9 things you must do before renovating or building: part 3/5

March 15th, 2012

Righto, so far in this five part series we’ve looked at why you should research building, and how to figure out what it is you’re really looking for.

We’ve then taken our ideas and put pen to paper, writing a brief that will help clarify our needs over our wants.

We’ve considered how much money we have to play with, we may have even pulled in our plans a bit.

And now it’s time to think about picking a building designer and a builder.

The building designer

“You need one,” says heritage building designer Peter Latemore. “Not only a builder, but a building designer,” he adds.

It turns out that renovating and building can be quite a complicated process. Unless you can dedicate yourself almost full time to the project you are going to need a lot of help.

“First you need to get a site consult. Most designers will offer this at a free, but it’s really worth it. In fact, get more than one. Get yourself and idea of what you’re getting into.

“Nearly all projects, whether you’re building upwards, outwards or downwards need documentation.

“Building designers are also good at liasing with other consultants – and there are lots of them, like surveyors, town planners, engineers, certifiers and so on.

“There are also endless codes to deal with, the BCA, Council Standards and more.”

In parts of Australia, like Queensland where Latemore operates, a building designer is legally the same as an architect.

“Choosing one is the same as picking any professional. Check association memberships, license, awards and the website to get an idea of the designer’s calibre.”

The builder

Latemore says, “things are slow so there a few good builders scratching around for work.”

He suggests asking for referrals from a building designer, friends and neighbours.

“Then go and have a look at a building site of a builder you are considering.

“Don’t trespass, just have a look to see if it is tidy and organised. This will give you an idea of if there are good subbies and a site supervisor.”

You have to bear your builder.

“Also have a think about whether you will get along. Can you discuss or argue positively with this person? It’s inevitable, trust me!”

It’s important to involve the builder early on in the piece to sort out drawings that will be needed and to discuss the job. This will help you build trust.

“Let them guide you,” suggests Latermore.

Good builders are usually busy, so “don’t abuse of their time – offer to pay for quotes and advice,” he warns. And ask questions in batches rather than every hour.

Keri Algar

Having once had to sit on the washing machine to stop it from bouncing into oblivion, Keri is today delighted with the new (smoother running) technologies that make housework easier every day. A self-confessed lazy-bones, Keri seeks out quirky inventions that ease the human workload, such as the robotic vacuum cleaner (wow). And as soon as someone figures out a Jetsons-like self-cleaning house, she will happily lay her pen to rest and retire from appliance journalism. Until then, her pick is a fridge that will tell her smartphone when it's time to pick up more beer on the way home. Magic.