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Simplify Building & Renovating
By
Home Renovation & Building Checklists
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The Home Builders & Renovators Survival Kit is the only known publication which exposes hidden pitfalls and major contractual risks that are rampant in the Australian residential building industry.
It is designed specifically to capture and make transparent the dealings between you and your builder and visa versa.
The Major Areas of Risk;
1) Council(s) & Other Statutory Authorities
Inquiries At Council: Once having an idea of what you would like built it is a good idea to approach your local Council and have a discussion on what you are proposing. Bear in mind that Council approvals are on two levels one is town planning the other health & building.
2) Design
It is a good idea to create your own personal “wish list”, what are some of the things you require; such as more living space, the functionality of your existing floor plan or is it you require a new make over.
Spend time to get a feel of what you would like you new home or renovation to look like. This information will act as a design brief for the architect. An ideas folder is a good idea where you can store your own photo’s, picture cut outs, colour schemes, floor layouts, information on external finishes and information on internal finishes.
3) Budgeting & Finance
Establishing a budget for finance is basically contingent on two things the amount you are able to deposit and hence borrow and your ability to service the loan. Bear in mind that there will amounts of money required to cash flow some of the services and/or activities that the loan may not cover such as Council and design consultant fees.
Setting a trade budget for construction is a good idea for planning purposes, that is, cost estimates for the various trade activities that include considerations of variations and other contingencies. It is also a good idea to consider the separate costs of moving in such as new furniture, appliances etc.
4) Preparing Tender Documents
The preparation of the tender documents is quintessential and should include all design drawings & specifications. The package should also include details inclusions such as the proposed finishes of fixtures & fittings.
5) Evaluating Quotes
The format to price should be in an easy to follow format for the builder to follow and also for you to be able to compare prices “apples for apples”. Try to have enough sufficient information to minimise the risk of variations It is also a idea to nominate the type of contract you plan to use.
6) Tender Evaluation
Whereas most tenders are price driven it is also a good idea to include other criterion, which can include relevant experience, personnel, program, references, relevant experience and workmanship. In its totality one should strive to nominate a builder that will deliver the best service for the price.
7) Managing Your Building Contract
It is a good idea to agree upon a communication schedule & format within the contract whether it be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Likewise, it is a good idea to agree on who has the authority to communicate with the builder during site works and how to deal with changes in scope of works from a contractual perspective.
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