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Home Builders in Perth, Custom Home Builder

Renovating

What Is The Home Renovation Process?

Home Renovation Process in Perth

Are you tempted by a renovation, but unsure about how it works? Here is some information that will help you to feel more confident about what to expect.

First, there are two main stages: design and construction. They’re very straight-forward – you decide on your budget, and what you want out of the renovation, and then you make it a reality.

Design

This stage can be further broken down into: consultation, design & documentation and getting planning approval.

Consultation

This is where it all starts. This normally involves an initial visit to your home by an architect, building designer or registered builder to discuss your renovation wish list and provide professional advice in moving forward. Your project budget is also discussed at this meeting as well as time frames and anything else worth mentioning.

Design

After initial discussions, if you’re happy to proceed with formalising your renovation ideas then you will normally be asked to enter into a design agreement. This is where your wish list and lifestyle requirements are considered in developing the concept design. This concept design may need to be refined until you are 100% happy. At this point a construction estimate can be provided to make sure costs are within budget. Provided the project is on budget the concept design is further developed for planning approval.

Planning Approval

Planning approval can take up to 60 days in your local authority. SOL Construction can take care of this for you so you don’t need to worry about the process, we’ve got it covered. During this time you can make a start on your selections such as bathroom finishes & fixtures, kitchen cabinetry & appliances, light fittings, doors & mouldings, etc.

Construction

This is the most exciting stage, where your ideas become a reality. Once you’ve selected your builder you will be asked to enter into a building contract which states the contract value and sets out the terms & conditions of the contract.

A building application will need to be submitted at your local authority and building permit granted before any works can commence.

Preliminary discussions about the nature of the build and whether it’s possible to remain in your home during the renovation process will have already been decided. Don’t worry if it all seems messy at first – once the demolition is done (which sounds drastic, but is just enthusiastic deconstruction!), the rebuilding will start and you’ll see it all take shape before your eyes.

A reputable builder will keep you updated and well-informed of the progress and milestones achieved throughout the build.

Handover

This is when your builder hands you the keys to your newly renovated home. It is a time of reflection and celebration.

As part of a builder’s obligation to your project there’s a set period of time, normally 4 – 6 months after practical completion, whereby any maintenance items that arise should be fixed accordingly.

A typical maintenance item would be cracking under cornices due to the normal house settling process. This period is called the ‘defects liability period’.

SOL Construction Perth

From concept to completion, renovation doesn’t need to be complicated or daunting. Throughout the design and construction stages, we will be there with you every step of the way.

Now you’ve got a clearer understanding of the home renovation process, get in touch today to let us know your ideas. It all starts with a conversation.

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What Should I Know Before Renovating?

What To Know Before Renovating in Perth

Renovating is a popular choice these days, and for good reason. It’s a practical way to get more out of your home without having to go through the stress of moving. There are some considerations to take into account, though, to help your renovation go smoothly.

First, you need to check whether renovating your home is the most feasible option. While it might sound attractive, in some circumstances it can be easier and cheaper to move.

Your needs

If you’re looking for a change, you have to pinpoint exactly what you want. Creating space for a growing family, or increasing energy efficiency are ideal reasons to renovate, whereas wanting more local conveniences or quieter neighbours won’t be solved by home improvements.

The starting point

Before you go headlong into the renovation process, it’s a good idea to examine the current state of your house. For example, is the wiring throughout the house left over from your great-grandparents’ days? Is the roof sagging or walls cracking, indicating possible major structural problems? If so, it could cost a great deal more to have work done than you might anticipate. On the other hand, if the local market is strong, it might be a better investment to sell your house and move on. Professionals such as builders and electricians can give you an expert initial assessment of the work you want to have done, its feasibility, and cost.

The next step is to establish your project budget. This will ultimately determine the size and finish of your renovation project. Considering whether to add second storey or extend outwards is a good starting point. The more research you undertake at this stage, the better the overall process will be when you engage an architect, building designer or registered builder.

Planning permission

Depending on the design and how far you wish to push the ‘planning scheme’ boundaries this can be the most frustrating and time consuming part of the entire renovation process.

Local authorities have up to 60 days to process a compliant application, and this can extend out to 90 days and longer for a non-compliant application. Normally non-compliant applications need to go out for advertising and public comment.

If any objections are received by your neighbours during this period then this will likely cause further delays. You may need to amend your plans accordingly and re-submit them or provide more justification and documentation through the statutory processes. You can find more information about the planning processes on your local authority’s website.

The construction

Once you’ve got to this stage, it’s time to find a builder who’s right for you. You want a balance between great work and affordability, and someone who you can trust with your home. The Building Commission is very useful for finding information about a particular builder, and remember to look for reviews about potential candidates online. Always get more than one quote so you know whether the price you’ve been given is competitive.

Depending on the scale of your renovation, a builder may be able to carry out the works whilst you stay in your home, but otherwise you may need to stay elsewhere for a while – either with family or friends, or finding another place to rent. Living amongst a renovation can be noisy, dusty and inconvenient, so make sure you know what to expect and what will work best for you.

In summary

There are a few stages to go through when renovating your home, but many people find that it’s quicker, easier and cheaper than searching for a new house and selling their current one. Especially if your new house is going to need work after you move into it!

SOL Construction Perth

Knowing what to expect makes renovations that much smoother, so please contact us for more information and a no obligation discussion about your vision.

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Should I Renovate Or Move?

Renovating Or Moving In Perth

The home is where the heart is, and when you’re contemplating a change, it can often stir up many emotions as it’s not a small decision – or a cheap one. Working out the pros and cons of renovating or moving can help you to make the best choice for you and your family.

Goals

The key question you have to ask yourself is: what do you want to achieve? You have to be honest with yourself, and ensure that you prioritise needs over non-essentials.

For example, if you simply need more indoor space, and you value the memories that you’ve made in your current home, then renovating sounds like a suitable option for you. This also applies if you still enjoy living in your neighbourhood, and you can see yourself being comfortable there as your family changes with the coming years.

However, if the reason for wanting change is that you’re looking for better transport links, amenities such as good schools and community facilities, quieter neighbourhoods, or a bigger garden, then perhaps it’s time to consider a move. The same applies if you find you want to be closer to work or family.

Money

Renovating can often be a less costly option than all of the fees associated with moving, from hiring movers, to agent fees and stamp duty to name a few. But this shouldn’t be assumed. If renovating suits your needs then it’s worth consulting with industry professionals and getting the right information associated with your project.

Hassle

It is said that moving house can be one of the most stressful life events. Equally, however, the inconvenience of living on a building site during a renovation process can also be a strain. No matter what you choose, you’re going to go through a period of upheaval, so make sure it’s something you can live with, albeit for the short term.

Once you’ve finalised your plans and obtained a building permit (which can take up to 6 – 9 months, in some cases), renovations can start and finish relatively quickly. If you’ve decided to manage your renovation project yourself, you’ll need to allocate time to manage this while it’s under construction. This may seem like a lot of work, but you may find this preferable to long periods of house hunting.

Once you have your priorities in order, your decision will be much easier. Just remember to do your research and align yourself with a reputable builder that can assist you in achieving a positive outcome.

SOL Construction in Perth

If you are looking to renovate your home, don’t leave anything to chance. We are an award winning building company that will work with you to ensure you are totally happy with your home renovation. Contact us today.

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How Can We Add A Second Storey?

Adding a second storey in Perth

Are you considering adding a second storey to your home? It’s a fabulous way of extending the size of your home without adding to the footprint. Adding an additional storey gives you the option of staying in the neighbourhood and avoiding the hassle and expense of buying and selling too. You’ll save thousands on stamp duty and selling fees alone.

As with all building and renovation work, going into the process knowing what you want and how you want your finished home to look are important. Let’s discuss the main points you will need to consider.

Considering Your Second Storey Options

When you hear about someone adding another level to their home, you probably think they built upwards by removing the roof, adding a second storey and then adding a new roof on top. But remember, you can also build sideways on an upper level i.e. extending over a garage.

We can work with you to advise which option is right for your property and circumstances.

Are You Ready To Build Up?

Once you’ve made the call to add another level, there are a few things you’ll need to sort out.

  • You’ll need some plans.

    An architect or draftsperson will be able to work with you on this. They are also the people to talk to about maximising natural light, how to plan for your view, where the best place for the stairs is and how high the additional storey can go. Make sure that your designs take into consideration window placement, which should match your existing home.

  • Have your home structurally checked.

    Adding a second storey can often put more stress on your home. This being the case certain building elements will require strengthening, such as footings and walls. It is important that you have your home checked by a structural engineer to determine the structural adequacy of your home.

  • Get advice on whether or not your design is likely to be approved by your local authority.

    If your home is in a flood, fire or cyclone zone, additional building standards will also need to be complied with. It is also vital you check your local building code as there may be height restrictions in place within your area which need to be followed.

  • Organise somewhere to stay during the renovations.

    At some stage, your home will not be weathertight as it will not have a roof. The construction work required will also intrude on your daily life, especially when it comes to moving services such as power, gas and plumbing upstairs.

Sol Construction in Perth

The best way to get real clarity about the options and costs of adding a second storey to your home is to contact us. We can walk you through the process, tell you what’s possible and provide costing so as to help your turn your vision into reality.

Timeless Design vs Concept Room

When thinking about custom houses, the opportunities and possibilities are almost endless.

The overall theme of a truly memorable custom house, however, often falls into one of two categories – timeless classic or futuristic concept home. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want, here’s a few themed room and house ideas to help you create your unique design.

Colonial Federation Classic

This traditional style of home design harks back to Federation times, and is prominent in Perth suburbs such as Mt Lawley. This design often features Tudor style gables, high ceilings and decorative timber fretwork, and overhanging eaves or a sweeping veranda around the exterior. The classic Aussie veranda provides a place for rest and a focal point of the exterior of a home, identifying a part of our history. This classic style allows you to decorate the inside in whatever manner suits your lifestyle or budget. Wicker furniture and wooden fixtures are common in homes such as these, but the creature comforts of the 21st century also fit easily within this style. New homes built in Federation style can still feature modern efficiency elements such as solar energy, thermal cladding and water-wise technology, without compromising the classic look of  the exterior.

Painted/rendered modern Concept

A current trend in homebuilding is the sleek-looking rendered brick exterior. However, just because it is the current style, doesn’t mean you have to have a house that looks like everyone else’s. The brilliant thing about rendering is the wide variety of colour options available for your exterior, and the modern style complements a modern interior. Slick lines, smooth walls and featured windows make up this style of home, and designing it with space requirements in mind means it can be both stylish and comfortable. Due to the flexibility of this architecture, size limitations of blocks can be overcome with 2-storey designs, narrow lot structures and wide-frontage designs. As such, a modern home need not be compromised by the environment in which it is situated, and SOL Construction can help you create the best design for your block.

Modern Minimalistic Concept

This concept of home furnishing is something of a current trend, as smaller lot and house sizes have  created the need to make the most of interior space within the home. Utilising the available space effectively is crucial for creating a home that is functional, as a home that is overcrowded with features or furniture is neither practical nor relaxing to live in. One way to keep your interior stylish and functional is to adopt a minimalist approach. Keeping furnishings to a “bare minimum”, utilising smart storage options that take up a minimal space, and keeping a comfortable distance between large pieces of furniture are great steps to take in order to make a modern home practical, stylish and un-cluttered. Some specific pieces to consider in a modern minimalist setting are glass coffee tables, plush white couches and sleek grey feature paintings or artwork.

Timeless Living

At SOL Construction we take an active interest in all parts of the design process, from concept to completion. Whether you want a classic house brought into the present day, or a futuristic modern concept house to call home, we know what’s required to do the job within your budget and to your specifications.