What to Look for in a Builder for Apartment Renovations

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  John Kimble on 05/02/2022 - 11:16

  +4

  If it's strata have you already got OC approval if you need it? You usually have to submit all plans and documents at an EGM etc, it's a pain in the butt and can take a long time, so factor that in.

  Yes, a builder should look after all those things/tradies and you deal with the builder only.

  Make sure you check their licenses/insurances and past work/reviews.

  • 

    wittyusername on 06/02/2022 - 08:16

    Thanks, it's all internal stuff and apparently as long as we keep the works between business hours, no huge restrictions.

    Great, didn't think about the licensing and insurance, so that's very helpful, thank you!

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  saltypete on 05/02/2022 - 11:31

  +1

  Yes, builder will subcontract trades. You should get certificates for all of the work done. Keep them in a safe place for insurance purposes.
  However you find a builder, get references and actually talk to a few of them. Ask questions about delays, dust/noise/neighbour management, quality of work and how defects were fixed (there will be defects).
  Try not to move drainage unless you are fixing an existing drain problem. Very expensive and time consuming.
  Don’t go the cheapest/earliest, there is always a reason.
  Look at past tiling work. I mean go to the work and look, not just pictures. A good tiler makes a big difference and so does a bad one.
  Finally, consider managing the work yourself and even doing some yourself- demolition, flooring, even kitchen install. You can save costs, but more importantly get skills and experience to help you when you eventually buy another home.
  Good luck 👍

  • 

    wittyusername on 06/02/2022 - 08:18

    We want to move the sink a little bit, but it's only by 100 or 200 mm, so hopefully won't affect drainage. We're on the 3rd floor, so definitely looking to avoid anything to major! Wanting new tiles, so good idea to go check out the tile work! Thank-you!

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  Gunther on 05/02/2022 - 18:18

  +1

  1 Get a written quote/s from a builder/tradies .
  2 Get body corporate approval.
  3 Sign contract with builder/tradies.

  Do it in that order!

  I highly recommend https://hipages.com.au/ for sourcing quotes. I got 7 quotes from a builder for a major apartment renovation priced between $75k to $250k - it pays to shop around and don't pick the cheapest one either. Definitely worth using a builder for your first time as it is one stop shop including all trades, project management, scheduling and insurance. Good luck!

  • 

    wittyusername on 06/02/2022 - 08:20

    Awesome, thanks. I've got the name of a few people from there, so I'll give them a bell! One bloke has come out and told us how he can do everything cheaper than the others, which I'm a bit worried about as they must get the savings from somewhere…

• 

  King Tightarse on 05/02/2022 - 21:34

  +2

  One word; Asbestos.
  Learn what it is and where it is and keep your family safe. It is extremely common in pre 1995 houses and apartments. For example, did you know many lino's and their glues had very high asbestos content? Most wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries are made with asbestos panels, most 'popcorn' ceilings, plumbing can be wrapped in it.
  It is horrible stuff. Take care!

  • 

    wittyusername on 06/02/2022 - 08:21

    +1

    Sweet as, I've done a bit of work with asbestos previously, so I'll definitely keep an eye out. I didn't know that plumbing used it though. Thank-you.