Choosing to renovate your house or add an extension is a big project to undertake – before you even start to upgrade your property, there are a few things that you need to do:
- Consider any Canberra regulations that apply
- Put together a practical cost estimate
- Plan your renovation design
- Find a trustworthy, experienced team to bring your ideas to life
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or want to make your existing house more modern, home renovation can definitely seem overwhelming at first, and renovating your home is one of the biggest decisions you can make in life – that’s why we’re putting together a fact sheet to get you started on the right foot. We’ll cover all the basics you need to know before starting a renovation or extension in Canberra.
The Importance Of Thoughtful Project Planning
When it comes to home renovations, planning and careful consideration go a long way to make the process less stressful. The first step should always be clearly outlining what your ideal home refresh looks like – this will make engaging with experts and setting expectations much easier.
During this stage, you might realise there’s more to consider than you initially thought – let’s use a seemingly simple bathroom renovation as an example: Do you want a single tap or a double? What bathroom storage solutions do you think you’ll need? What kind of shower do you prefer? What materials suit your vision best? The small decisions add up quickly, but making them early on will save time and hassle when the renovation process is already in full swing.
Understanding Canberra’s Building Regulations
If you’re undertaking renovations in Canberra, it’s your responsibility as the land owner to make sure you’re across Canberra’s building codes and relevant fees and get all the necessary permits. Luckily, all the information you need to know is easily accessible on the ACT Planning website. They have detailed resources available online that cover what you need to seek approval for and how to stay in line with the ACT building codes and requirements.
In Canberra, any new development needs development approval (DA), including the development and expansion of existing homes. The ACT Planning office will check that:
- Your renovation is appropriate for the area
- Meets territory planning codes
- Meets planning regulations
- Complies with the specific development conditions for the block
Choosing The Right Professional Team
Choosing the right building company or renovation services is arguably the most important factor in the entire process of building or renovating. Finding a talented Canberra team that you can trust and will be able to take care of all your needs will ensure you get the best outcome. Fortunately, there are a lot of talented architects and builders in Canberra! Just make sure to check the reviews of any Canberra builder first to get an idea of their level of customer service, and take the time to have a chat to make sure they’re the right fit for you.
Budgeting For Your Canberra Home Renovation
If this is your first time doing renovations on a house in Canberra, you might be surprised at how expensive it can get. Many homes in Canberra were designed and built prior to the 1980s – this means while they might have great, sturdy bones, you’re going to have to account for internal brick walls that need to be knocked down, hiring asbestos specialists, outdated kitchen layouts and archaic bathroom plumbing in your budget.
The key to not getting caught out with a much higher bill than you expect is to prepare, plan, and ensure you’ve got an idea of the maximum cost of the project, not just the minimum. Make sure you have contingency plans for any unexpected expenses, and take time to shop around and obtain multiple estimates from different builders. One building company to the next might give you a very different cost estimate for materials or labour, so shopping around will guarantee you get the best price for your project while making sure the quality isn’t compromised.
3 Simple Tips To Make The Home Renovation Process Easier
Let Your Neighbours Know
Renovating your house can bring a lot of noise, dust and increased activity to your street. Letting your neighbours know in advance with a friendly chat is a great way to keep them on your side and prevent any complaints. Make sure you let them know of the timeline and when they can expect the most noise. A little heads-up goes a long way, and they’ll definitely appreciate it!
Hire A Skip Bin
You might be surprised how quickly debris adds up quickly during a home reno project. Renting a skip bin for the duration of your project can mean one less thing you have to worry about, and most skip rentals don’t break the bank. For example, skip bin prices at Angel Waste, a highly rated local company focused on sustainable waste disposal, start at $220 for a 7-day rental period. We have a handy article on the top skip bin companies in Canberra to help you choose the right fit for you.
Prepare To Move Out Temporarily
You might find you have to move out temporarily while you renovate, or at least for some of the time. Even if the work is only being done in one room of your house, there might still be a lot of noise and dust. Booking a hotel instead can save you a lot of personal discomfort.
Good Luck And Happy Renovating!
We hope this list of tips we’ve compiled helps you get started on your home design reno journey. It isn’t always an easy one, but the outcome is often worth it! If you’re just moving to Canberra, check out our guide to moving to the capital for some more helpful tips.
