Who should you engage for your home renovation???

The team you need for your renovation usually depends on the size of the project.

 If you’re planning a major revamp or new build, you could well need a team of designers including an architect, building designer or draftsperson as well as an interior designer and landscape designer. You’ll likely also need a structural engineer to ensure the integrity of the build. If your home carries a heritage overlay, you’ll need to consult a heritage or conservation specialist. It can be a big team, and all have their role to play in helping you realise the vision you have of your home.

YOUR BUILDING DESIGN AND FACADE

The first question to resolve is whether you need an architect. Not all building jobs do – for a straightforward extension, or an uncomplicated home on a site that doesn’t present any particular challenges, a building designer or draftsperson may be all you require. However if you’re going for a unique or bespoke design, a large build or have a difficult site to work with, you’ll need an architect’s specialist skills. For a home that is heritage listed and needs particular attention to detail, an architect’s assistance can also be invaluable.

A building designer/draftsperson can do nearly everything an architect can do, including drawing up development application (DA) plans to be submitted to council, understanding building codes and requirements and dealing with all the paperwork necessary to get you ready to start the build. Just like an architect, they will work with you, your ideas and your budget to deliver a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing of the project.

An experienced interior designer may also be able to help you with improving the external façade of your home or presenting building additions or renovation ideas. But their real expertise is how the inside of your home will look and feel, how the spaces will flow and how it will work for the people who are going to be living in it.

 YOUR HOMES INTERIOR AND FUNCTIONALITY

Often misunderstood as simply decorators, Interior Designers are equally as concerned about the functionality of your home, as it’s beauty. They will develop or amend the floorplans, make window and door selections, select flooring, tapware, tiles, stone and so many other decisions which are required for the build.  Lighting and electrics are surprisingly difficult to get right. Without careful planning, the unwary may end up with maximum downlighting and minimal ambience, or electrical outlets in places you don’t need them and few where you do. An interior designer will develop lighting/electrical design plan that includes socket quantity and placement, and a carefully considered blend of wall, floor and ceiling light fittings.

All in all, an Interior Designer will add another layer of detailed planning for your home – which builders are then able to accurately build and quote to. In some cases, your Interior Designer may also offer some form of construction support or take on project management responsibility and help in becoming a linchpin between the builder and you.

On any new build or ground-up renovation you may also need a landscape plan to be included in your DA – check with your local council as regulations differ between authorities. Regardless, it’s an important part of any newly built home, much better considered at the beginning of the project so the outdoor areas works seamlessly with the home and its exterior finishes. Practically speaking, you may be required to retain things like existing mature trees, so an expert landscape designer will be able to work these into plans for the new home and garden.

Your builder’s job is then to take your approved plans and transform them into a fully compliant, finished home – no small task. They will also draw up the budget and in many cases also project manage the build, planning the timelines, co-ordinating all the trades and necessary deliveries, and generally keeping the build on track.  

In short, there are a wide range of individuals necessary to complete a major building project, and co-ordinating their tIme and input is a lengthy and challenging task. Unless you have a lot of experience in project management or renovating, the best option could be to engage professionals.