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Make sure your
designer/architect listens and meets your desires and needs but
also be open with the possibility that compromises may need to
be made.
If doing major work to
your kitchen and living areas, you may want to consider vacating
the premises for a short period of time to allow for work to be
carried out efficiently.
Before considering doing
renovations/extensions to your home, make sure you allow 6-8
weeks for consents to be processed from the local council.
If you are obtaining
quotes/estimates from various trades people, be sure to inform
them of your decision regardless of the outcome.
If you are wanting labour
only prices, understand that ‘labour only’ is what you will get.
You will take the roll as main contractor therefore insurance
and the like is your responsibility.
Be realistic and cover as
many scenarios as you can to suit your budget.
You should choose a
builder who you trust and who covers all bases in their price.
This eliminates too many hidden extras at the end of the job.
When contemplating
extensions, allow a minimum of $2000 per square metre. This will
give you a general idea as to how much your extension will cost.
If doing DIY and removing
any walls, you MUST make sure they are not load bearing (support
walls). You will need consent from the council if they are as
the load will need to be supported accordingly.
Make sure bathrooms have
good ventilation and/or an extraction fan.
Better home insulation provides increased comfort and improves household energy efficiency. It also provides tangible health benefits, especially for those with respiratory illness or other conditions derived from living in cold damp houses, and for the elderly and young children who are vulnerable to the cold.
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