Be ahead of the curve
If you are thinking about a home extension and renovation you could be tempted to delay your plans given the current market challenges. As the planning phase will take some time, it is wise to be ahead of the curve in preparation for the changes in the market.
In 2023, post-pandemic Sydney presents many unprecedented challenges. There are also excellent opportunities if you have the knowledge and resourcefulness to work with these opportunities. This leads me to highlight how you can make the most of the upcoming opportunities.
Does your home need more space with an extra bedroom or parent’s retreat, more living space and storage? Alternatively, is your home in need of renovation, updating to your style, or both? Take advantage of the upcoming changes by commencing the planning of your renovation.
The economy is cyclical, so changes are somewhat predictable. As we know, interest rate rises have been affecting homeowners in recent months and we hope they will plateau in 2023. Supply of building materials is becoming more reliable, and the property market has had a downturn where prices have reduced from the recent boom.
If we look at the flip side of the current situation, the economy has shown resilience throughout the pandemic, unemployment is the lowest it has been in decades and the aim is to have inflation around 2-3%. Our economy has absorbed the recent interest rate rises without going into a recession. Therefore, know where you sit financially and get back to planning your life.
Why take decisive action now?
These things take time.
Having a greater understanding of timelines means you can take control.
You have a choice to wait either until these challenges pass, or you can anticipate that these challenges will be manageable and spend your valuable time taking decisive action now.
The kids will still be growing, and more space will still be needed!
The design and building approvals take up to 6 to 12 months to obtain once you have engaged your designer.
NSW Council approvals for DAs and CDCs require the owners to commence construction within 5 years from the approval date. There is no time restriction for completion in most Councils.
Being prepared with your design and approvals gives you the best opportunity for you to stay ahead of the curve, and be ready to choose the optimum time for you to build.
Planning your home extension in Sydney
It is a simple 3 step process:
- Work out your needs, wants and budget
- Have a meeting with a designer who will create a design, prepare drawings, and coordinate approvals.
- Engage your designer.
After this discussion, you will know what is possible and feasible for your home.
Step 1 – Consider your needs and vision
- Find the opportunity to discuss with your partner what is and is not working for you and your family in your home.
- Agree on how long you plan to stay in this home e.g., 5-10 years, or possibly 10- 20 years as this will drive the extent of your renovation.
- Write a prioritised list of your needs and wants ready to share with your designer. For example:
- More space as the family grows
- More storage
- Modern upgrade of kitchen and bathrooms
- Improve the flow through the house
- Outdoor entertaining area
- Collect images that reflect the feel you want for your home
Step 2 – Find the right professional
- Search for a home designer who takes the time to fully understand your property, as well as your needs and wants. Review their website for examples of their previous work. Look for a variety of home designs with quality and styles that appeal to you. The websites will reflect bespoke designs which suited other clients’ visions. Keep an open mind regarding whether the designer is flexible in their design solutions and the styles they create.
- Contact your selected designer to plan an onsite meeting to discuss the feasibility of achieving your needs and wants within your budget.
- Conduct your due diligence regarding your selected designer by speaking with previous clients.
The aim at this stage is for you to be confident in the decisions you are making regarding the scope of your renovation.
Step 3. Engaging a designer
A good designer with experience and creativity will deliver an exciting and bespoke design that is inspired by your current property, the surrounding environment, and your dreams.
Your designer can also help on many different levels with your home renovation project regarding what is feasible, planning strategy, budget advice, choosing a builder, and much more.
In my practice, I often utilise a strategic master-planning approach prior to commencing the design of a client’s home renovation and extension.
Your personalised strategic master plan will consider
- Timing
- Budget
- Staging of construction (if suitable)
- Type of approvals (e.g., DA vs CDC)
- Future desired changes
Construction after approvals
Once you have your home renovation design and approvals, you will be ready to start before others who will most likely begin this planning process as you commence your construction.
Have your short list of builders. Your designer may be able to advise you of a trusted builder with appropriate experience with your type of project.
You now have a formula for planning your home extension in Sydney. You are now ready for an exciting renovation project with a greater understanding of timelines and taking control whilst being ahead of the curve. The choice is yours!
For an initial discussion, feel free to reach out to us today.
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