The planning stage is the most important when building a home. With thorough planning, you can avoid costly mistakes, time wasting and stress. However, depending on the size and complexity of the build, it’s tricky to know whether to enlist an architect, a builder or Do It Yourself.
DIY your renovation
The basic rule of thumb is if your renovations are minor, under $50,000 and non-structural, with no need to move, we’d say you could DIY using the right tradespeople.
However, it’s common to think you will save money by doing it yourself, but you often end up spending more money without the trade discounts on materials or services and all the materials, tools and suppliers close at hand like a professional would. You might not realise the certain level of scheduling needed or council regulations and building codes, and the basic process of how it all comes together.
When to use a builder
A builder is in charge of the entire project construction and site. If the build is between $100,000 – $1m, we say use a builder. At Tide Constructions, we make sure the house plans pass safety codes and council regulations, surrounding safe construction, such as the placement of supporting beams being followed and engineered right. A renovation requires more than one trade, such as a project managers, bathroom or kitchen specialists and electricians. A well-designed house can also save money in the long term through energy efficiency and sustainability options. Having a builder on your team allows for you to make changes on the fly. When you’re doing it yourself, you’re likely to make mistakes and prolong the process. Tide Constructions can complete a whole home level with all rooms in 12 weeks (just 3 months!) and our work is safeguarded as we are certified members of Master Builders QLD. We lift and shift homes in Brisbane for a living!
When to use an architect
New builds or renovations that are highly complex with healthy budgets ($750,000 – $1m+) should involve an architect. Architects make sure the house plans pass safety codes and regulations, such as materials being fire-resistant or a design that is of particular “architecture style”. We work with many architects and they can come up with solutions to current living space problems and some pretty amazing designer houses. They look at aspects of sustainability, natural light and ventilation, space efficiency and storage solutions. Sometimes it’s the aesthetic appeal and overall trends that can determine the materials used. Other times it’s cost driven. Most architects have a very good understanding of how top quality, high end materials can work together, feed off each other and create successful landmark homes. At Tide Constructions, we love luxury new builds and are happy to work with your chosen architect.
Collaboration
No matter what, there are always changes on site… Someone opens up a wall and there’s something that no one knew about or on a new build somebody puts something up and it’s in the wrong place. Being able to adapt is really important, however at Tide Constructions we don’t like to make compromises on building, design or style. This is where Tide Construction’s skill can really come into play.
At the end of the day, the use an architect, builder or DIY is often down to the cost and scope of a build. If you are looking for advice, talk to our team today!
