What is your budget?
The very first step in any home renovation journey is your budget. It is the first question we ask our potential clients to understand what is achievable when it comes to your home. Take a moment to visit us for a no-obligation consultation so that you can completely understand what is possible with your budget. We will also help you understand that extra costs that go into a renovation, including council fees, architects, etc. Once you’ve given yourself a budget, stick to it – it’s all too easy to let costs creep up on that house extension.
What style of single storey renovation are you going for?
Not every single storey home renovation is used to create a modern home. Sometimes, they are simply to give a new life and facelift to your existing property! This is especially the case if a home is of a particular period, matching this in your new designs is what will most likely look best in your end result. Ask yourself this: do you want a modern look, or are you keeping the traditional style of your home? Think of this as you begin to gather inspiration for design that is either modern, or traditional.
What are the variables of your site?
When working to create updated floor plans, or if you are looking at demolishing certain areas, it’s time to look at the structure of your home. With older homes, checks may need to be completed before your renovation, to be sure of soundness. For example, when removing walls to create a more open plan living space, you must be aware of weight-bearing areas. Make sure when you finalise house plans that you have had a professional evaluate them, to be sure that the extension to your home is feasible.
Who are you building for?
Renovating your single storey home can give an entirely new look and feel to a property. It is because of this that you should answer one important question: who are you building for? Remember to gain clarity around the functionality of your home, before diving into any hardcore construction. For example, are your children still young and likely to be at home for a long time, or are they grown up and more likely to be leaving home soon? Maybe the kids have already left and you are approaching retirement; in which case you should ask yourself, where you would prefer the extra space? When planning your home renovation with a designer or architect, it is important that your floor plan answers this question.
Is there enough space?
Without extending upwards, there are restrictions with how much space will be available for a single storey renovation. The first step in understanding your perimeters is to use the size of your existing rooms as a guide, making sure that you are avoiding downsizing any functioning area to allow for bigger spaces. Then, a great idea is to use rope or other markers to map out the new spaces. Understanding your property’s space will help answer questions in relation to functional design down the track.
Are you being cost effective?
Before picking up the sledgehammer, it is best to understand the knock-on costs of demolition. This can be a major potential cost when renovating a home, especially during a single storey renovation whereby load-bearing needs to be taken into account. Where can you use existing structures, without starting from scratch? Also taking into consideration the cost effectiveness of electricity and plumbing. Is it possible to keep major pipes and wires in their same positions? This will definitely save you financially. Think carefully during the planning stage about how to design your single storey extension with as few demolition sites as possible.
Would you need to move out?
Before signing off on your home renovation, do you know if you will need to move out? Factors attributing to this would be if your water or electric need to be cut for a period of time, if there will be open walls or ceiling areas, or if there will be large machinery. Consider the impacts of open walls and removed roof areas in your planning. To save your budget, consider working in sections of your renovation to allow you to save on hotel or eating out costs.
Do you understand local council fees?
Local councils can be a minefield of fees and paperwork. That is why at Duncan Thompson Extensions, we take care of this for you! Our team are experts in communication and negotiation with local council representatives to be sure that your paperwork is under control. Local council can make the house extension process a burden. Things to tick off your home renovation to do list include:
• Building permits to obtain and requirements to meet before your build
• If you are planning to demolish areas, planning permits of any residential property will be required
• Throughout your renovation you will need sufficient parking, construction and waste management permits.
Is your home heritage?
Heritage homes are an elegant reminder of a time gone by and often have designs that still stand up today. If you are in love with your heritage home, but are in need of touch ups to sustain its longevity, a renovation can help. Be sure that your heritage renovation won’t compromise on the character of your original home. Our team are experts in heritage sites, where we use the right touch to deliver you a renovation that doesn’t compromise on the original style of your classic home.
What is the timing of your renovation?
Delays in renovations can be costly when it comes to budgets and time. Ideally, before beginning your single storey renovation process you will have the timings of your construction plan to the best of your ability. It always helps to have experts on your side during this process. Will floors need to go in before cabinets? Do walkways needs to be completed first? How will ceiling work impact other areas of a room? Great designers and tradespeople will help to create a schedule of works, so that your renovations is completed smoothly.
