Embarking on an architectural project like a home renovation is an exciting journey. However, if expectations around time and process are mismanaged, it can quickly become overwhelming. For instance, the length of time between signing an Architect’s Fee Proposal and receiving council (DA) or Certifier (CDC) approval to commence construction often catches many people by surprise. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary stress and ensure greater accuracy when planning your project, it’s crucial for you to understand how this timeline works, and how third parties like local councils, private certifiers ..read more

In the ever-evolving world of home renovation and new home building, price per square metre costing has long been a go-to metric for homeowners and builders alike. However, it has become increasingly evident that relying solely on this metric is an oversimplification of the complex factors that influence construction costs. Here, we delve into the history behind why price per square metre is so popular, and why it may not be the most accurate, effective or relevant guide for your home renovation or new home build. The Historical Perspective: The Rise of Price per Square Metre The quest for a s ..read more

In the ever-evolving world of home renovation and new home building, price per square metre costing has long been a go-to metric for homeowners and builders alike. However, it has become increasingly evident that relying solely on this metric is an oversimplification of the complex factors that influence construction costs. Here, we delve into the history behind why price per square metre is so popular, and why it may not be the most accurate, effective or relevant guide for your home renovation or new home build. The Historical Perspective: The Rise of Price per Square Metre The quest for a s ..read more

Embarking on a major home renovation or new home build project is an exciting yet complex endeavour, and navigating the cost to build pricing options is an integral part of this process. To price a build there are two terms used to define two separate pricing services: Building Estimate, and Building Quote These two terms often cause confusion amongst homeowners, and can make it difficult to compare apples with apples when choosing which builder you want to move forward with. Here, we delve into the differences between the two, what each option does and does not provide, and how to choos ..read more

If you're planning a home renovation or a knock down rebuild project, The National Construction Code (NCC) needs to be on your radar. The NCC is an important regulatory framework that governs the minimum design, construction, and performance of buildings and drainage throughout Australia. Volumes One and Two of the National Construction Code combine to create the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which contains specific provisions around home renovation or new home build design and construction. In this article, we take a look at the recent changes to the NCC that may have a major impact on yo ..read more

When it comes to transforming the homes we live in into beautiful, functional, and harmonious environments, two professions often come to mind: interior architects and interior designers. Although the terms for these professions are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinct disciplines, each with their own unique focuses and skill sets. Here, we delve into the key differences between interior architecture and interior design, shedding light on the roles they play in shaping the spaces we live in, to help you choose the right path for your home renovation project. What do Interior Archi ..read more

When embarking on a home renovation, the two main factors you need to weigh up are: The scale of your project (how many rooms or areas you want to refresh or renovate) against, The quality of fixtures, materials, and finishes you’d like to use. Ultimately, if you’re on a set budget, you need to carefully consider your quantity vs quality priorities and likely be ready to make compromises along the way. A question of Quantity – how much can you do? The below renovation budget brackets outline how much your budget can generally stretch at each level. These 2023/24 budget brackets factor in ..read more

To turn your dream home into a reality, you need the expertise, experience and meticulous skills of the right builder who can deliver the highest standard of work within your budget, and time frame, and with a quality of execution that will withstand the years of hard use which is typically imposed upon a busy family home. This is where a Master Builder can help to ensure that your custom home both aligns with your vision and achieves its full potential. Let’s explore the advantages of working with a Master Builder and the crucial role a Master Builder’s contract plays when it comes to your pr ..read more

There are many factors to consider when undertaking a major home renovation or rebuild – and finding a reliable and trustworthy builder should be at the top of your list. Before we delve into the different cost structures that are offered by builders – Fixed Price and Cost Plus Contracts – it’s worth giving a little background into what’s currently going on in the Australian construction industry. With several large building companies going under in recent months, it certainly pays to ask lots of questions around cost structures when you’re looking for a builder. Bigger is not necessarily bett ..read more

There are many factors to consider when undertaking a major home renovation or rebuild – and finding a reliable and trustworthy builder/construction company should be near the top of your list. Before we delve into the different cost structures that may be offered by builders – Fixed Price and Cost-Plus Contracts – it’s worth giving a little background into what’s currently going on in the Australian construction industry. With several large building companies going under in recent months, it certainly pays to ask lots of questions around cost structures when you’re looking for a builder. Bigg ..read more