Renovation rescue in Canberra?

Can I suggest that you THOROUGHLY read and understand your contract with the builder, designer, architect. Understand what your inclusions and exclusions are in the contract and pay particular attention to what the timeframes for remedial work (warranty) are.

Make sure that any and all additional work and their associated quotes are provided to you in writing and that you authorise them in writing.

In a building/renovation project 9.99 times out of 10 you will have a dispute with the builder over costs, even if it’s only for a few hundred dollars or tens of thousands of dollars.
A judge will only rule in your favour if you have written and binding evidence to support your case.

We’re in the process of doing the same thing right now. Let me tell you, no matter how you do it, it’s going to be expensive to renovate.

We’re adding only a minor extension to our living space and a double garage, then renovating all other rooms in our 3BR house. The thing is, if we were prepared to knock down our charming 50s home we could put up a 4BR new build with a project home builder for about the same money.

Rightly or wrongly we weren’t prepared to knock down our old home, so we’ve just closed out eyes (within reason) to the costs involved.

In regards to finding a builder, one approach you could take is to speak to some real estate agents who may be currently selling properties in your area that are similar to the type of thing you are planning to do. This has the added benefit of possibly getting an up close look at the builder’s quality of work as well. Maree van Arkel (Blackshaws) and Stephen Bunday (LJ Hooker) are two agents that come to mind and both (in our experience) have been willing to chat and offer tips.

The other thing you will need to be prepared to spend is time. I’d say the chances of getting anything completed in line with the scope of work you have outlined before your baby arrives is several times less than zero.

I’d be happy to discuss in further detail if you like, but would prefer if JB passed on my contact details if you’re interested, rather than boring everyone with the nitty gritty.

Good luck!

We’ve just done something similar. I think the architect (Geoff Driscoll) saved us money overall, he’s certainly recovered his fees in getting us better pricing from builders he’s worked with before (and therefore trusts). He also designed something much nicer than I would have, and I love the building.

We also had really good experiences with Quality Constructions, who are the builders on the job (the work is currently about 75% complete).

Any competent architect should be able to pull 3D walkthroughs out of their CAD package. We certainly weren’t charged anything for them.

Ferarri said :

Hooman Eshani fro ModArch in Fyshwick can provide a full 3D view of your proposed changes that gives a perfect view of the completed product before you start. Hooman has a builder as part of his company, so the accountability rests with one company – 0401 006 885

any ideas as to the costs of the 3D work? can it be done yourself? I too would like to add a parents retreat/ensuite and a rumpus room to our house. (also extend the deck)

Hooman Eshani fro ModArch in Fyshwick can provide a full 3D view of your proposed changes that gives a perfect view of the completed product before you start. Hooman has a builder as part of his company, so the accountability rests with one company – 0401 006 885