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    Large Scale Renovations

Building Your Dream Home: Plans First or Builder First?

When embarking on a Second Storey Addition, Ground Floor Extension or Large Scale Renovation project, one of the critical decisions you’ll face is whether to start with architectural plans or consult a builder first. It’s a topic that often divides opinions, with some advocating for plans first and others for the builder-first approach. At 32 Degrees Building, we believe that choosing the builder-first approach can save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches down the road. In this blog, we’ll explore why it might be in your best interest to consult a builder before diving into architectural plans.

Plans First or Builder First

 

1. The Budget-Conscious Approach: One of the initial concerns when starting any construction project is budgeting. Will your dream design align with your financial resources? Architects are experts at creating beautiful designs, but they might not fully understand your budget constraints. By approaching a builder first, you can get an accurate quotation upfront, allowing you to make informed decisions about your project’s scope and financial feasibility.

2. Realistic Cost Assessment: Builders are well-versed in construction costs, market trends, and material expenses. When you consult a builder first, you tap into their expertise. They can provide valuable insights into cost-effective design choices and suggest alternatives that can save you money without sacrificing your vision.

3. Holistic Project Management: Opting for a builder-first approach means you’re not just receiving a quote. You’re partnering with professionals who can handle the preliminary aspects of your project, including architectural plans, engineering, and approval processes. This holistic approach saves you time, money, and the stress of coordinating various services independently.

4. Avoiding Costly Redesigns: Imagine spending a significant sum on independent architectural plans, only to discover that they don’t fit your budget or your vision needs adjustments. The cost of revisions or a complete redesign can be substantial. When you consult a builder first, they will work with you on your plans early on and provide valuable feedback, helping you avoid expensive changes later in the process.

5. Standard Preliminaries Simplified: At 32 Degrees Building, we offer a comprehensive preliminary service that covers all essential aspects of your project, such as architectural plans, surveys, BASIX compliance, environmental assessments, waste management planning, external colour scheduling, structural adequacy certificates, engineering plans, stormwater plans, Sydney Water Tap-In Approval, and assistance with the application process to Council or Certifier. Our bundled service not only streamlines the process but also offers cost savings compared to sourcing these services independently.

6. Cost Efficiency: Contrary to popular belief, obtaining preliminary services independently may not save you money. Our integrated package is designed to be more cost-effective while ensuring that all necessary aspects are handled efficiently.

Conclusion: In the pursuit of your dream home, the choice between plans first or builder first can significantly impact your project’s success. At 32 Degrees Building, we advocate for the builder-first approach, which provides you with a realistic cost assessment, holistic project management, and valuable insights to align your vision with your budget. Our comprehensive preliminary service simplifies the process and offers cost-efficiency.

To learn more about how our builder-first approach can benefit your second-storey addition, ground floor extension, or large-scale renovation, please contact us. We’re here to help you turn your dream home into a reality while keeping your project on track and within budget.




32 Degrees Building are participating in The Push-Up Challenge

32 Degrees Building are participating in The Push Up Challenge in June to support and improve Mental Health across Australia.

Our team will be completing 3,144 push-ups across each of our projects over 23 days, putting a spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021.

Not only are we supporting the health of our team and raising mental health awareness in the construction industry, we are contributing towards interventions and preventions for depression, anxiety and suicide. As a company we have set out to achieve a goal of raising $2,000. You can view our donation and team page here to keep track of the push-ups completed! https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/leanmeanpushingmachines

If you see the team trying to bust out their push-ups for the day, please shout out and support our team with words of encouragement!




NEW PRODUCT: Weathertex Weathergroove Fusion

Weathergroove Fusion is a brand new, exclusively designed architectural panel that is perfect for external and internal applications. It combines the grooves from popular Weathertex profiles to create a unique style that is trendy and stylish.

Available in two finishes, Natural and Smooth, this architectural panel retains every measure of durability and safety that Weathertex is known for. This makes it the perfect solution for those looking to add a second storey to their homes.

If you are looking for a stylish and trendy solution for the cladding of your second storey addition, then look no further than Weathergroove Fusion.

Talk to our team to see how you can incorporate this into your build.




New NCC Changes – effective from 1st May 2023

Changes are coming to the National Construction Code (NCC). Starting May 1, 2023, there will be a broad range of updates to the NCC that will impact the design and construction of Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations.

These changes are essential for ensuring that Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations are built to the highest standards of safety, livability, and efficiency.

So, what do you need to know about the NCC changes?

The changes are being implemented in two stages, with the first stage beginning on May 1, 2023. The second stage will begin on October 1, 2023, and will include further reforms relating to livable housing, energy efficiency, and condensation management.

Some of the key changes in stage one that affect Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations include updates to the following:

  • Internal and external waterproofing
  • Falls to floor wastes
  • Cladding and gutters and downpipes
  • Corrosion protection for steel framing
  • Sanitary plumbing and drainage
  • Timber framing, bracing and connections of balconies to external walls

NCC 2022 will apply to Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations where construction approval applications are submitted from May 1, 2023, though how this applies can vary from state to state.




Builders you can trust

 

At 32 Degrees Building, we take great pride in our ability to deliver exceptional building solutions to our clients. We specialise in Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extensions, and Large Scale Renovations, and we are here to stay.

Our well-run operations and capable management team are two key reasons we have become a trusted name in the industry. We understand the importance of clear communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. Our management team comprises experienced professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the industry. They are passionate about their work and are always looking for ways to improve our processes and deliver better results to our clients.

We are also proud to be a profitable and financially stable company. Our solid financial strength means that we have the resources and stability to continue operating through tough economic times, which means that our clients can trust us to complete their projects no matter what.

We are the experts in Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extensions, and Large Scale Renovations. We understand the unique challenges that these projects can present, and we have the skills and expertise to ensure that the end result is exactly what our clients envision. We are committed to delivering a stress-free and successful project from the initial consultation to the final handover.

At 32 Degrees Building, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. Our dedication to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service set us apart from our competitors. Whether you want to add a second storey to your home, extend your ground floor, or undertake a large-scale renovation project, we are the team you can trust.

If you’re looking for a reliable and trusted builder for your next Second Storey Addition, Ground Floor Extension, or Large Scale Renovation project, look no further than 32 Degrees Building. Our well-run operations, capable management team, and solid financial strength make us the perfect choice for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your building goals.




Should I Stay or Should I Go? Hot tips to help you survive your renovation

Tips for homeowners living through a renovation, extension or addition

Whether you stay or move, your large scale renovation, ground floor extension, or first floor addition can cause stress. Of course, stress is simply par for the course when building, and nearly everyone — regardless of whether they moved out or stayed put – experience some sort of challenge during the build. We’ve put together some tips to help you survive your renovation – whether you stay or go for the duration of the build;

If you decide to stay and live through the renovation, your number one priority is to preserve your sanity:

Before the renovation:

  • Declutter. It will be easier for you to live with the essentials before you start the renovation.
  • Stay far away from the work area to ensure you’re not in the builders’ and tradespeople’s way.
  • Tackle the dust debacle by placing all essentials in one room that you will not renovate, cover them, then seal off the area.
  • Take all your fragile items and store them far from the work area. If you are going to store them in boxes, don’t forget to label them as fragile.
  • Prepare a lot of drop sheets, tarpaulins and blankets. You are going to need a lot of them to cover important furniture pieces and other items.
  • Label every sealed storage box, so you know where to find the items you need. It is a hassle to move things around every time.
  • Ensure you have made all of your decisions and finalised all of your selections BEFORE your build starts. This will take away the stress of feeling rushed to make decisions and ensure clarity when heading into the build. The last thing your builder wants is to work out variations during the build following a last-minute change of mind. Believe it or not, most builders’ would prefer not to have any variations during your build!

During the renovation:

  • Be prepared; it is an emotional journey. Give the builder and their team breathing room to complete the build, communicate with them on their expected finish date and let them work towards it.
  • There will be times when you will feel like everything is slow and one task is taking so much time. When this happens, try to relax – it could be simply due to the number of different trades required to be coordinated for 1 area, or the team is ahead of schedule or waiting on a delivery.
  • If you have been provided with a timeline, generally, your builder should be on track or thereabouts. As long as they are still confident of achieving your end date, it’s not so important how each specific item progresses in between. If you are concerned, discuss the issue with your builder during a scheduled meeting.
  • For large scale extensions and first floor additions
  • Try to avoid unnecessary chats — the type that goes on for hours.
  • If you have zero background in construction, do not be tempted to work alongside the builders and tradespeople. Let them deliver what is agreed in the quote. Also, you do not want to mess up, then pay extra to have it fixed.
  • For better indoor air quality, turn off your air conditioning system.
  • Always wear your shoes and slippers.
  • Keep the kids and your pets away from the construction site at all times. If you have dogs, consider keeping them away for the duration of the build, as doors and gates can be left open, and the builder is not responsible for keeping an eye on them for you.
  • Yes, the portaloo stinks. They are cleaned fortnightly, but it doesn’t take away the youthful nostalgia of festival toilets!
  • Water ingress – it happens. Your builder will do everything in their power to prevent it; however, water can still work its way in during the initial construction stages of a large scale project. Don’t stress though, as your builder will make good the areas that are impacted – just communicate with your builder when this happens.

Based on experience, it is possible to stay in your home and live through a large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition, but expect changes in your daily routine, and sometimes you may be without water, electricity or internet. You also need to be extra careful to avoid accidents on site.

If staying in is becoming too difficult for you, there is no shame in moving out. Here are our tips:

Tips for homeowners temporarily moving out

  • Make sure that you have the funds for it, discuss with your builder the recommended duration so you can look at accommodation.
  • Look for a decent rental property close to the construction site, school, and workplace, so travelling back and forth won’t be an issue.
  • Conduct regular drivebys to see your home take shape and, if needed, schedule a meeting every few weeks with your builder to discuss progress.
  • Never enter the construction site without notifying the builders for security and safety reasons.
  • If you’re going to live with a friend or a relative, try not to make them feel like you’re conquering their space. Shop for your own food and use your own toiletries.

Deciding to live through a large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition, or moving out is a personal decision. It is up to you and your family to weigh up the pros and cons, depending on your situation. Assess the amount of work to be done, and the time the builders need to finish construction. Once you know the scope of the project and the specifics of the construction and design, you’ll figure out where you will stay while the work is being done.




How to Decide Whether to Move Out or Live Through a First Floor Addition, Ground Floor Extension or Renovation?

Whether you are building a First Floor Addition, Ground Floor Extension or Renovation, the one question that our clients always ask us is can they stay in the home and live through construction or should they consider temporarily moving out? This is a big decision to make — with a lot of factors to consider other than your budget when entering into significant construction works to your home.

We have outlined below some of the factors to take into account when looking to stay or move.

Factor # 1 – Scope of works

How much work is going to be done to your home? Are you doing a large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor additionAre you renovating the kitchen and bathroom? These are two areas of your home that you often cannot live without for more than a few days. Is there going to be demolition? Are you renovating a completely isolated part of the house (e.g. second floor)? Can you live under the addition while being built?

These are the questions to consider when deciding whether to remain living in your home or move out and allow the builders to work their magic.

Keep in mind that construction is disruptive in nature. It can cause inconveniences and interrupt your daily routine. It is also possible that you will interfere with the builders and slow things down.

Therefore, if you are:

  • Conducting a large scale renovation (50% of the house)
  • Doing ground floor renovations including areas like the kitchen
  • Doing a demolition
  • Removing toxic materials (e.g. asbestos and mould growth)
  • Removing and replacing the roof
  • Doing a total kitchen and bathroom overhaul

You should consider moving out to make way for the builders who will work on your home.

Factor # 2 – Budget

Can you stretch your budget to be able to afford temporary accommodation?

Budget is often a major concern for many renovators or addition and extension builders. The truth is that both moving out and staying in will incur additional expenses.

If you are planning to move out, you must prepare for the costs of short-term renting.

To save money, you could stay in an Airbnb, or a cheaper hotel/motel, go on a budget vacation, or you could ask a friend or a relative if you can stay and live with them temporarily.

If you choose to stay amidst a large-scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition be prepared to order takeaway and bottled drinking water. All these are going to add up to your expenses.

 

Factor # 3 – Basic cooking facilities and a working bathroom

If you choose to live through the large-scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition, you might need to set up a makeshift kitchen and a temporary dishwashing area. Cooking using your outdoor kitchen or BBQ is a great idea.

In general, a makeshift kitchen almost works for most builds, but it is going to be a huge adjustment for everyone with them. You should be prepared to be without a full working kitchen for a least 6 weeks.

Living through a large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition is also easier when you already have two bathrooms in the house, and one remains functional while the other is being renovated. Otherwise, you need to buy a portable toilet. If you are renovating both as part of your build, be prepared to pay more if you request for them to be renovated separately instead of at the same time as the builder will incur additional travel, labour, time and site costs.

Access to water is crucial too. If you’re staying, ask your builder about the times that they need to turn off the water supply so you can create a bathroom schedule and store clean water for cooking and doing chores.

 

Factor # 4 – Level of tolerance and patience

Can you deal with the noise coming from jackhammers, electric saws, welding machines, dump trucks, cement mixers, cement cutters, tamping machines, sledgehammers, and drills as early as 7AM and as late as 6PM? 

How about that fine gyprock dust that gets everywhere despite sealing up some parts of the house?

Can you deal with all the waste from the construction and scaffolding around your house?

Would you feel comfortable doing your daily routine with the builders and tradies walking around the house? Do you think they can do more when you’re not around?

There are the clients who can and the clients who can’t handle living through a construction zone! Which one are you? Based on experience, a lot of people commencing a large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition decide to move out in the middle of construction because they cannot bear the noise, dirt, and lack of privacy. Not having to live through the mess and chaos is a lifesaver, especially during these stressful times. You may also find you will be more excited with your new space when you move back in rather than living through the chaos to get to the end.

 

Factor # 5 – Length of the renovation

When the large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition takes over your home for weeks or months, moving out is the ideal option. The builders work faster with you out of the way, which results in quicker turnaround times and more money saved on labour costs.

 

Factor # 6 – Who are you living with?

 

Most couples with no children decide to live through the renovation process, but only when smaller-scale work needs to be done.

But, if you are doing major building works and you have small children, teenagers, pets, and are living with elderly members of your family, consider moving out. It would help if you got out of the way so the builders would be able to get more done quickly.

 

Factor # 7 – Which is more stressful? Moving out or staying in?

Whether you stay or move, your large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition can cause stress. Of course, stress is simply par for the course when building, and nearly everyone — regardless of whether they moved out or stayed put – experience some sort of challenge during the build.

Deciding to live through a large scale renovation, ground floor extension or first floor addition or to move out is a personal decision. It is up to you and your family to weigh up the pros and cons, depending on your situation. Assess the amount of work to be done and the time the builders need to finish construction. Once you know the scope of the project and the specifics of the construction and design, you’ll figure out where you will stay while the work is being done.

The most important thing is communication – confirm your selections and questions before your build commences and then allow your builder and their team breathing room to get stuck in and complete the project at hand.





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Get a $25,000 contribution towards your Addition, Extension or Renovation through the HomeBuilder Program

Eligible Australians will be able to obtain a $25,000 HomeBuilder grant towards their addition, extension or major renovation under the near – $700 million federal government housing package in a bid to boost the economy and act as a lifeline to the home construction industry (Homebuilder program).

The government announced the $688 million HomeBuilder program on Thursday 4 June 2020. In an attempt to boost new projects between now and the end of the year, the Government will give $25,000 grants to owner-occupiers for certain works on their homes.

These works include first floor/second storey additions, ground floor extensions and large scale renovations.

Renovation work does not include structures separate to the main property, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, granny flats and sheds.

The scheme will not apply to investment properties or owners who intend on building or renovating on their own without the help of licensed builders.

The plan will be restricted to people on middle incomes and to new homes and major renovations valued between $150,000 to $750,000.

The pre-renovation value of the house must not exceed $1.5 million and excludes sheds, pools, granny flats and any other structures not attached to the property.

The temporary scheme that will last until the end of the year, aiming to build 30,000 homes by Christmas.

Construction of a new home or a substantial renovation (including first floor additions, second storey additions and ground floor extensions) must be contracted to begin within three months to prevent a rise in house prices.

The grants will be means-tested, allowing singles who earned up to $125,000 the previous financial year and couples who earned up to $200,000 to access the scheme.

The scheme will work along existing state and territory first-home owner grants programs, stamp duty concessions and other grant schemes, including the federal government’s first-home loan deposit scheme and first-home super saver scheme.

The HomeBuilder Program and its associated grants came to an end in March 2021. 

If you’re planning a first-floor addition, ground floor extension or large scale renovation project you can start the planning process now. Or, reach out to our team below for more information.