Bunch of questions related to moving home and renovation

Rilakkujay on 06/01/2022 - 20:39

We will be moving to a bigger house later this month, and already I have lost more than a few hairs trying to figure out a few things, luckily I have not forgotten about this place on the internet that is always floating with ideas and information, so yeah, I welcome any ideas and thoughts with both arms open!

1 - What is the best sequence for renovation if we are living in it
The new place is about 10 yrs old, totally livable but still wouldn't mind putting in some extra work to renew a few things and adding some personality to it. Ideally we want to change the layout a bit, new kitchen, bathrooms, floor, paint etc… with the timber shortage, and COVID situation, I wonder if we will be better off waiting for another year when things become less crazy, but between now and then, we maybe able to change the flooring for the bedrooms one at a time and one bathroom at a time? and then a big reno for the kitchen and change of layout later?

2 - Do I need council approval?
Property is located within the Hills Shire Council - Sydney, correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding is, generally speaking renovation within the property do not require council approval, however we are thinking of potentially changing the size of the windows, widening the sliding door to the backyard and removing the laundry door. My gut feeling is we may need to hire a structure engineer for a report and then get a certifier to certify the change?

3 - Recommendations
In the spirit of OZB, any recommendation for good interior designer, structural engineer, builder is welcome!

Thank you :)

Home & Garden

Comments

  • morse on 06/01/2022 - 20:49
    +1

    I wonder if we will be better off waiting for another year when things become less crazy

    Yep, it’s only 10 years old. Enjoy it as is for a while, renovate later when you and the market is ready. That is of course for anything you’re not planning to do yourself.

    • Rilakkujay on 06/01/2022 - 22:28

      Thanks for your advice :)

  • geek001 on 06/01/2022 - 20:52

    Definitely do your reno before you move in, unless you want your house to constantly look like a construction zone, like my house.

    • Rilakkujay on 06/01/2022 - 22:27

      I am sure I will regret it if I move in first, but with the current situation, reno are likely to blow out of schedule and that may create more problems, I guess I may have to bite the bullet this time.

  • 87percent on 06/01/2022 - 20:52

    I think live in it first, and then make the changes. When you live in a house, you pick up on the things that annoy you (like “oh damn, I wish there was a power point here”, or, “the kids room needs better storage”)

    • Rilakkujay on 06/01/2022 - 22:15

      Yeah, this is so true, not only that, I am finding it hard to even plan for a reno without actually living in it and figuring out what is a more practical design, unless an interior designer can figure it out first, but yeah that is another option and will cost extra…

  • Benoffie on 06/01/2022 - 20:53
    +1

    I wonder, if you feel like so many changes are needed in a 10 year old house, is it worth staying there?

    First thing I would be thinking about is over capitalisation. Thinking that everything you pour in needs to be able to either give you the equivalent back in capital gains or at least, in enjoyment over time (and so any loss isn't a problem).

    Personally, I would update the little things - carpet, paint etc if you feel they need a refresh. Everything else, I'd sit on it for at least another 5-10 years (if you're going to stay). At the 15-20 year mark, stuff is suitably outdated and the markets have moved enough that you can determine if, at that point, any renovations are worth it.

    Any internal changes - don't really need council for unless bedrooms are coming or going, windows added or subtracted etc. Once you're at that point, call your Council and have a chat with the development team.

    • Rilakkujay on 06/01/2022 - 22:20

      I agree with you. But my wife definitely wanted a new kitchen, and a new kitchen will involve remodeling of 1/4 of the house including resizing window and relocating laundry, and then it put us in a situation that we may as well go all in.

  • bmxr on 06/01/2022 - 20:56

    1) finish with painting and the floors, particularly if you are going to do anything yourself. Your builder will have much more detailed advice on staging the renovation while living in the dwelling.
    2) yes changing the size of windows may require a DA (and supporting documents i.e. SEE and/or Engineer's report), particularly if the windows/doors interface an adjoining dwelling. Book an appointment with th Duty Planner at Council and they can provide you with free, preliminary advice.
    3) look around the neighbourhood, or where you currently are for any renovations/alterations+additions/new builds that you like. Contact that builder or designer. They will have engineers that they work with and will recommend. You can find the DA plans and builders/designers/engineers contacts on the Council DA portal. Get at least 3 quotes and always check references.

    • Rilakkujay on 06/01/2022 - 22:21

      Great tips!! thanks heaps!

  • netjock on 06/01/2022 - 21:03

    we want to change the layout a bit

    Might get pricey if you try to knock out load bearing walls. Otherwise the rest of the stuff do ask you please.

    • Rilakkujay on 06/01/2022 - 22:22

      Yeah true… hopefully won't have to deal with a load bearing wall!

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