council regulations Archives - Page 1

Planning Your Home Extension in Sydney 2023

13 February, 2023 by Martin Kolarik

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.

Read This Before Knocking Down Your Wall

10 October, 2018 by Martin Kolarik

Do you want to add a new section to your home? Do you advocate open-plan home living? That sounds like a fantastic idea! But remember that this will mean removing some wall sections or demolishing them. You must always be cautious and prudent when it comes to knocking down any part of your wall or making new openings for windows and doors.

To prefer homes with large spaces where the walls or barriers have been removed is as understandable as aesthetically pleasing. But to jeopardise the structural strength of your home in the process is unacceptable. Unsupported structures could collapse. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the modifications you make to your home are safe.

Find out the best way to proceed with your open-floor home project.

Approvals Required Before You Renovate in Bushfire Prone Areas

3 October, 2018 by Martin Kolarik

Sydney, when viewed from above, is lined by spectacular harbour foreshore and bushland. These areas are considered Bushfire Prone Areas.

For safety reasons, authorities have a compliance plan for Councils, NSW fire authorities, builders and certifiers to follow.

If you are planning a home renovation, you will have to submit your plan to the authorities.

Therefore, you need to obtain approval to renovate in Bushfire Prone Areas.

Will My Home Renovation Require a Council or State Approval? – DA, CC and CDC

21 February, 2018 by Martin Kolarik

council or state approval for home renovation

Do you love the suburb you live in but find that your home is in need of a change? A renovation is an excellent way to update an older home, accommodate a growing family and incorporate your personal style into your home. However, while this is your property, some changes to it may require the local Council or State approval.

Thus, when developing your design options, you and your designer need to consider the local Council’s and State’s regulations for building, including bushfire safety and heritage conservation. The best and most experienced designer can then advise you on which approval system is most appropriate for your renovation project.

The Important Role of Shadows in Home Design

12 October, 2017 by Martin Kolarik

When building a house or adding an extension to your existing home, you may excitedly think about all sorts of things — the theme, the fixtures you want or simply the extra living quality. But people rarely think about the shadows in home design. These are shadows that their new home or home extension may cast within the property or beyond it.

For me (and you), shadows in home design play a critical role in every building and renovation project. Let me explain why and give you a few tips to keep your neighbours as friends.

Building Commissioner Reminds Home Owners to Check Registration First

11 February, 2015 by Martin Kolarik

home remodeling In an article for the Property Observer, Jennifer Duke writes that Perth homeowners willing to undertake renovations have been advised by building commissioners to look at work registrations of painters minutely. In absence of this Due Diligence they may be swindled of their hard earned money.

Unregistered painters advertise themselves by paying door-to-door visits and distributing fliers. Often they are able to win services this way but to the great consternation of homeowners end up doing characteristically sub-standard work that also shoots beyond the budget.

You can read the original article here.

What To Do If You Live In a 10/50 Vegetation Zone?

11 August, 2014 by Martin Kolarik

Thanks to continuous planning and implementation against Bushfire spreads, it should become a lot easier for habitats of NSW to tackle the fire. This is important for those living in Bushfire prone areas and living in the wake of the raging embers. Rural fire services, in their official website, have expedited the way to identify BAL (Bushfire attack level) and counseled on how to take care of vegetation.

Impact of Federal Budget 2014 on the Property Market

21 May, 2014 by Martin Kolarik

In an article for the website realestate.com.au, Paul Thornhill deciphers the effect of the Federal Budget on the property market. With $80 billion spending cut anticipated in the next decade, property investors may find their pockets sealed at the wrong places.

For the time being though, spending cuts won’t be too impacting; what with only 1.7% slated for financial year 2014-15. However, freezing of increase in family tax benefit may have an implication for sure. Another point worth talking about is the survival of the much debated negative gearing.

Many areas will directly benefit from the infrastructure asset recycling program; the West Connex in Sydney being just one among many.

You can read the original article here.

Did you expect negative gearing to stay?