Tag: Building

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Legal

Legal requirements for Owner-Builders

If you’re looking to build your own home or at least be an active participant in the construction, you will have to go through the process of obtaining an Owner-Builder permit. This also means that you’ll have to follow a ton of different legal requirements, many of which change depending on what state and territory you live in. Sound complicated? Don’t worry, we’re here to figure it out for you with this guide to owner-builder legal requirements.

What do you need to know about Owner-Builder legal requirements?

Why is this so important? Well, first, you’ll have to consider what could happen if there weren’t any legal responsibilities for the construction. The possibilities are scary. If you employ an unskilled builder, they could build a poorly-made house on a lousy foundation that could weaken or collapse over time. An unscrupulous owner-builder could employ subcontractors or labourers in a dangerous working environment, potentially causing a lot of physical harm. So, you’ll have to work with legal requirements that ensure that the environment is safe, the owner-builder practices safe building practices and that the owner-builder is properly insured.

Requirements before and during construction 

So, what are the legal requirements before and during construction? First, you’ll have to have detailed plans drawn up by a professional. Those plans then need to be submitted, along with any required governmental forms (like a Bushfire Assessment, a Statement of Environmental Effects or a Building Sustainability Index) to make for a Development Application, or a DA. Make sure you have everything you need before you submit the DA – any missing document can make for a legal nightmare. Once that is approved, you’ll have to apply for an owner-builder permit. You’ll need to be 18 or older and the owner of the property, and you’ll have to confirm that you’ll be living in that home. There will be a fee for the application, and you might have to provide legal proof that you actually can work on the property or take an owner-builder course. Following that, you’ll need a Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate, and you’ll have to schedule appointments with inspectors to check out the building. Don’t forget, all of the legal responsibility during construction is on you. You have to make sure you use only licensed tradespersons and get all the right contracts drawn up, and you’ll have to have all of the right insurances.

Land surveying must be done before construction begins / Source: Statiker

Requirements after construction

Another thing to consider – there are plenty of legal requirements you’ll have to deal with after construction is done. You may have to take out Statutory insurance or a Statutory Warranty, and you’ll need to get council approval before you actually move in.

Does your project need council approval?

You may think that a project is so minute that it doesn’t need council approval; however, most projects do require you to gain approval. Some projects that need approval that you may not be aware of are as follows:

  • If you plan to build decking that stands 60cm or more above the ground, you should seek approval.
  • As a significant building structure, a covered patio may need council approval.
  • A carport might need approval if the floor area is greater than 20 square meters. This is the case if you live in the suburbs or in an urban area.
  • If you plan to build a shed and use it as a house, you need to seek approval first.
  • You may be curious what deems it necessary for a project to require council approval. This is based on various factors such as:
  • Does the structure change the appearance of your home?
  • Will the structure possibly cause damage to the environment or cause soil erosion?
  • How safe is the structure?
  • How hygienic is the building?
  • How does my project affect neighbouring properties?

Contact local builders

These reasons are the main ones that determine depict whether building regulations are established. A council determines the regulations by factoring in what makes for safe construction. This means that even if the deck you plan to build is only 60cm in height, it may still present itself as a threat if it’s not constructed properly or if there is a lack of sturdy fencing around it.

There are instances where the prospective building project may be excused from the process of filling out a development application, also called a DA application. On the contrary, there are other instances where you must fill out an application for a home extension or a new home, but you may be eligible for the “fast track” building application approval. Since inquiring with the council doesn’t cost you, don’t hesitate to ask about council approval for your project. The fee for getting council approval for your building project is typically reasonable and directly relates to the scale of the project and also the cost of it. To avoid problems, you should always consult with your local council prior to beginning a project.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

How do modular bathrooms work?

If you’re in the process of adding an extension to your home or even building a new home, you have three main options when it comes to the bathroom. You can either gut your bathroom and start from scratch, have a custom-made bathroom designed, or install a modular bathroom. A modular bathroom is definitely something you may want to consider. It is the most economical solution because it cuts down on construction costs and is mostly maintenance-free. So you may be asking: what is a modular bathroom? Keep reading to find out and see how it may benefit you.  

What are modular bathrooms?

Modular bathrooms are becoming a popular option for bathroom renovations, and it is easy to see why. With modular bathrooms, most of the hard work has been done for you, in a factory or warehouse. Modular bathrooms are shipped in flat boxes and delivered to your home. If you are handy, you may want to install the modular bathroom yourself, but there is always the option to have a technician come out and do the handy work for you. 

Source: Protek Design

Modular bathrooms come in a diverse selection of styles, with a variety of features and designs that allow you to create a bathroom that best suits your family’s unique needs. You can still express your personal style and create some customisations. Some of these options include: 

  • Sizes and Shapes: There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from including smaller square-shaped suites to larger rectangular spaces. There are even modular bathrooms that allow easy access for disabled family members. 
  • Standard Features: Each modular bathroom comes complete with a toilet, shower, sink basin, and tap.
  • Optional Features: There are many optional features to choose from including a variety of lighting and fans, vanity styles, the option between a sliding or pivoting door, and much more.

Modular bathrooms are designed to make bathroom renovations quick and easy. Shipped in flat boxes that include everything you need to be comfortable in your bathroom, modular bathrooms are a no-hassle, no-stress alternative to the ordinarily time consuming and expensive bathroom makeover. In addition, modular bathrooms are stylish and easy to clean. It is easy to see why so many people are opting for a modular bathroom as opposed to hiring a contractor to rebuild a livable space.

Cost-effective without sacrificing quality

Modular bathrooms are a quality product, and because you don’t have to buy fittings and floor tiles from separate places, replacing any pieces is easy; no more chasing down which store you bought which fitting from, and no more trying to match colours. They’re amazingly versatile, as well; you can select the fittings, colours and size of the bathroom. You can choose the number of entrances your modular bathroom has, and you also have the option of placing the bathroom wherever you want.

Contact local bathroom experts

The installation process

The great thing about modular bathrooms is that they don’t require any preparation work before or tiling after the bathroom is installed. They are complete kits! You may want to hire a handyman if there are some sections that you do not feel comfortable installing, but it is not required. The kits come in flat packs that can fit through doorways or be carried upstairs. To assemble the module, you’ll just need common household tools and then caulk for the seams to make the bathroom watertight. As for plumbing, everything is included in the kit except the external plumbing, which just needs to be hooked up.

Types of outdoor modular bathrooms

Modular bathrooms are so versatile and come in such a variety of styles that there are even options for outdoor bathrooms! This is perfect if you have a pool or tool shed that you spend time in outdoors. Outdoor modular bathrooms are like indoor units, and some of the various configurations include change rooms with showers and toilets for swimming pool areas. Another use for an outdoor modular bathroom could be to simply have an extra bathroom without extending your home.

Categories
Building & renovations

Top features of an eco-friendly home design

Right now, people are trying to design their homes as eco-friendly as possible. Not only does it help reduce your impact on the planet, but it also can help save your household money in the long run. So, if you’re moving into a new home or you’ve decided to renovate, it’s the perfect time to consider going green. Here, we’ll take you through the main features you can add to make your home eco friendly.

Why build an eco-friendly, sustainable home?

It’s more cost effective and easier to build an eco-friendly home costs a than renovating an existing one. However, there are still many changes and updates you can do to make an existing home more sustainable. Benefits of an eco-friendly home include:

  • Lower utility bills.
  • Your lifestyle actually contributes to make the environment better, helping to minimise the production of greenhouse gasses and carbon dioxide in your home.
  • Better flow of air around your home
  • Low maintenance home

Features of an eco-friendly home

Bamboo flooring

Wood is one of the most popular flooring materials in modern homes. However, the problem with wood, at least as far as flooring goes, is that it isn’t a particularly renewable material. It takes years and years for new forests to grow, and deforestation is a key issue facing our planet today. On the other hand, bamboo grows pretty quickly and makes a great flooring material as well. Therefore, instead of going for traditional wood flooring, going for bamboo is a great move if you want to design your home in an eco-friendly fashion. You can also consider using bamboo for your cabinets and countertops.

Use recycled or sustainable materials

Most of us buy furniture in retail stores. However, companies that make that furniture usually don’t care too much about the effect their work has on the environment. Take a look at it this way – almost all readymade furniture is made of particle board which is one of the least durable board products out there. On the other hand, if you decide to turn to experts who make custom furniture, you can ask them to provide you with furniture made out of sustainable materials. On top of that, if you turn to local experts, you’ll also be reducing transportation waste. This option can be expensive, so as an alternative aim to look for local suppliers who sustainably source their material.

Where possible, use locally sourced and sustainabe furniture and materials / Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

This methodology of sourcing sustainable or recycled products should be applied across your entire home – especially when it comes to building materials.

Plant life

No matter if you’re renovating or designing your new home, you’ll always be looking for ways to decorate it. While paintings and beautiful lampshades are something you can always go for, you might also want to think decorating with plants. Plants can filter air in your home, getting rid of any harmful chemicals from it. Moreover, these can help you reduce noise and stress. Of course, there are plenty of amazing potted plants that are guaranteed to add some style to your home.

For bonus sustainability points, consider planting a veggie or herb garden so you can grow your own food.

Led lights

Chances are you’ve already heard that LED lights are an absolute must when going eco-friendly. LED bulbs make a great option since they both last longer and use less energy than traditional bulbs. In fact, according to recent reports, by switching to LED lights, you could actually end up saving about 20% on your energy bill. Of course, with everyone going for LED lights, you can now find these in almost any shape or colour. This makes LEDs a perfect option for spaces like pool areas and kids’ rooms.

Use sunlight

Where possible, install solar panels to make use of the sun’s energy for your heating, cooling and lighting. Solar is a sustainable energy source, and will also save you money in the long run.

Another great way to make your home green is to let in as much sunlight as possible. This will both reduce your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Also, if there are any small rooms in your home, sunlight is always going to help you make them look larger. One of the best ways to let sunlight in is to install a few extra double-glazed windows. If you opt for these, you’ll use your cooling and heating equipment less and thus reduce your energy bill even more.

Harness sunlight in your home as a sustainable source of energy, heat & light / Source: Source Architects Pty Ltd

Making your kitchen eco-friendly

There are plenty of ways to make their kitchens green. Firstly, as we’ve already mentioned, you can use materials such as bamboo for your kitchen cabinets and countertops. Here are a few other ideas for making your kitchen eco-friendly:

  • Start a compost to reduce your biodegradable kitchen waste and improve the sustainability of your home and zero-waste living
  • Install a rainwater tank
  • Use recycled glass for your splash-back – as opposed to the standard glass or quartz

Making your bathroom eco-friendly

The bathroom can be one of the most non-environmentally friendly rooms in a house because of high water use, chemical cleaners and other issues. Your bathroom, however, doesn’t have to be harmful to the environment with these environmentally friendly ideas.

Ditch the chemicals

Many bathroom cleaners contain bleach and other chemicals that are bad for the environment and your health. Opt for natural, organic cleaners instead. Even many regular supermarkets now have “green” cleaners that use orange oil, tea tree, lavender and baking soda to clean, disinfect and freshen your bathroom. You should also steer clear of pesticides by purchasing organic towels, wash cloths and bath robes.

Hire a green plumber

Hire a green plumber to make your bathroom use less water. A green plumber can inspect your plumbing and fix any leaks that are wasting water. In addition, a green plumber can install a grey water system that uses your sink, shower and laundry water to flush the toilet.

Water efficient fixtures

Your toilet, sink faucets and shower heads release a lot of water. You can reduce your water usage by installing low-flow toilets, sink faucets and shower heads. These low flow fixtures work just as good as their water wasting counterparts, they’re just kinder on your pocket book (because your water bill will be cheaper) and more friendly to the environment. You can probably instal the sink faucets and shower heads yourself if you’re handy, but you might want to hire a plumber to instal the toilet.

Solar water heating

Solar powered water heaters are a great way to reduce your energy consumption. If you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sun, you can instal a battery backup or gas powered backup to heat your water on overcast days.

Categories
Building & renovations

Building designer vs architect

The first step in any new home construction or redesign is finding a professional designer who will help make your dreams a reality. This is not something for the amateurs; you need to go pro if you want to get the most practical, beautiful home out there for you and your family. That means you’ll need to either employ a building designer or an architect. However, this process can be tricky – and it’s not one you can afford to mess up. We’ve put together a guide here that will help you choose which type of designer is best and how to find the right one. 

Qualifications

Architects and building designers are both qualified to design buildings, but there are some legal differences between the two. An architect is required to have the following:

  • Successful completion of required university courses specific to the architectural field
  • Acceptance and up-to-date membership (with all current fees paid) in the state board of architecture
  • Necessary insurance licenses and registration/certification documents

Building designers aren’t required to have any of these things, but they do need to be licensed from an appropriate state building board, such as a Building Services Authority, and they have to be fully insured with the requisite policies. These legal requirements are nationwide and were implemented for the protection of consumers.

Although it’s not required, a large number of building designers also join distinguished professional organizations, such as the Building Designers Association or the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. In order to join, designers have to prove their competency, and membership is an added cachet that can help inspire consumer confidence.

A render of a modern, two-storey home
Architects and building designers can create detailed renders of your building plans / Source: Artin Design

Who is more competent?

Builders and architects should be judged by their individual competencies and merits. As with architects, many building designers have established a stellar reputation through years of accomplishment and enthusiastic client referrals. Likewise, some building designers or architects may be more comfortable designing commercial buildings rather than residential homes. Otherwise, you should consider the two designations as being completely equal and go from there.

Finding the right building designer or architect

When contacting a building professional, you’ll first want to get their references and credentials. Your builder should be fully insured and licensed to work in the state where your building site is. Look for membership in reputable professional organizations; these are always a plus. Check referrals and ask for photos of similar jobs. If the building designer or architect is new in the profession, ask for copies of preliminary studies and design drawings.

After establishing credentials, discuss your design specifications to determine if this particular professional can accomplish the results you’re looking for.

Contact local building designers

The price of a designer

Odds are that you’ll never find two building designers with the same type of fee structures – they’re usually very dissimilar. They might offer a fixed or an hourly fee, first off, and the cost will be dependent on the varying levels of service they offer. Basic services might only include a consultation, site visit and design and would only include the most bare-bones drawings. More advanced services generally include consultant use and the design of the landscape and interior, along with the electrical layout. Eventually, you’ll likely be charged a percentage of the total price of the project. A rough estimate might come out to 7.5% of the total for full service or around 5% of the total for basic service. Don’t forget to get an upfront look at the fees before you sign any contract.

Categories
Building & renovations

Home renovating tips: What to avoid

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY veteran or just starting out, understanding the potential pitfalls involved with a renovation project is a good way to ensure that you don’t end up with your home in a state of disaster. We’ve compiled a list of the five most common DIY mistakes and a guide on how to avoid them.

Diving in the deep end

The cause of many DIY disasters is from being a little too enthusiastic about starting a project before it’s properly planned out. With numerous DIY shows making it look simple, it’s easy to underestimate the actual size of a job and start something that is above your skill level.

How to avoid: Take a step back from the project and assess if you are up to the challenge. Are you willing to take the time and effort to learn new skills if you need to? Do you have enough of a buffer in your finances if something goes wrong? Start small, if you can, and always have a plan to find help.

How to solve: If you do find yourself in over your head the best thing to do is to take a step back and evaluate. If things have progressed to a point where you have no choice but to continue consider hiring a professional.

Source: Jnaid & Sons

Incorrectly budgeting

This mistake is closely linked to the first. Improperly budgeting can be the undoing of a lot more than just your project. Most building projects have a lot of hidden or incidental costs that may come as a nasty surprise if you start without creating a watertight budget. It’s worthwhile doing lots of research

How to avoid: Before you begin, go over the whole project on paper first. Note down every material you will need, the associated costs, whether or not you have the right tools, etc. Then once you have that final figure add 10% as a buffer in case of any accidents.

How to solve: If you’re stuck in a position where you are running out of money to continue the project, stop working on it. You can end up spending good money after bad if you don’t re assess. That assessment should be about prioritising what need fixing so that you can continue living in your home. That way you will have time to rebuild your funds and finish the project when you are better prepared to do so.

Making mistakes with the measurements

The difference of a few centimetres can cost a lot of time and money. Ordering materials in the wrong size or worse, cutting something to the wrong length can bring a project to a standstill.

How to avoid: Measure twice and cut once. Always make sure that you take down the measurements as accurately as possible. This means not only making sure that your measuring equipment is exact but also that you record the measurement correctly. Don’t be worried if you spend a bit of time ensuring that your measurements are correct. It will save you a lot of time and problems in the long run.

How to solve: If you have cut to the wrong measurements, unfortunately, you have very little option than to either reair the section that has been damaged or buy more materials. However, always keep the remaining materials. They may end up being useful later on in the project or give you extra coverage in a future project should the same issue arise.

Using the wrong tools

Certain materials need to be handled using specific tools. Trying to complete a job using the wrong tools is a dangerous endeavour. You can end up using more force than necessary and end up damaging your home or yourself.

How to avoid: Always use the right tool for the job. If you don’t have the tools at hand, or cannot afford to buy them, see whether there are rental options available to you or whether your friends or family can lend you one.

It’s also important to remember that even if you have the right tool, make sure it is in good working order before you use it. A broken or worn tool can be just as dangerous as the wrong tool.

Take safety seriously

DIY can feel like a hobby. Working on the project whenever you have the time to chip away at a smaller task. However, not having proper ventilation in a room while painting, operation power tools, or demolishing a room can all lead to potentially life-threatening injuries.

How to avoid: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, ear protection, safety glasses, respirators even a dust mask can make all the difference in saving yourself from serious damage. If you’re ever in doubt or don’t have the right tools and equipment to complete a job safely, consult a professional.

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Common kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid

Overspending

One of the biggest concerns is staying within your budget. You need to be realistic, and you need to make sure you are not spending money that you simply don’t have on a renovation. A good guide to use when doing a renovation is not to spend more than seven percent of the cost of the home to do the renovation. Be flexible with your options, and do not go overboard on a costly project.

Accuracy

You need to make sure you measure properly when renovating a kitchen. If you have the wrong dimensions, it can cause a lot of havoc. There are cabinets, appliances, benchtops, and flooring that are all hinging on your ability to know how much space you have and how to put everything together.

Source: F&F ConstructionsPty Ltd

Beware of the current trends

Do not fall head over heels for what is hot right now. There is a reason they are called trends; they will not last very long. You do not want to have to renovate every couple of years because you are bored with the design or because what you did is now considered hideous. If you want to use the latest idea, make sure it is something that can be changed out easily to stay current.

Get the right pros

Make sure you hire professionals you know you can trust. See what else they have done, and make sure they are able to do all of the work you want within the budget you have. You want them to stay on time and do the job right.

Remember the small details

Yes, we all want the kitchen to look great, but where are you going to plug everything in? Make sure you have power points laid out, as well as the proper lighting and proper appliance location. See how well everything will fit in the newly renovated room.

Proper storage

No matter how nice the kitchen looks when you walk in, it won’t matter if you do not have someplace to put everything. Proper and adequate storage will make you feel better about the area, and it will help you keep your renovated room clean and organised.

Think about the finished product from the start

The kitchen is a place where everyone spends time. You need to make sure that it will look good and function well for you as well. It’s about making it look more modern and eye-catching, while still being comfortable to cook in.

Categories
Building & renovations

Setting a home renovation budget

Renovations are great for a change of scenery, update old facilities and most importantly, provide an increase in the value of your home. That value, however, can be severely diminished if you end up spending more than your finances can handle.

With that in mind we’ve put together a guide on how to spend wisely on your next home renovation without blowing the budget.

1. Estimating value

As a rule, you should not spend any more on a single room than the value of the room as a percentage of your overall house value. To do this, you will of course, first need to get an estimate of your home’s value.

For instance, if your home’s overall value is $800,000, (the median Australian house price) and you want to renovate your kitchen, which accounts for between 10-15% of your property’s value, then you should aim to spend under $120,000 – or 15% – on your renovation.

Plan and allocate your budget according to which room will ad the most value to your overall property / Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

It’s also worth keeping in mind that some rooms scale to add more value than others. For instance, while the kitchen is often cited as the make or break room, it offers amongst the lowest return on investment, whereas a moderate bathroom makeover can almost double the money spent.

2. Look at loan options

If you’re borrowing money for your project, make sure you look at what deals are available and what types of loan will work for you. It might seem like common sense, but taking the time now to research your options and choosing one works for you will certainly save you money down the line.

If you’re unsure, speak to a professional who can provide you with the financial advice you need to make an informed decision.

3. Research quotes from contractors

Talking to a professional builder/contractor is the fastest and often the most accurate way to assess the total cost of a project. Start a conversation with a few trusted providers, and use their experience and understanding of the finer aspects of a renovation to accurately assess the cost of a project.

4. Follow the plan

While you’re in the middle of a renovation, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of a project and start thinking about other ways you can add value to your home. Always remember to take a step back and see how these changes would affect your budget and timeline. Reviewing the plan is the best way to avoid blowing your budget as even small additions to a project can carry unexpected costs.

5. Create a buffer

There are always unexpected costs lurking around the corner of any construction project, so provide yourself with a buffer of extra cash to take care of these items. It only needs to be 10% of the total cost of the renovation, however, that 10% can make all the difference in the event of accidents or other setbacks outside of your control. Rather than having to dip into your savings or borrow extra money if the builders need more time or if a window or fixture gets broken and needs replacing, using your emergency fund can save you money in the long run.

An emergency “buffer” fund is essential for any renovation budget / Source: Geoff Comfort Photography

6. Consider all the costs

Keep in mind, when you get an estimate from your builder, it will typically cover only the base price of construction and materials without factoring in the price of interior finishing. In order to finish your home, you’ll have to factor in additional costs for interior fixtures such as these:

  • Flooring
  • Window treatments
  • Lighting and fixtures
  • Landscaping services
  • Driveways and pathways
  • Utility connections for your electricity and for appliances such as phones, computers and television
  • Water, sewerage and garbage disposal costs
  • Ground excavation for the build
  • Cabinetry and appliances for kitchen and bathroom
  • Energy-efficient additions such as added insulation, solar panels, solar-heated water systems and tanks to collect rainwater

To help control your budget, talk to your builder and find out how many of these interior fixtures are included in the estimate. If they aren’t, ask if your builder can recommend professionals who can do these jobs for you at a reasonable price.

Contact local home renovation experts

7. Keep your expectations realistic

It’s crucial to be realistic about the things you can and can’t have in your new home. For example, if you’re on a strict budget, you probably won’t be able to splurge on granite benchtops in your kitchen or bathroom. With all the luxury accessories, fixtures and materials available, it’s easy to get carried away and fall in love with everything you see, but you can quickly end up ruining your entire construction project if you don’t keep the spending in check. From the very start, you need to look at how much you’re paying for the site, and add on the base construction price. Whatever is left in your budget can be used for interior finishing, but be sure and set a budget by parceling out an appropriate amount for each area. Don’t start shopping for these goodies until you’ve set strict monetary limits on each section of your list. 

The good news is that, with auctions, online auction sites and clearance sales, you can still get luxury items well within your budget. Just use your bargaining skills to locate great deals, and keep your eye open for discontinued stock.