Best Builders in Sutherland Shire for Renovations That Fit Your Home
Renovations often come from a realisation that your home isn’t working for you – perhaps your kitchen is too small, you need to make better use of your outdoor area, or your bathroom needs to cope with a growing family!
It’s more than just selecting new finishes, though – successful renovations are about thinking carefully about design, staying within budget and engaging a builder that understands the intricacies of renovating in our part of Sydney.
Older brick veneer homes, tight or sloping sites, coastal weather conditions and evolving family needs can all impact the success of a renovation. With this in mind, engaging an experienced local renovation builder can help guide your renovation journey, so you end up with improvements to your lifestyle, rather than an expensive mistake.
Define What Your Home Actually Needs
Before you start collecting inspiration images and browsing bathroom tiles, it’s a good idea to take a step back and consider what isn’t working for your family. Rather than simply ticking ‘extra space’ on your list of wants, try to think about specific examples of ways in which your home doesn’t work well for you. For example:
· Where do family members enter the home from – do you need somewhere to drop bags, gear, etc.?
· Do you use your kitchen for day-to-day meals, entertaining or both?
· Are there areas of your home that are too dark, too noisy or don’t ventilate well?
· Do you make use of your outdoor areas – if so, are they well connected to the indoors?
· Will you need extra bedrooms, a study or office, or an accessible bathroom in the future?
Sometimes, reconfiguring internal walls, improving storage solutions and taking advantage of natural light can dramatically improve the way your home flows and feels bigger – no extension required!
Check the Builder’s Process and Documentation
While it’s great to look at the end results showcased in a renovation builder’s portfolio, it’s also a good idea to get a sense of their behind-the-scenes approach to renovations (Dura Group Building and Renovations coordinates planning and construction across that process). How do they manage site prep, structural alterations, waterproofing, stormwater solutions, and so on? Are they good at keeping clients in the loop about changes and coordinating site access for different trades?
In some cases, a renovation can uncover problems within a home, such as unexpected structural issues, electrical or drainage problems, and more. It’s a good idea to choose a renovation builder that is upfront and transparent about additional work that falls outside of the original scope of works – after all, you may find that the lowest quote isn’t necessarily your best option!
Design for Sutherland Shire Conditions
When planning a renovation in Sutherland Shire, it’s important to consider how your home responds to its surroundings – and vice versa. For example, some blocks in our area struggle with excess water run-off after heavy rain, and some are impacted by bushfire, heritage or other planning considerations. Depending on your location, the weathering effects of coastal weather discussed in ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/chapter/chapter-11 may also be a factor when choosing finishes, hardware and external materials for your renovation.
Compare the Scope and Protect Usable Space
It’s also worth getting a sense of how different renovation builders approach site logistics, including how they will protect your home, manage demolition and make-up, and dispose of site waste. Other considerations include how the renovation builder will manage council or other approvals, site inspections and subcontractors; their process for managing and agreeing variations to the scope of works; and the lead-in time for any special or made-to-measure products.
Choose a Builder You Can Work With
Renovating your home is an exciting process – so make sure you find a renovation builder that you feel comfortable working with! It’s likely you’ll speak to several potential renovation builders before making your decision. Pay attention to how they listen to and understand your needs and goals; how thoroughly they inspect your home and site; and whether they’re willing to discuss different options and solutions to suit your renovation goals (instead of simply trying to upsell you!).
Depending on the size of your renovation and how it’s been programmed, it’s also worth discussing whether it will be possible for you to remain in your home during the renovation process. In some cases it can be handy to make alternative living arrangements during disruptive renovation works (particularly for kitchen and bathroom renovations). Your renovation builder should be able to advise you on how their approach to sequencing and programming renovation works may impact your daily routines, and where dust, noise, site access and delivery may need extra consideration.
Confirm the Details Before Work Begins
Before you start on site, make sure you’re happy with the design for your renovation and that you have a solid idea of what you’re hoping to achieve. Pay particular attention to making sure that circulation areas, built-in storage and furniture clearances have been thoroughly thought through before walls start getting opened up! And remember to keep a detailed record of all selections, changes and additions along the way.
