Home Improvements and Home Renovations “Tips and Tricks”

Tackling Home Improvements and home renovations can sometimes be a daunting task, but armed with the right information you can avoid expensive dramas.

The staff at Spinners Local Tradesman have decades of experience in the building industry as well as a thorough understanding of the potential pitfalls a newcomer might face when conducting home renovations and home improvements.

Whether you’re renovating a bathroom or remodelling your entire home, Spinners Local Tradesman prides itself on smoothly run projects that successfully achieve the outcomes customers want. Our extensive experience has taught us the importance of not leaving anything to chance. We encourage you to adopt the same approach with your specific renovation project.

So to help you along we have put together the following list of tips and tricks. They’re designed to not only help keep you sane and safe during your home improvements but to help you achieve the results you want.

Please feel free to print our Home Improvements and Home Renovations Tips, Tricks and FAQs. They are certain to come in handy.

Part 1

Getting Started

We encourage you to set specific goals for your home renovation project and to map a plan on how to achieve them. Do this and you’re half way there.

1. What do you want to achieve with this home renovation or home improvement?
   Are you after a better kitchen? Do you need more space? An improved appearance? Try and be as clear-minded as possible and have your real needs listed separately from your wish list.


2. I have an idea, but how much will it cost?
   
   A good starting point is to openly discuss your vision and expectations with a building consultant before drawings and plans are prepared. This can prove to be a useful reality check and can often avoid the costly mistake of obtaining working drawings for a project you are ultimately unable to afford.


3. What’s next? Do I need an architect or a draftsperson?
   
   Seek out the advice and services of an architect or, if it’s a relatively straight-forward or smaller job, you might simply need a drafting service. Always remember that an architect has been specially trained in design and will tend to cost more. Depending upon your individual project, their skill and expertise in this area could add considerably more value to your home renovation, making the extra cost worthwhile.


4. Do I need plans or permits?
   
   This is a question which can often be answered by a qualified builder, architect or town planner. Sometimes, there are circumstances where this question cannot be answered before a sketch plan of the proposal is produced. In either case you will find a good starting point by arranging a visit from one of our registered building supervisors.


5. Is renovating and improving my home a good investment? Will it add value to my house?
   
   This is an important and common question. Because each home improvement project is different, and because property values are determined by a variety of factors, this question is best addressed by a property expert. If you require advice on this topic we can arrange to put you in touch with such an organisation.


6. Where do I go for fittings and fixtures?
   
   Our supervisor or staff will be pleased to assist you with our recommended suppliers.


7. Where do I go to for permits and how long will they take?
   
   
   • Planning Permits – These are required if your building proposal might impact on your neighbours and the surrounding community. Here, a detailed submission containing technical drawings and expert knowledge of the Town Planning Act is required. Therefore, DIY (Do it Yourself) is not recommended for this task. You should expect to wait from a few weeks for a “fast track” permit to many months for a disputed permit. If such a dispute requires the involvement of VCAT (the Victorian Administrative and Civil Tribunal) the delay can potentially be in excess of one year.
     
     
   • Building Permits – This system is in place to maintain minimum building standards and to help protect consumers from inferior and poor quality builders. The process has been privatised and, as a result, a local Building Surveyor will be in charge of the approval and will issue of your permit. This service usually takes only a few weeks.

Before looking for a builder ensure you have the following items:

• A complete set of drawings and specifications, which include all changes, finishes and special requirements. You will want to leave a copy with each builder you get a quote from;
• You have the proper finance and it has been approved;
• You’ve included provisions for cost overruns or changes to your budget;
• You have let your insurance company know you are undertaking your home improvement project;
• You have all of your required permits ready;
• Alternative accommodation arranged in case you need a renovation-free living space during the building works.

Part 2

Choosing a Contractor

1. There are different types of contractors:


• The Builder

Normally best employed for larger renovation or extension jobs in excess of $100,000;


• A Supervised Trades Service (such as Spinners Local Tradesman)

Best used where your job is around or below $100,000 and requires the coordination of several different building trades, or where a smaller maintenance or repair task requires expert multi-trade knowledge;


• The Individual Tradesman

We suggest you employ an individual tradesperson when you know what specific work is required and are able to supervise its completion.


2. How do I find an appropriate contractor?

The old-fashioned and arguably best method is to seek out a recommendation from someone you trust. If that is not possible, try the various trade associations, building websites and local advertisements. Use your people-judgement skills, but make sure you also get written work-related references and carefully follow-up on each of them. Most previous clients of a contractor will be sympathetic and helpful in describing to you over the phone their building experience with them.


3. What should I look for in a contractor?


4. How to avoid your story becoming a drama:


• Choose a reputable contractor;
• Avoid any supposed contractor who appears ‘dodgy’; they probably are;
• Employ a contractor who has a public profile - they probably won’t risk damaging it with inferior workmanship;
• Ensure, as far as you can, the price you agree on provides the contractor with enough money to enable them to complete your job properly. If the contract price is too low, you risk poor quality work or an incomplete job. This is the most common reason why dramas exist. To a large extent they are caused by a combination of the client’s desire for a lower price and the contractor wanting to win the tender with thoughts he can charge more as the job progresses.


5. What should I know about building contracts?

There are a number of different contract styles available for use. They should be written in clear and simple language. If the one you receive from your selected contractor appears too complicated, it is probably the wrong choice of document. We suggest you consider either the Spinners Local Tradesman form of contract or the standard version issued by the MBAV (Master Builders Association of Victoria). If you are in any way unsure, ask your solicitor.

Part 3

The Process

Forewarned is forearmed. Knowing what to expect during your renovation will help alleviate any extra little stresses you were unprepared for. Your selected builder or tradesperson will be able to answer the following questions with accuracy as they will understand your specific project. We have included them here as a basic guide and to help you prepare for negotiations with your selected builder.

1. What can I expect from the renovation process?
2. Will my home be liveable during the renovation?
3. Will my home be secure from theft and damage during the renovation?
4. How long can I expect the renovation to take?
5. Do I have a written guarantee for the job?
6. What is the payment process?
7. How can I be sure the job will be completed to my satisfaction?
8. How long after the job has been completed am I covered for problems or defects?

Spinners Local Tradesman – Treat us as a friend

Even if you have chosen another contractor to do your home renovation, we invite you to speak with us during the course of your project. If you have any concerns or need any specific advice, please call us. We will either answer your query or steer you in the right direction. We all need advice and contacts from time to time and we would like to be your friends in the building industry.

Cheers, and good luck with your property adventures.

Call Us: 1300 39 1114