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Reno, reno, hello hello!

Post-lockdown – the first one – we touched on the ‘whys’ of taking on a renovation at your place. Here we’re looking at reeling those ideas in before you go jumping around and heading online looking for tiles.

So, before you get excited, sort your renovation must-haves. Define your ‘Wishlist’ and make friends with your budget.

We know that renovation prospects are definitely something to get excited about – yippee new stuff, more space! But, before you go frantically ringing tradies, sit down with pen and paper and nut out the specifics. This includes . . .

  • Your ABSOLUTE must-haves i.e. The areas of your renovation you definitely want to achieve i.e. new ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, dining onto new deck, kitchen/lounge/dining expansion.
  • Plan for the future i.e. Even if you are not planning to carry out all your renovations in one hit, it’s important you factor in any future build plans you’ve got in the pipeline. Why? So, you can avoid overspending, doubling up i.e. busting down walls that only went up a year ago now that you’ve saved enough to do the kitchen.
  • Budget speak, the more honesty you throw at it and the harder line you take from the start, is a greater safeguard the deeper into your build you go.
  • So, keep home truths at the fore i.e. older homes do typically cost more to renovate, it costs more to build up from the ground, a kitchen and bathroom will typically cost you more than moving walls around to create an additional bedroom.

 Budget tip – We often suggest adding an additional 10% onto your margins – it’s better to budget up and save later, rather than budget on the downlow and find yourself caught short halfway through your build.Renos are something to have a song and dance about – but make sure you boogie with the right ideas and the best people guiding you.

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People Power – Don’t settle for just LIKING the people behind your project!

They say home is where the heart is and when it comes to designing your space, we’re hearting the people behind the project – they bring the love. Just as a picture can speak a thousand words and a fragrance can take us all the way back down memory lane, a building too will continue to pay homage to those who journeyed through its construction.

So, what’s more important than flashy pictures, beaming references and a resounding portfolio of works, when picking your designer? The designer himself – and the rapport you strike up with him.

“Architecture is such a personal thing and you need to be completely comfortable and confident in the company of your designer to articulate your true wants and needs,” says Dylan Batenburg, director of Coalesce Architecture.

“As architectural designers it’s our job to ensure we ask all the right questions and provide the right guidance to turn dreams into a finished project – and you want your clients to feel completely at ease discussing all the ins and outs of the design process,” he explains. “From a client’s perspective, you know when you’re feeling a connection with someone – and you know when you’re just nodding for the sake of nodding. My advice to anyone is don’t settle. Choose an architect you can drum up a meaningful connection with.”

Aside from feel-good vibes and positivity, there are a few forward thinking actions a ‘good sort’ architect might put into play when meeting new clients for the first time too. So, keep a watch out for these and you know you’re onto a winner . . .

  • He’ll bring a measuring tape to site on the day he meets you.
  • He’ll discuss the WHOLE process of how EVERYTHING works – not just design and aspects and features. He’ll discuss consents, working with builders, give honest feedback about budget, realistic timeframes.
  • He’ll ask the questions that matter to you and your needs – i.e. How is the house not working for you now? Why are you doing this – how do live now and how do you want to live?
  • He’ll leave you with things to think about and feeling inspired – not tell you “I’ll get back to you next week.”
  • He’ll get to know you – not just your site plan – in a good way, not creepy way. He’ll ask about your family, your work, your kids, your hobbies – these all intrinsically link to your project’s speak.

In a world that’s dominated by screens and tap tapping, getting in front of people and truly connecting with someone, is surely still the most real avenue to achieving our hopes and dreams. We’re in it for people – not portfolios, let’s coalesce.