Our 1920's Californian bungalow in Melbourne, Australia, is being practically gutted, and an extension will be added at the rear. We're not doing this ourselves, but hired an architect for the design, and we have a building crew doing the actual work. If this sounds like the kind of renovation you'll be undertaking, then you need to read this blog before you start.
If you are getting the work done for you, there are essentially two types of renovation, those where you live in the house, and those where you live somewhere else. Each has its pros and cons.
Living onsite
1) You save money because you don't need to pay rent on another place (unless you are lucky enough to have family members or friends closeby who don't mind you staying with them).
2) If you are at home during work hours, then the builders and tradesmen can keep you informed, and clarify items of work with you. This means it's more likely you'll get what you want because you can easily be consulted. If you're not around, they will just make their own decisions about which way to proceed. For example, I was on holiday when our ensuite tiles were laid. Big mistake, but now it's too late and the setout can't be changed.
3) The tradesmen are less likely to slack off with you around.
4) You don't have to travel for a site visit.
Living offsite
1) You don't have to put up with the inconvenience of the renovation. ie. the dust, noise, and other inconveniences such as days without running water, access to toilets etc.
2) It is easier for the builders because they don't have to work around you (for example,they don't have to worry about getting your new kitchen functional before they demolish the old one).
3) If you don't visit the site often, you can easily see the progress being made.
With that said, my wife and I are living onsite, so our tips for surviving a renovation will be from that perspective.
No comments:
Post a Comment