Find out what factors can affect the timeline of a home extension or home renovation project, and what are the common considerations that need to be taken into account to save time overall.
Undertaking a large home renovation project can be challenging. One of the most difficult things to comprehend for newcomers, are the variables that can affect the project timeline, which can be as brief as 6 months or as long as 3 years. So, what factors can impact a home extension project timeline? Let's take a look.
1. Site and location-specific issues: If your site is affected by challenges such as a bushfire overlay, a particularly strict council, significant issues with infrastructure, or any other nuanced features, you may require more expert advice, additional applications or approvals, and an extended timeframe. You may need to consult with more departments of the council, or even external agencies, as part of the approval process.
2. Timing of financing: In some locations, banks require a fully signed contract with insurance payments to finalise your mortgage or construction loan, while in others, building permit or approval is necessary but may take some time to obtain. Waiting for these processes to finish may result in lengthy pauses and holding patterns, which may delay the project timeline. Streamlining and finding ways to overlap tasks can be helpful in such situations.
3. Holding patterns: Related to the above, finance is not the only time a project may be paused while waiting for someone to complete their work or for approval to be processed before moving on to the next stage. A development application, if required, is another area that may involve a ‘pause’ while you wait for the outcome. It may be possible to continue working on specific tasks while waiting, but it is essential to assess the risk and take expert advice.
4. Local regulations: There are location-specific requirements for some types of projects. In some areas, you may have to choose a builder before submitting the Building Approval or Building Permit because you need a builder's name on your submission. In other areas, specific professionals may have to file certain documents before everything is finalised. In some cases, you may be required to do all the submissions yourself, while in others, you may need to submit specific paperwork and payments related to the construction phase itself. Understanding the nuances of your local council before commencing is critical.
5. The design changes you seek: of course some home extensions will be simple, and some will take more effort. If you are changing the structural footing of the existing home for example there may be a lot of pre-work required before you start to see the new layout come to life. This is particularly the case when adding a second storey to your dream home, but even just removing walls and opening out space can require structural considerations that take time and require steps in order.
6. Number of contractors involved: When you are working with local trades you may find that you can get an architect, an engineer, builder, a plumber, etc separately, but you will still be left to bring all these trades and the home extension to life, and be subject to their individual timeline. Finding a builder you can trust, who can take care of your entire home extension right from design through to build and interior design is the goal.
Understanding your project pathway is an essential early step in any project, and identifying timelines is crucial to determining what's achievable and how it fits in with your overall life.
Need some inspiration? See how some Cubitt's clients are building a second storey extension, to create more space for their families. If your home isn't suitable to build UP, have a look at a dozen floorplans from clients building front, back and side extensions.
When you work with Cubitt’s, we have all our trades in house, we’ll step you through what's ahead, the timelines involved, and what's feasible in delivering your future home. We have the experience and knowledge, and a team of experts working on your behalf, taking into account the factors mentioned above to help save time and avoid delays.
Plus, you can bring your idea to life with a Cubitt’s design pack for less than half the cost of an architect.
Cubitt’s offer a completely free initial site visit where we come to your home and discuss your ideas and what's possible. Visit a showroom, fill the form below, or call 1300 721 150.
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