Tag: extending

The free online home renovation summit you don’t want to miss

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 29, 2021
No Comments on The free online home renovation summit you don’t want to miss

RENO ADDICT Archives – The Interiors Addict

Renovating or planning to? Love looking at great house ‘before and afters’? Our Reno Addict section has the latest expert advice and inspiration for Australian renovators.

Tags building, construction, diy, extending, home renovation summit, reno, renovating, renovation

Architecture RENO ADDICT

Affordable architecture: a more accessible model

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 12, 2018
2 Comments on Affordable architecture: a more accessible model

“If you value the joy good design brings to life and want your home to be beautifully considered, intelligent and essential, you need an architect.” So says Robert Harwood who with his partner, Cate Rayson, founded Melbourne company, My Architect.

Robert saw an opportunity to rethink residential architectural services and offer Australian homeowners a more accessible, affordable approach. It’s an idea that has seen the company grow to a team of 15 carefully selected, RAIA-registered architects, servicing clients in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and rural areas.

My Architect offers services from concept to completion. No complex contracts, no sales-speak. After speaking with one of their client managers, you’re personally matched to the architect from their team who best suits your aims and your project. “The first two stages of service come with flat fees and a clear understanding about what you’ll receive, so it’s a great way to experience what our architects can bring to your project, particularly if you haven’t used an architect before.”

Services are structured so that you interact with your client manager and your personal architect throughout. “We wanted to keep things really clear and personal and avoid the ‘shuffling between team members’ that clients so often experience in bigger firms. Clients really love the fact that we keep it one-on-one throughout, ” Robert says.

Stage one includes a two-hour on-site consultation with an architect who’ll provide a clear sense of your property’s potential, based on your budget and other factors. You’ll receive a two-page report with architect’s recommendations, plus a costing to complete the defined work stages.

A rear extension in Fitzroy North, VIC, by My Architect

Progressing to Stage 2 will give you the really exciting bit: scaled, hand-drawn Concept Drawings and the first visualisation of the architectural ‘look’. These become the basis for all further versions of the drawings going forward.

My Architect’s fresh take on architectural services is suitable for all kinds of new home builds or renovation projects, from extensions and additional levels, to rethinking an interior layout of a house or apartment.

“Adding architectural input, whether a little or a lot, will transform your project for the better. This is a great way to do it, whether you’ve never used an architect before, or wouldn’t dream of doing without one.”

Robert (RAIA, RIBA) returned home after a period of practising overseas, realising just how much Australians value good home design but that many are missing out on its advantages due to the complexity of architects’ service structure and pricing. He created My Architect to revolutionise the way Australians approach renovations and new builds, bringing design based on space, light and function, not styling and fads.

In 2017, My Architect was the recipient of an Australian Good Design® Award and the Victorian Premier’s Design Award for Service Design – Best in Category.

For more information

The top six reasons NOT to use an architect

How to choose an architect: questions you need to ask

Tags architect, architecture, cate Rayson, do I need an architect, extending, extension, Good Design Award, how to choose and architect, my architect, new build, reno, renovating, renovation, robert harwood, why to use an architect

Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

10 of the best online tools to help you plan your renovation

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 2, 2017
4 Comments on 10 of the best online tools to help you plan your renovation

In partnership with Latitude Financial Services

As most of you know, I’m knee-deep in renovations at my house, so I thought I’d put together a list of handy online tools to help you plan and execute yours! I hope you find them useful.

Hipages

If you know tradies or have handy relatives, lucky you! I do not! When it comes to getting a job done at my house, it’s a bit like the blind leading the blind with my husband and I. This is why I love and use Hipages all the time. You hear so many horror stories about cowboys, that you want to feel secure you’re not being ripped off by rogue tradies. Hipages puts you in touch with three licensed trades for three free fast quotes for your job, whether it be painting, paving, garden maintenance or window-cleaning (I have personally used Hipages to find someone for all four things and more!). The best bit is you get to see their ratings and recommendations from other users. And Hipages make sure they are licensed for you. One less thing to worry about. I have hand on heart had nothing but good experiences hiring trades via this site. And there’s an app too which make it even easier. And in case you were wondering, the ‘Hi’ stands for home improvement! Get the app.

Beaumont Tiles’ What’s My Style app

Beaumonts What’s My Style helps identify your style from the top 10 global interior design trends based on your personal tastes and responses to a two-minute quiz. It’s like having your own personal stylist to help you nail the current trends with complete confidence, no matter your budget. It then recommends an on-trend style guide to achieve your designer look, of must-haves for each room including colours, stand-out furnishings, signature fittings, tiles and bathroomware, all curated to evoke creativity and design flair. Get the app.

Latitude Financial Services website

Latitude have some great online tools to help you work out which loan or card would work best for you and your circumstances. There’s also a personal loan repayment calculator and a handy budget planner to make sure you don’t borrow more than you can comfortably afford. Visit Latitude’s website.

If you’re thinking about financing your reno but worried you might get in over your head, check out this video with Jen and Jess Aloi from Latitude. It contains some great advice about how to borrow responsibly.

Reece Bathrooms’ 3D Planner

Reece marketing manager Belinda Geels said that making the bathroom design experience as easy and visual as possible was key to this online tool’s development. As well as allowing users to select from the entire range of Reece bathroom products and preview how they’ll look, the 3D Bathroom Planner also lets you choose fittings, lighting and tiles to complete the look. Read more.

Here’s a short video about how it works:

The Houzz app

This one’s all about inspiration! Browse more than 14 million high-resolution photos of home interiors and exteriors. Choose by style, location or room, such as kitchen or bathroom. Save and share photos with friends, family and home professionals and then even use the Sketch feature to annotate and draw directly on photos from Houzz. What’s more, you can connect with over 1.5 million active home improvement professionals, including architects, general contractors, interior decorators, repair professionals and more, to find the right person for your project. Get the app.

Findanarchitect.com.au

This tool, from the Australian Institute of Architects, helps you find the right architect for your job. There’s also lots of information on what architects actually do and why you might need to use them. Visit the site.

Naomifindlay.com

Naomi Findlay is Australia’s rapid renovation expert and a regular contributor here and on our sister site Reno Addict. Check out her site for free downloads, advice articles and to find out when she’s next speaking at a city near you. Visit the site.

Taubmans’ Paint Planner Tool

The Taubmans Paint Planner is designed to do the thinking for you. It will put together a customised list of everything you’ll need for your paint project; from what materials to buy to how long it will take. You might be surprised at how quickly your room can be transformed! There’s also online colour charts (although these should be sued as a guide only), painting tips and a paint calculator. Check it out.

IKEA Place augmented reality app

Coming soon, this app from IKEA will let you visualise what furniture will look like in your own home. We think this will be particularly useful when designing your open plan spaces. Read more.

Pinterest

And last but not least, I can’t finish an article about where to go online for help planning your reno without pointing out the obvious! Pinterest is, in my view, the best starting point for inspiration and getting ideas. You can use this on desktop or download the app. And it’s great for creating your own online moodboards which you can easily share with others. Visit the site.

***

We hope you found this guide useful. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed any great online tools!

Tags apps, augmented reality, building, extending, find an architect, hipages, how to plan a reno, ikea, latitude financial services, naomi findlay, online tools, pinterest, planning a reno, real estate, reno, renovating, renovation, taubmans paint planner

Architecture DIY RENO ADDICT

Home design services at your fingertips

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 29, 2015
No Comments on Home design services at your fingertips

For most of us, the thought of designing or renovating a new home can be extremely daunting. But relax. The good news is there are lots more good stories than bad and it doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience.

2014057892_1_JulianRuttLumenStudio_BillabongHouses_JulianRutt_low — Billabong Houses by Julian Rutt Lumen Studio

Archicentre, the building design, inspection and advice service of The Australian Institute of Architects is a great place to start and offers useful advice and design packages for anyone building, renovating or restoring their home.

Whether you’re planning to renovate, build your dream home, buy an investment property, or undertake a dual occupancy development or townhouse, Archicentre’s fixed price, introductory Design Services are a great online tool.

2014057892_3_JulianRuttLumenStudio_BillabongHouses_JulianRutt_low — Billabong Houses by Julian Rutt Lumen Studio

No matter how big or small the project, the site will help you balance what’s possible against what’s desired, establish the project budget, offer advice to secure development approvals, help with your selection of builders, look at any issues with quality control and construction, assist with the design and more.

McSteen Tan Architects Photography Yvonne Qumi — McSteen Tan Architects. Photo credit: Yvonne Qumi

Archicentre literally offers a direct line to a qualified architect, so you know you are getting independent and professional advice before you sign on the dotted line. In many cases you can also arrange to meet the architect onsite who can offer on the spot design potential and advise with quick turn around solutions.

This amazingly cost-effective service can help you to better understand your options, add value to your existing or new home and help you avoid over capitalising your project. A qualified architect will consider your lifestyle, budgetary concerns, sustainable design options, whether to renovate up, out or both and development alternatives including setting realistic project time lines.

2014057892_2_JulianRuttLumenStudio_BillabongHouses_JulianRutt_low — Billabong Houses by Julian Rutt Lumen Studio

As part of this package you will also receive a report that summarises the discussion and includes floor plans, sketches and cost indications so that you can assess the feasibility of your ideas before committing time, energy and money.

For more information.

Archicentre offers free Melbourne renovation workshop

Melburnians listen up! Archicentre are offering an informative and casual renovation workshop where you can gain valuable knowledge about the renovation process including financial advice. The workshop includes one-on-one time with experienced architects, so bring your renovation plans or photos of your house and receive free advice on your renovation project.

When: Thursday 8 October 6-to-8pm

Where: Archicentre, Level 2, 41 Exhibition St, Melbourne

Bookings: www.archicentre.com.au. For more information phone 1300 134 513

Tags Archicentre, architect, architecture, ask an architect, australian, design, design services, designing, extending, extension, home design, home design services, renovating, renovation, The Australian Institute of Architects

Architecture Before & Afters Design House Tours Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: the most enviable indoor/outdoor living space

Post author By Jodie Bowker
Post date June 11, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: the most enviable indoor/outdoor living space

With the impending arrival of baby number three, Amanda Attwood and her husband Jim, were on a tight renovation deadline. Completely a large-scale reno in just four months, the couple transformed their tired and worn Queenslander into an open-plan family friendly home.

“The house was ripe for renovation,” explains Amanda. “It was in some serious need of an intervention and definitely needed some love!”

With her husband a seasoned builder and owner of Brisbane business, Divine Renovations, the couple were well equipped to take on an extensive project. Changing the internal layout and opening up the back of the home to create an indoor/outdoor living space, the new layout is ideal for their young family. “Opening the kitchen up and using bi-fold windows and doors has created such a lovely aspect and is perfect for the kids,” says Amanda. “I can be cooking dinner and watching them play anywhere in the yard – including the pool. And with the new heated outdoor area, we can also enjoy the space year round.”

Alongside the outdoor transformation, the kitchen and bathrooms were renovated, a wall was removed between the kitchen and living area and new walls, ceilings and lights were put into all the rooms. “Internally we made some significant layout changes that have made a huge difference to how we use the space. Removing the wall between the kitchen and living room and creating a custom TV/display unit has totally changed the house, and the display unit was also our biggest bargain.”

With the renovation costing $250,000 and the house being purchased for $445,000 in 2005, a recent bank valuation estimated the Queensland property’s worth to be $1,000,000. Giving them a tidy profit, should they wish to sell.

However, while selling is not on the cards at the moment, there are many lessons Amanda will put into play should she renovate again. “Don’t rush into design decisions. Explore options and ideas rather than making quick or rash decisions. And remember that while renovating can be stressful, it only is if you let it. Accept the challenges and learn to problem solve.”

For more Real Renos.

Tags Amanda Attwood, building, design, divine renovations, extending, indoor outdoor living, interiors, Jim Attwood, landscaping, outdoors, real reno

House Rules RENO ADDICT

House Rules’ retro restoration house reveal

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 9, 2015
No Comments on House Rules’ retro restoration house reveal

The teams took a step back in time this week to give Cassie and Matt’s Hobart home a modern 60s vibe. The gruelling week saw relationships and friendships tested, but overall the couples succeeded, giving the home a much-needed stylish revamp.

So what did team Tassie and judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell think?

Ben and Danielle – 24/30

Before - Master Bedroom — Before – Master Bedroom

After - Master Bedroom — After – Master Bedroom

Queensland’s Ben and Danielle clocked up their second win this series, walking away with 24 points for their massive zone. Their master bedroom was the highlight. “The raked ceiling gave the space majesty and the plywood wall earthed the wall and was a great nod to the 60s,” said judge Joe Snell. The newlyweds took a risk in the laundry with their bright pink flamingo splashback, but the gamble paid off with the homeowners. “The laundry was so fun and it really worked,” said Cassie.

Bronik and Corrine – 23/30

Victoria’s Bronik and Corrine bounced back to second place on 23 points. Judge Wendy Moore said their kitchen showed real potential: “I’m so glad that you went really simple with the basics.” The homeowners loved the study which nailed the house rule request to bring a “surfie feel” to the space. “That study was awesome,” said Cassie. “We were so happy you repurposed that glass sliding door and it was so light in there.”

Steve and Tiana – 21/30

NSW and SA tied for third place on 21 points. After a week in the tent, Steve and Tiana came back strong with their ensuite. “I absolutely loved the mid-century cabinet that you converted into a vanity,” said Wendy. Cassie and Matt were equally impressed. “I walked in and went, ‘Wow!’ This is exactly what we would have done,” said Matt. However, their living room was hit and miss. “Nothing felt quite right together,” said Wendy.

Ryan and Marlee – 21/30

Before - Guest Bedroom — Before – Guest Bedroom

Ryan and Marlee’s guest bedroom and deck was a massive hit with the homeowners who awarded them their highest score – nine points. “That deck – how can I put into words – absolutely mind-blowing,” said Matt. “I absolutely loved that deck.” Cassie and Matt requested a nautical themed guest bedroom and the SA couple definitely delivered. “Creating a sophisticated nautical theme needed a really good eye,” said Wendy. “I loved the paneling you added to the wall and ceiling. And the addition of those wooden rafters with those high, raked ceilings made for some beautiful bones.”

Brian and Karina – 16/30

WA’s Brian and Karina were relegated to last place for the second time this series on 16 points. The styling in their dining room let them down. “You chose the perfect dining table, unfortunately it was impossible to see under the mass of accessories,” said Wendy. The bathroom also fell short. While the judges and homeowners applauded the layout, the accessories cost them points. “You got lost in a collision of bling,” said Joe.

This week the teams are in Western Australia for the final interior renovation, where they will attempt to turn Karina and Brian’s “old lady” into a queen of the desert. House Rules airs Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm with a new house reveal each week on Sunday at 7:00pm.

For more on House Rules.

Tags building, construction, design, extending, home reno, homeowners, house rules, interiors, reno, renovating, renovation, restoration, retro

Architecture Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

The Harwyn Pod: the perfect alternative to renovating

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date February 16, 2015
No Comments on The Harwyn Pod: the perfect alternative to renovating

Home ownership has always been the Australian dream and our passion for home improvement has reached fever pitch. Renovating is the go-to solution for anyone who is looking for extra space, however the ups and downs of the renovation rollercoaster have become popular fodder for dinner party conversations.

Less talked about are the alternatives, in particular, the option to extend your space rather than renovate. You may have heard of people converting shipping containers to home offices, teenage retreats, yoga studios or even houses, however there is an option available that takes this concept one step further – introducing Melbourne company Harwyn.

Rather than trying to work within the constraints of a shipping container, Harwyn has conceived its prefabricated pods from the ground up, creating architecturally designed, self-contained modular living spaces that deliver endless possibilities of an additional room for home, business or recreation.

We put the Harwyn Pod head to head with a traditional renovation to see how it stacks up.

TIME

Traditional Renovation

How long will the renovation last? Type it into Google and you will get some wildly predictable answers, all centred around trying to be realistic. One month is a great outcome; four to six months is more realistic depending on the size of the project.

Harwyn Pod

A Harwyn Pod is installed within 6 weeks of choosing your colours and finishes in the showroom.

PRICE

Traditional Renovation

A renovation can start off on time and on budget until the first floorboard is ripped up, exposing skeletons that seem like they would have been best left unearthed. Like the certainty of taxes and death, unexpected surprises await you in every renovation and with them come blown out budgets.

Harwyn Pod

The price of a Harwyn Pod is decided once the final finishes and colour are chosen in the showroom. At the same time, everything is determined including the site preparation required. This provides a lot of certainty and no creeping costs.

SHARING YOUR HOME

Traditional Renovation

Seasoned renovators are all too familiar with living through the noise, the dust and what seems like hundreds of workman sharing your home for the better part of six months, sometimes longer.

Harwyn Pod

Harwyn pods are built in our factory and the only contact clients have with our workers is when we prepare the site, which usually takes around four hours and another hour on the day of installation. This means the peace and tranquillity around your home will not be disturbed for a lengthy period of time.

DECISIONS

Traditional Renovation

What materials to use, how will the finish look, should there be more power points, will the space feel right? There are many decisions that need to be made in a renovation and more will crop up on a regular basis throughout.

Harwyn Pod

Harwyn’s architects and designers have put more than 45 years experience in to making most of the difficult decisions, such as choice of construction material, placement of elements and finishes, for our clients. Leaving just the final decisions on the customisable options, such as size and colour, to be made by the client. Also the Harwyn Pods can be viewed in our showroom so clients can see clearly what minor changes will look like without trying to imagine it.

Watch this video of a Melbourne yoga studio owner using a Harwyn pod, which was craned into her existing premises:

— Jason Fremder is the managing director of Harwyn, the makers of beautifully designed, prefabricated studio pods, ideal for those who are serious about creation and recreation.

Tags extending, Harwyn, Harwyn Pod, home improvement, home renovation, Jason Fremder, prefab, prefabricated, prefabricated pods, prefabricated studio pods, reno, renovating, renovating alternatives, shipping container

Before & Afters House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: flipped floorplan works wonders on California bungalow

Post author By Jodie Bowker
Post date February 11, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: flipped floorplan works wonders on California bungalow

Buying their 1929 California bungalow in 2002, it took Jennifer French and her husband Ian a whole decade to complete their renovation. But looking at the finished project, it was certainly worth the wait!

“When we bought, we knew we would renovate but it took us about five years to employ some architects,” explains Jennifer. “They came up with so many things we hadn’t thought about. We were just going to update the kitchen and take out a wall, but they were thinking so much bigger. So it then took us four years to finally decide to do it! I’m married to an accountant so the shock of how much everything cost had to sink in with him!”

Taking off two fibro 1070s additions and rebuilding in the same area — but with a larger footprint — the three-bed, one-and-a-half-bath home became a four-bed house with four toilets (one ensuite, one bathroom and two powder rooms), a studio, formal and informal living rooms and a dining room.

The biggest job was definitely the transformation of the kitchen and dining area, creating an open plan living space that had previously been lacking. “We took out the adjoining wall between the kitchen and TV room, and put the kitchen where the old TV room was and the casual dining room where the old kitchen was. We then added another room for the TV room. We really opened up the floor plan, as originally they had all been individual rooms and the kitchen had four walls. Now the kitchen is completely open and goes out onto a covered deck, perfect for entertaining.”

Situated in the Sydney suburb of Roseville, the original property had standout architraves and skirtings and ornate bedroom ceilings. Jennifer wanted to stay true to the house’s design. “Our brief to the architects was that we wanted the house to look like it had always been in this format; that the additions weren’t just tack-ons. So we matched the architraves and skirting boards to the existing ones, stained the four different types of timber floors the same dark colour and gave all the bedroom ceilings (bar the master) the same ornate design.”

While the renovation was the result of 10 years of preparation, the actual construction only took seven months (but then another two years to do all the gardens and painting!). Jennifer and Ian did a lot of the labour themselves, painting the whole house inside and out, as well as picking the finishes, fittings and colours. Even so, the whole reno wasn’t cheap, costing around 60% of what they paid for the property. Yet while they have no plans to sell, the current market value is about two and a half times the original purchase price, meaning the project is sure to have been a fine investment.

Having done multiple personal renovation projects herself, Jennifer also runs her own interior decorating and colour consulting business, Inside Out Colour and Design, where she helps others with their renos.

Have a great real reno to share with us? Submit it for consideration.

Tags California Bungalow, design, extending, gardening, Inside Out Colour and Design, interiors, Jennifer French, landscaping, real reno, reno, renovating, Roseville, sydney

Before & Afters House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real renos: the real life version of The Block

Post author By Jodie Bowker
Post date February 9, 2015
No Comments on Real renos: the real life version of The Block

With a renovation project so intense it could rival The Block, Rachael Turner gave herself just 12 weeks to transform a dilapidated and unlivable Brisbane house into an enviable family home! And she pulled it off. Big time!

“It was completely derelict,” explains Rachael. “No one had lived there for two years. In fact it was so unlivable that when we won the house at auction and went to get money off the bank they wouldn’t give us any. The house was too far gone and they wouldn’t lend against it!”

However, luckily the bank lent her money against the land and Rachael was able to get the plans drawn up and trades organised, all before settlement. With a huge scope of work to complete, day one saw the jobs begin, starting with the re-stuming and leveling of the house, asbestos removal, replacement of the roof and all-new electrics and plumbing. And that wasn’t even half of it! “We definitely gave ourselves a tough challenge by having a 12-week deadline. But we had to stick to budget and obviously the longer you hold a house the more holding costs you’ll have, and we had only factored in the 12 weeks. We had to stick to it.”

What came next was removing walls, adding structural beams, redoing the kitchen, adding a bathroom (there wasn’t even one before, I’m not joking!), knocking out the back part of the house to put in a deck, and adding a study, laundry, front verandah, footbridge, driveway, carport and garden. So basically, she did a lot!

With three bedrooms and now one bathroom, Rachael was aiming to spend only 15 percent of the property’s purchase price on the transformation. Unfortunately, that slipped to 25 percent, but for worthwhile reasons. Rachael deciding to spend on some big-ticket items that promised a good return. “Originally, we weren’t going to add a deck out the back or build the front footbridge, but we realised we would get a good return for these items so we decided to spend the extra.”

Owning the house for less than six months (from late 2012 to early 2013), Rachael put the property on sale as soon as the last piece of turf was laid. Selling after just a couple of days on the market, she made a profit of just under 40 percent, which after renovation and sale costs, came in at just under 20 percent.

Rachael puts her success down to including some special points of difference, believing that you should spend money on the significant areas of your home that get the most use. “In the kitchen for example, we included high-end fittings and fixtures like soft close and full extension joinery. Then in the bathroom we had a dual shower head, heated towel rails and mirrored cabinets. All those little things actually don’t cost too much more, but from a sales perspective they are really worth it.”

While she’s a big fan of those two rooms, her favourite part of the house would have to be the front portico and footbridge, and while the former was a nightmare to do (she had to get a development application approved) it made for great visual appeal. “I think for resale, they were the best things we did. It made the house accessible and gave it great street presence. The portico is really only four posts and a bit of tin – it’s nothing – but the value it added to the house was immediate.”

Here’s a closer look at the end result:

Obsessed with renovating and building, Rachael runs project management business Front Porch Properties. Doing both new builds and renovations, she helps clients in all departments from the initial design, to the construction and landscaping.

Tags brisbane, extending, Front Porch Properties, home reno, home renovating, rachael turner, real reno, real renos, renovating, renovation, the block

DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Do I need a building permit?

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date January 27, 2015
No Comments on Do I need a building permit?

Please note this article is only applicable to Victoria. We are currently working on the same information for each state and territory.

It’s a question that plenty of DIY home renovators have asked themselves, and for good reason. You’ve already invested so much time to learn everything else, so surely there’s a way around building permits, right?

building permit victoria nicholson wright reno addict — Photo Credit: Nicholson Wright

As you’ve probably guessed, they’re an absolute necessity for many projects. But I’m not going to tell you to engage a building surveyor no matter what; that would hardly be informative. Instead, I’m going to explain the exact thresholds where you legally require a building permit. You might even realise you can build more than you expect without the expense of a surveyor!

Knowing the lines between a backyard project and a formal construction could save you a substantial fine from your council, as well as the pain and expense of having to rebuild or completely tear down your project. What a nightmare that would be! As a certified building surveyor at Melbourne’s Nicholson Wright, I see this happen regularly. So don’t rush into your build and regret it; take a few minutes to assess the plans and then grab your tools with as much confidence as any professional.

Garages, sheds and carports

If your structure meets one or more of these criteria, a building permit is something you must apply for:

2.4m high or more
10sqm in area or larger
1m or closer to the boundary of your property
Connected to another structure, for example a shed with a roof that adjoins the house.

Fences

reno addict building permit — Photo credit: I Heart Budgets

Take note of these essential criteria if you’re constructing a fence. Permits are required if it’s:

2m or higher
3m from the street boundary or closer
A border to a pool (even if it’s only a partial border).

Decks

Many DIY renovators believe that permits aren’t needed for decks, however they all require one. If your deck is more than 800mm above ground level it will also need to be checked for privacy provisions. We all want to keep our neighbours happy!

Verandahs

As verandahs are roofed structures that are attached to a house, they’re classed as a building extension. This means you’ll need a building permit regardless of size or height.

Pergolas

building permit reno addict — Photo credit: DIY Network

Not to be confused with verandahs or decks, pergolas are unroofed structures that are not directly connected to your house or another building. In this instance ‘unroofed’ means it can still have a shade cloth, louvres or an open frame over people’s heads.

If your pergola meets all of the following criteria, you can avoid having to apply for a permit. Of course, as a complex structure, we recommend you still do, but it’s your choice:

Less than 3.6m high
Smaller than 20sqm
Not further than 2.5m forward of the front walls of your house.

Retaining walls

A permit is a legal requirement if your retaining wall is:

1m or higher
Connected to other building structures, such as a shed or home extension
Supporting the soil and underlying structure of your neighbour’s property.

— Patrick Richardson is a building surveyor at Melbourne’s Nicholson Wright. With more than 17 years experience, Nicholson Wright issue building permits and conduct mandatory inspections of projects from small residential renovations to large, high-rise offices.

Tags builders permit, building permit, building surveyor, extending, home renovators, Nicholson Wright, renovating, renovator, renovators