If you are uncertain as to the condition of the building’s foundations or the general soundness of the house, it may be worthwhile to call in an inspector or engineer for a professional opinion. You should find, however, that if you borrow funds for your extensions, the lender will have their own inspectors check that the home is basically sound before they allocate you the funds.
Of the options available to you in relation to the building of your extension, by far the easiest, if you have the necessary funds, is to deal through a building firm which specialises in home extensions and renovations.
Leading home additions and extensions specialists now have their own qualified consulting architects and design draftsmen, and they handle every phase of the project, from design concept through to construction, including all statutory and local authority submissions and approvals. Every extension should be designed to meet the specific needs of the client. Consultation between family and designers to reach solutions for particular space and lifestyle problems which complement the original house should ensure a successful addition.
Today’s well established additions specialist companies are not just builders – they assist in creating designs, advising on materials, drawing up plans and ensuring that all statutory and local authority regulations are met. Experienced professionals can also assist in negotiations with finance institutions and also fulfil their long term obligations in regard to any future maintenance or repairs.
Whatever your needs are, your additions and extensions professionals will be best able to find the best solution for your new space and lifestyle requirements. Use a Master Builders member, and look at who has won Master Builders’ awards for renovations.
Don’t forget in the long term a professional built home addition or extension is an excellent form of investment. It can increase your property value almost immediately and in years to come, result in high capital gains.
If you are thinking about renovating, here are a few other things to consider:
- Are you going to remain in the house during renovations? Dust and disruption to normal household activities may cause problems;
- If you choose to leave the home during construction given the tight rental market allow a buffer in your lease and budget in case the job runs late; and
- Make sure that your contents insurance policy is still operating during the renovation. Some policies do not cover contents during the construction period.
To assist you in your project the Department of Housing and Works has published a booklet “Your Home Renovators Guide”. This 32 page glossy magazine is free and contains helpful hints and checklists on budgeting, design, product and building material selection. The guide is part of the Your Home series and is available at www.yourhome.gov.au