where the waste goes. For example, if a tiler comes to work for you, give them an appropriate space to work, ensure they have power and ideally have them cut materials outside – in the shade ideally and out of the rain.

By setting a tradesman up for success – by providing them with power, an ideal spot to cut and clearly indicating where you want them to store their materials and waste – you will set yourself up for a smooth and successful home renovation.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging. Want to be a home stager? Attend the 2016 Home Staging Symposium in Sydney this June!

Ask Naomi a question | Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

What to consider when choosing flooring for your reno

From tiles, hardwood, vinyl, laminate or eco-friendly choices like cork or bamboo, flooring options are endless and confusing. New flooring can drastically change the vibe and look of your space, for the better or worse. So it’s important to take into account both the aesthetic and functional factors before making a decision.

RA what to consider when choosing flooring for your home tiles

Image: Pinterest

Location
Which room or space will you change – the bathroom, living area, kitchen, or bedroom flooring? You need to think about how you use that floor and which material would be the most appropriate. For example, it wouldn’t be the best idea to carpet your entire bathroom.

Your lifestyle and needs
Durability, price and style are all factors that will influence your selection no matter if you have kids or pets, or just want to change the flooring for yourself.

You also need to think about practicality. Is the floor in a busy area of your home and who uses it the most? For instance, if you want to change the flooring in your five-year-old daughter’s room, you’re going to want something that she is unlikely to get hurt on, that is comfortable and easy to take care of and keep clean.
RA what to consider when choosing flooring for your home timber

Image: Pinterest

Type and style of flooring
There are numerous types of flooring to choose from. They have to accommodate both your desired look and style but also be practical. Consider whether they will be easy to clean and maintain, won’t be too dangerous to walk and will complement your furniture.

You can choose from a range of woven and non-woven carpets including twist, textured, loop and plush. Hard flooring comes in an assortment of wood including timber, bamboo, laminate – 1 strip, 2 strip, 3 strip and multi-strip. Tiles are always a safe choice with polished, matte, Lappato, gloss or external. Lastly, vinyl can come in multiple forms from plank to tile to sheet.

RA what to consider when choosing flooring for your home concrete

Image: Pinterest

Select your colours
The colour tone you choose for your flooring can make or break the aesthetic of an entire room. Consider the following.

  • What colours are part of your current decor?
  • What colour scheme would you like to incorporate in your new space?
  • What is the main attraction of your space?
  • What vibe do you want to create in your space?

Space is also a factor when determining colours. Light floors make a room more spacious and can brighten up darker areas, while medium tones can add warmth to an otherwise dull space.

Natural tones are easy to match with furniture and fittings, as they blend well with a range of materials and colours and won’t take away from the general aesthetic of the room.

Size and shape
It’s important to choose the size and shape of the material. In terms of hardwood, do you like skinny or wide panels? Small square tiles or rectangular ones?

RA what to consider when choosing flooring for your home vintage tiles

Image: Pinterest

How much do you want to invest on your flooring purchase?
Pricing for flooring is displayed and quoted in square metres. It’s necessary for you to measure your desired flooring space and determine the number of square metres that’ll be required for your home and then decide on the amount you would like to spend on each square.

You also need to be aware pricing often doesn’t include installation costs and you might incur further charges.

Get samples
Once you are happy with your colour and material selection you should order or borrow samples and test them out in your home at different times of the day to see how the lighting looks against your other furniture. It will also allow you to feel the texture and durability of the flooring. This test will help you to make a better choice and you hopefully won’t regret your decision later.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging. Want to be a home stager? Attend the 2016 Home Staging Symposium in Sydney this June!

Ask Naomi a question | Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to make your reno as fast as possible

You’re finally at the construction stage after months, probably years of designing layouts and saving money. It’s an exciting time because your project is about to be realised. However, to make sure your renovation is as successful and fast as possible, you need a strict plan that has a few key considerations.

RA how to make your reno as quick as possible exterior

Image: Apartment Therapy

Trades – their order and how much time they require
In order to ensure your renovation begins and ends on time, you need to determine the order in which each tradesman comes in.  It’s necessary to create a timeline outlining the length of time each trade will take, what days they come in, and what should be completed in the given time.  Make sure that you leave yourself a little room between trades – a buffer of a day between each stage of the renovation will allow you to adapt and tweak the schedule when there are unforeseen delays.

Before a renovation starts, it’s important to schedule all trades at estimated dates, confirm with them and continue to keep them in the loop once the project begins. For instance, once you become aware that a task is moved forward or is held back, it’s necessary to contact all trades and ensure they’re able to work on the new dates.

It could certainly be seen as a lot of communication, emails, calls and texts, but it will make the process significantly smoother for both you and your trades.

Never wait on deliveries
Numerous aspects can slow down the renovation process but waiting for deliveries is one that can completely cease construction – an example is waiting on tiles to arrive.

It’s important to make sure all materials are on site ready for the trade to start work. Alternatively, you can store deliveries on another property or at a storage shed for quick retrieval when they are required.

Being on top of your suppliers and the coordination of their ordering and delivery to site will save time and money.

RA how to make your reno as quick as possible indoor outdoor livingImage: Eco Outdoor

Identify custom orders early
One aspect that can be significantly derailing for a renovation is waiting for custom orders to be made and delivered. For example, in some cases, where you are keeping the existing window sizes, windows may need to be custom made.  This can take from five to eight weeks depending on your location, the supplier and the time of year the order is made.

Or in the instance where a door or window needs to be measured to an opening, you must prioritise creating the aperture early on in the renovation, which will allow you to get a measure and order submitted ASAP. Planning is key here!

Be hands on and on your game
It’s simple – a clean site is a productive site. Tradesmen will work faster when they’re not working through mess.

Keeping an eye on progress and asking questions will allow you to make sure things are running smoothly and to plan. You are then able to arrange times with your trades more effectively and get the job done quicker.

RA how to make your reno as quick as possible exterior living

Image: One Kin Design

Support your trades
Organisation is the key to success! The more your tradesmen know, the more they’ll be able to discuss with you and work faster to complete the tasks.

Any plans, notes, to-do lists, final construction plans and almost anything else one will ever need to know about the renovation should be at their disposal. You could laminate these documents and stick them to a wall of the renovation space for easy access. You could also use plastic sleeves to store documents at the site for quick referral. These processes mean that tradesmen don’t have to wait on you to get additional information.

Another useful tip to hasten the process is meeting tradesmen on site on the first day to go through instructions. Make sure your tradesmen have adequate facilities too. That means having a portable toilet if necessary, so they don’t have to leave the site on bathroom breaks.

It’s also essential that rubbish is removed regularly and appropriately. For example, if a demolition was halted due to a skip being full then it needs to be replaced or emptied ASAP.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging. Want to be a home stager? Attend the 2016 Home Staging Symposium in Sydney this June!

Ask Naomi a question | Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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RENO ADDICT

Find a tradie instantly with the new TradeSearch web app

Engaging tradies can be one of the most unpleasant parts of renovating but we’re pleased to report that there’s a game-changer in town. Like Uber for homeowners and renovators, the recently launched TradeSearch web app allows you to connect with qualified tradies in real time and on demand. Not only can you find out their availability instantly, you can also check out the quality of their work and their hourly rates too. We love!!

TRADESMAN PROFILE

Tradesman profile

The app is ideal for those needing someone fast (ie. a flooded bathroom), but we love the transparency factor also – not only does the app help you immediately find a tradie that is close by and who can work when you need them, you can also find out their hourly rate in an instant. The review feature is great too as you can check out tradie ratings and compare trades by photo, service description, qualifications and hourly rates before securing a price that fits within your budget. It’s obviously a much more efficient way of engaging contractors than spending all day on the phone.

“When you hire a contractor, you’re engaging a stranger to come to your house. If I were overseas, and my wife who is at home needed someone straight away, I could hop on to the app, input what I need, and pay the person I choose. My wife wouldn’t need to do anything except open the door,” says the TradeSearch web app developer Joseph Mancuso.

The app is used to make bookings and secure payments too. Payment options include PayPal, stripe, credit card or cash and the app tracks the trade’s time spent on site which allows you to verify charges before making payment. Like Uber, payment is made instantly so it means tradesmen don’t have to chase outstanding bills either. It’s a win, win!

See here for more.

 

 

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

What to consider when renovating in a strata building

There are numerous factors to consider when renovating within a strata building, as opposed to a private property or house. A strata building in a residential area can be a unit or apartment complex, townhouse, villa or duplex.

RA renovating in a strata building bathroom

Image: Pinterest

Strata approval
Before making any renovations to the structure of a building, including the walls, ceilings, balconies, pipes, ducts and services, it is crucial you consult with the strata about these changes. These alterations won’t only affect you, but those that live around you.

Changes to floor coverings
Many multi-storey or high-rise buildings have strata conditions or by-laws in place to control the acoustic properties of how the floor can be used, the thickness of the flooring and issues surrounding the acoustic insulation and noise transmission. To avoid any issues, its important to consult with the strata and get your flooring choice cleared before construction – it’s also the neighbourly thing to do.

Differences on the outside
We all desire to make changes to make our home more aesthetically and functionally pleasing. However, you need to consider how changes to your unit and property will look from the outside and might affect others. Simple changes such as installing private screenings or shutters on windows for heat insulation or privacy need to be considered from a strata perspective.

RA renovating in a strata building kitchen and dining

Image: Pinterest

Do you need approval before making changes to a strata building?
So you don’t fall into any legal perils, its important that you get a copy of your building’s by-laws and review them to find out whether your renovations need to be altered or can be passed.

Documentation is important
When completing any renovation it is best to keep a copy of all documentation and receipts for future need. Keeping a copy of council approvals and/or certifications is necessary for strata, as they will want to see them before any construction takes place. Don’t wait until the last moment to get these – plan in advance!

Access to noise and rubbish removal
It’s necessary for your tradesmen to have access to a good work area and dispose of waste easily. Unlike on a single dwelling, having portable toilets, skip bins and allowing tradesmen to work on the front and back yard isn’t so easy in a strata building. Due to the space, structure and surrounding people, there is a different level of complexity.

Maintaining and controlling rubbish removal can be especially difficult. How do I get permission for a skip bin? Where do I put it? How does it not block the driveway?  These questions arise frequently, but there are a few solutions to help with the problem. Thankfully, fabric skip bins are now available that can be craned over a verandah or stored in the garage. Tradesmen can arrange access. For large renovations, a demolition shoot will need to be planned from the window/verandah of the complex, which dumps the debris in the skip. Approval needs to be sourced as the process involves, not only the shoot, but also the permission of the person whose land is used to place the skip.

Noise
Noise during construction can be annoying for some residents. But if you are respectful and working within your limits then you are starting from a good position. It’s important to check state laws regarding noise control in an urban or residential area. More specifically, check what applies to your specific building. This will let you make sure the construction occurs during a certain time and that online power tools are permitted. Hopefully then you can enjoy your renovations and not worry about being the noisy neighbour.

Amenities in-check
Tradesmen are people too and need access to a toilet onsite. It’s your job to find out where the nearest toilet is for them and gain approval for a portable one if needed.

RA renovating in a strata building lounge room

Image: Pinterest

Working areas for trades
When renovating a building in a strata environment, tradesmen don’t often get the luxury of working on a driveway or front yard, which can be difficult when it comes to the preparation of the renovation. You need to consider that a work area needs to be created and that you might not only be vacating the renovation area but an adjacent one as a work area.

All that cutting, sawing and grinding inside will create a cacophony of a mess, but it’s fairly unavoidable. You need to weigh up the choices. Would you rather a tradesman walking to and from a building to grab materials outside (taking up a lot of time) as opposed to one big construction clean up at the end of the renovation.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging. Want to be a home stager? Attend the 2016 Home Staging Symposium in Sydney this June!

Ask Naomi a question | Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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RENO ADDICT

How to: Live in your home during renovations without losing your mind

When you’re renovating your home yourself, it can be a time-consuming and costly endeavour. However, these costs don’t stop at your bank account. A major renovation can also take its toll on you and compromise your family’s sanity. Read on for four tips that can help you survive the process without going completely crazy.

Construction

Use a shipping container for storage

If you moved into your new home using a shipping container, this can be an ideal place to store your belongings throughout the renovation process. Rather than squeezing that extra sofa into your guest bedroom, you can store it in the container, where it is out of your way. There is already going to be enough chaos in your home with the renovation, so there is no need to make it worse with excess clutter. This extra storage also has the added bonus of keeping your belongings protected from the dust and debris that the renovation can create.

You can also rent or buy shipping containers to extend your house and create a pretty cool looking outdoor room or a special man-shed to keep the males of the house happy.

Shippingcontainer

Send the kids to grandma’s house

If you have children, try to arrange for them to stay elsewhere during the renovations, with family members or close friends. The chaos and disorder of the renovation can be highly stressful and confusing for children, especially younger ones. Not to mention the potential hazards brought about by a DIY job.

These can include exposed wiring, uncovered nails and power tools lying around. If you are constantly worried about your child’s safety, you will not be able to focus on getting the work done, and the whole project can end up taking even longer than expected. To be on the safe side, it is wiser to just have the kids stay somewhere else where they will be out of harm’s way and they’ll probably have a much better time being spoiled by Grandma and Grandad anyway!

Create a plan before you start

You’ll probably begin your renovation project with tons of drive and motivation, thinking you can get it done in just a week or so. However, as the project drags on and unexpected delays pop up, your attention span dwindles and your motivation wanes.

Every day your project sits there unfinished is another day you have to live in an incomplete, disorganised home. To help combat this, develop a clear plan for how you will complete the project. Create a schedule or to-do list for each day and force yourself to stick to it. Pretend you’re on The Block if you have to!

Not only will this help you to stay on track and get the renovation completed in a timely manner, it also gives you a light at the end of the tunnel. It can be highly motivating to check items off your list each day so you can clearly see the progress you are making. Knowing that there is an official end in sight can give you the extra push you need to see the project through to completion.

Organisation

Designate an area in your home as a construction-free zone

Renovating can upset your life in many ways, so it is important that you have an escape from all the chaos. Choose an area of your home that will be your sanctuary. Keep it as neat and clutter-free as possible, because the last thing you want is to leave one messy room for another. Resist the urge to store items from the room under renovation in this area (remember the first tip about your shipping container). Your construction-free zone should be your escape, so try to make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible. When you’re feeling overly stressed, this small respite can be just what you need to find the drive to finish the renovation.

No matter what you do, a renovation will be challenging both physically and emotionally, but the above tips can help you weather the storm. Whenever you feel like you are lacking in motivation, just imagine the finished project and how much better your life will be once it is done. This can give you the motivation needed to finish the renovation and get on with your life in your new home.

Author Bio: This article was written by Clive Smith the interstate removals general manager for Budget Self Pack Containers.

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Achieve an architectural look with cement composite cladding

Designed for use as external walls for timber-framed homes, Scyon Walls’ range of cement composite cladding is lightweight but durable and adds an instant architectural finish that’s a great alternative to the brick look.

D3S_4781_2

“The walls have been designed to be attached directly to the timber frame and take up less space than brick veneer cladding or a double-brick wall while offering brace support to the frame,” says Christian Hansen, Scyon’s marketing manager.

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Available in four different designs – vertical and horizontal lines, a geometric grid design and classic weatherboard – the product arrives pre-primed which allows you to experiment with exterior paint colours. The product is also designed to resist shrinking, swelling and cracking – this means it holds paint longer which minimises ongoing maintenance.

D3S_6201

“An estimated 85 percent of Australian homes are built with timber structures and these are the ideal external walls for timber framed homes,” says Christian. They can also be a space saver too. By eliminating brick veneer cladding and accompanying wall cavities, a three-bedroom home can gain up to an extra 10 square metres of floor space.

3Hatch

The product’s quick and easy installation requires a nail gun to timber or screws to steel and it’s resistant to termites, moisture damage, rot and fire when correctly installed and maintained.

3Hatch-25

Click here for more.

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Expert Advice: How to pick the right trade

Did you check your tradie’s credentials before booking? Check out our four-step guide to ensuring you’re working with a professional.

1

If you’re looking to hire a tradesman, whether it be a plumber, electrician or just a handyman to repair something broken, it’s important that you choose carefully. The best tradie for the job will be appropriately qualified, licensed, professional and have a reputation for producing great work. Being discerning in your choice will ensure that you get work done on time, it’s good quality and completed at a good price.

To help you hire the right tradie for the job, you need to ask the right questions. Here are four key factors to consider…

2
Are they legitimate?
An ABN or Australian Business Number is issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and helps businesses to identify one another. While it’s not mandatory for a tradie to have an ABN, it makes it easy for anyone to verify their business. The ATO database will enable you to see when the business was registered and whether that registration is still valid.

Are they licensed?
Most tradesmen in the building sector require a license to perform work in your home and have to hold a qualification to be awarded the license in the first place.

Trade licences are not as black and white as they might seem though, so be careful. Licensing of trades is done on a state-by-state basis, with each state having slightly different requirements. Some licences for builders, plumbers, electricians and gas fitters are licensed nationwide. Other tradesmen such as painters, are not required to hold a licence in every state.

To navigate through the confusion, searching online will quickly tell you whether your potential electrician/carpenter/tiler/landscaper needs a licence where you live. To check if theirs is valid you can look online or simply just ask to see it with your own eyes. If they push back on providing documentation then your alarm bells should really be ringing.

3

Are they covered?
It’s absolutely vital that the tradie you choose is covered by the correct insurance policy. Public liability insurance is compulsory and will protect you against third party injuries and property damage caused by the contractor. Without public liability insurance, they may not be able to pay for the damage, replacement or repair.

So it’s of the utmost importance that you check their insurance is current and valid, before allowing them to commence work in your home.

4

What’s the word on the street?
One of the best ways so check a tradie’s reputation, workmanship and professionalism, is to see what their past clients have said about them. Search their business online and look for testimonials or online recommendations. This will give you an idea of how they operate, and if you notice an alarming number of negative reviews, it would be best advised to steer clear!

Carefully considering all of these factors and asking the right questions upfront can ensure that you choose the right tradie for your home improvement needs, while avoiding any possible disappointment or disputes.

–Johanna Seton is a home improvement expert from hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest online marketplace for hiring home improvement professionals

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Introducing HardieDeck – a fuss-free alternative to timber decking

There’s nothing we like more than a low-maintenance building material and timber decking alternative HardieDeck certainly fits that bill.

HardieDeck painted grey spend more time relaxing

Unlike timber decking, HardieDeck doesn’t require regular staining and is also resistant to fading, termites, warping, moisture damage and fire too making it ideal for houses in a bushfire zone.

And it’s not only practical but, with its smart architectural lines it looks super smart too. The product is securely fixed in place without splinters or nails making it smooth and safe to walk on and perfect for lovers of minimalist design.

“It takes work to keep a timber deck looking good with regular staining and knocking nails back in, whereas HardieDeck is a concealed fix so you’ll never see a screw or nail and it’s hard wearing,” says James.

HardieDeck painted a neutral colour spend more time entertaining
The boards are designed to be coated in durable paving paints which gives plenty of scope for matching or complementing other elements of your home like wall or roof colours and tiled paving – another handy design feature.

“Over time, decking usually fades and tends to grey as it ages while HardieDeck remains the colour you paint it,” says Christian Hansen, Marketing Manager for James Hardie Australia.

The product can also be clear sealed for that raw, natural look popular in contemporary architecture.

Click here for more.

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Design RENO ADDICT

2016 home building trends and predictions

It’s no secret that land sizes are becoming smaller to cater for the growing population. Now more than ever we need innovative, well-designed, smaller homes to suit lifestyles and budgets that don’t compromise on space. But it’s not just narrow block designs that will be dominating 2016, there are many other trends and buyers’ behaviour that are predicted for the new year. Below, residential project home builders Allworth Homes, outline industry and buyers’ behaviour changes for 2016

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  1. Knock-down rebuilds will continue to increase. Home buyers are realising re-building a brand new home on their existing property is beneficial in the long run, financially and logistically. This trend comes down to people crunching the numbers around associated costs relating to ‘moving’ compared to building ‘new’. Mixed with the fact that they are future proofing the resale of their home down the track, it’s a clear winner as to why people are choosing to go down this road.
  1. Buyers are demanding more transparency. People are now more educated about what’s involved in building a new home but are still drowning in uncertainty around costs. Buyers want transparency up front. They want to know what they’re in for.

ALLWORTH-AVALON-4223-PS

  1. Buyers are future proofing their homes for multigenerational living. A lot of new home buyers are now following the trend toward ‘future-proofing’ their new home design. For example that is designs that allow, with a small amount of renovation work, a former living area to be converted into sleeping accommodation with bathroom access. Homes with versatile spaces that can be used in different ways and accommodate multi-generational living will continue to be in high demand in the coming years.
  1. High land prices in Sydney will make it tougher for first home buyers entering the market. This is an unfortunate reality that doesn’t need much explanation. We are seeing a decrease in the amount of sites for first home buyers can afford in Sydney and with the reduction in the First Home Owners Grant, we expect those numbers to keep dropping. Good news is this may be short-lived. With major land releases planned and lot sizes decreasing, competition amongst developers should see land priced within reach of first home buyers in Sydney late 2016-to-2017.

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  1. A tighter market and major developers focussing on ‘Mum and Dad’ buyers will see the return of the discerning traditional buyer, pushing solid long-term contract home builders to the fore. Newer, speculative builders once reliant on a burgeoning market will have to re-invent themselves to survive.
  1. The shortage of bricklayers and subsequent increased labour costs has seen many builders turning to alternate materials. These alternates — do they pass conservative NSW buyers ‘knock test’? Do they provide adequate termite protection? Do they have long-term maintenance issues? All questions buyers will consider in their decision.

For more information.

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Architecture Design RENO ADDICT

The future is here with virtual reality display home tours

In an Australian first, Metricon Homes is set to transform the way that people experience and interact with display homes, with the use of virtual reality technology.

Denver 46 – Master BedroomMetricon Homes Denver display home – master bedroom

The virtual display experience will be offered in select regional areas where people face the geographical challenges of visiting a display home. Not only will this save them time but also the inconvenience of travelling huge distances as many people travel interstate to view their future home.

Metricon Virtual Reality head set in use

Virtual reality headset

Consumers can view everything from the colours and materials used on cabinetry through to soft furnishings and light fittings through a virtual reality headset.

“The technology enables our customers to virtually walk through the home and really experience the actual interior. Virtual reality allows you to gaze inside the latest trends and home styles allowing you to select your dream space and colour palette,” says Jacinta Evans, Metricon senior interior designer.

It also allows home designs that are located in other states to be viewed around the country without the need for building a display.

Denver 46 – Vogue FacadeMetricon Homes Vogue display home

“We know consumers love the next-gen 3D virtual tours on our website, so being able to take these to another dimension, using virtual reality technology is fantastic,” says Jacinta.

The first area to experience this technology is Wonthaggi in Victoria’s south-east.

To view the technology see https://youtu.be/vN16M2RZ8k4 or visit Metricon Homes.