The Importance of a Scope of Works

Introduction Making the decision to renovate or build your dream home can be quite daunting, especially if this is your first time undertaking such a project. Engaging an architect to create your vision will take the stress out of all design and construction stages as they work alongside you. Their experience will provide you with design insight, creating unique efficient and effective spaces and at completion of your journey, your well matched architect will achieve a positive experience. Starting to plan Knowing where to start can be quite overwhelming. There is no right answer to this question, but a good place to start is to create a wish list outlining your ‘wants’ and ‘needs’. Begin this list with the question to renovate or knockdown and rebuild. If renovating is the path chosen, which areas of your home need attention, and how can changes to this home be made, to fulfil your new needs? If knockdown is the only alternative, base your brief around your family needs and future requirements. Things to keep in mind include the budget, over capitalisation and residential trends in your area for resale value. Once you have answered the above questions, ensure to seek professional advice on what’s the next step to take. Professional advice Getting professional advice can potentially save you money. There are several aspects to building and renovating which many people don’t take into consideration. Industry professionals have a true insight and a deep understanding of the full requirements to complete any build. Engaging professional advice throughout this journey has several benefits to achieve a successful design and build outcome. Using an architect Deciding to use an architect to design your home could be crucial to achieving your desired expectations. Architects can offer an extensive portfolio of design expertise, due to the rigorous requirements to become accredited in their field. In addition to this and compounding years of experience this allows a better in-depth understanding of federal and local council legislations as well a greater creative flair into design spaces and utilisation of your site’s natural assets. Budget Budgets are essential, regardless of how certain you are of your assumed building costs. Unforeseen costs are likely to arise if poorly managed and insufficiently documented. Engaging relevant industry professionals will drastically reduce areas which you did not consider, that may create budget blow outs. A contingency budget is always recommended for unforeseeable latent conditions that could not be determined at any stage of your journey. Furthermore, the cost of good documentation and advice, needs to be incorporated into your budget to avoid unwanted issues onsite. Picking the right builder This is one of the most important decisions to make during your building process. With hundreds of builders to choose from, the question is how do I choose the right builder for me? Engaging an industry professional to manage a well-documented tender process will streamline the journey to present the right builder for you, ensuring they have the correct licences, insurances and experience in place to deliver your home. What other professionals should be considered Now you have the spaces designed and are ready to be built, engaging an interior designer/decorator with help maximise your day to day living needs and interaction with the spaces. Flow of colour, style and materials enhances the architectural elements and continuity of your vision to create the wish list you originally set out with on your journey.