Our tips for successful renovation, extension or alteration projects
2023 has passed by quickly and we’re almost in September! Our office has been tackling a range of renovation and alteration projects across South East Queensland, and here are a few things that we’ve reflected upon as we continue to breathe new life into old homes.
Get the Concept right
As a studio we spend a lot of time in the initial Concept exploration stage of our projects. This is critically important - not only for exploring different looks, arrangements of space or aesthetics, but for the simple reason that chasing the wrong idea can have significant financial implications for your project. In other words, investing time in formulating a renovation or alteration strategy that meets the brief while minimising structural changes is absolutely key. Structural changes (opening walls, installing beams, cutting floors etc) have their place but should be done where there’s no alternative solution. Money spent on the building’s bones and retaining walls are “costs” to be spent instead of “value generating” elements, if that makes sense.
We recently delivered six-figure savings (and superior spatial quality to boot) for a client in Brisbane, just by re-thinking how their brief can be delivered while working with the existing home. It truly excites us to be able to make a lasting difference to the family in this way!
Make sure you make informed decisions
Most clients approach us with questions about what’s possible on their given site. You may be wondering whether to extend, build-under, demolish or build new, or a combination of these options. Again, a thorough Concept process can be extremely helpful in helping you to understand what is possible on site and what the financial implications may be. We love exploring options on our clients’ behalf, and by generating Procalc “Opinion of Cost” reports our clients have an informed understanding of potential costs. This means they have full confidence that the selected approach is right for them and their loved ones.
Celebrate the beautifully ordinary
We like to think we live and breathe renovations - after all, most of us lived in older homes, and we know what it’s like when push comes to shove and our hard-earned is on the line. In today’s world where Instagram, Houzz, ArchDaily and AI make images of beautiful and attention-grabbing spaces so accessible, it’s easy to forget that the ‘beautifully ordinary’ things often don’t end up online or don’t immediately catch your attention. But we firmly believe that moments of quietness and stillness are critical for the lasting enjoyment of a building - far more than elements that wow and grab your attention.
This extends to selections like finishes and fixtures too. As much as there are always new trends and fads, we believe that a strong concept often means the selections can be kept pared-back and simple. Let the building frame nature, and we won’t be missing those fancy taps or expensive finishes.
Be prepared, wide-eyed and open-minded
The most rewarding and successful projects often have a high level of client involvement, but also a sense of walking through a project together and being open to the design evolving in new directions as it begins to take shape. We always appreciate and encourage clients who are prepared and involved (it really helps us help you), but as we walk together throughout the project process there is a sense of shared discovery as we envision your project and bring it to life.
In other words, we’ll give our best within whatever framework or confines we’re given. If this is too tight, we’ll still give our all - but the outcome won’t be as interesting as it could be.
It all starts with a chat
Our clients entrust us with their projects because it’s never ‘just a project’ for us. We care for everything that we touch, because regardless of scope, building type or budget, we are here to look after people.
Relationship and people are at the heart of what we do, and that’s why every project begins with a free chat.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help, get in touch today.