How Much Do Architects Cost?

Lunarboogie on 03/03/2024 - 14:53
Last edited 03/03/2024 - 15:37 by 1 other user

Hi all

My house is a small 3 beddie, mid 1950s ex-guvie in the inner north of Canberra. It's an old and cold dump but the land is valuable (being only 3km from the CBD) and so I am proud of my patch of paradise and have no plans to move.

I've got no confidence my son will be able to purchase a house in this part of town when he's an adult due to the way housing is managed in this country. So I'd like to overhaul the joint and create a separate wing where the Mrs and I can retire in place and let him take over the rest when he reaches that point in life (in 20 years or so time).

But to do any of this I need an architect yet I have no idea how this much one costs. A ball park figure would be great if any one has any experience. I don't plan to get straight to work but renovate piecemeal over the next 10 years based on the design and subject to cash flow.

I've also heard a draftsman can do a similar job for cheaper but I'm not sure what the difference is between the two in terms of quality. I'm hoping for sage advice from my OzB hommies.

Thanks.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Amaris on 03/03/2024 - 15:04
    +5

    An architect could cost anywhere from a $10,000 to 20% of the cost of works. All depends on the person and the work you want them to do.

    • HeWhoKnows on 04/03/2024 - 09:50
      +2

      Correct!
      Its like asking how long is a piece of string?

      Depends who you use, and how much work OP gets them to do?

      Why not just do a hand drawn plan, take some photos and ask an architect to give an estimate?

      Dont know why OP is worried about architects costs.
      They are minor compared with what comes after that

      • serpserpserp on 04/03/2024 - 19:40
        +6

        Dont know why OP is worried about architects costs.

        Maybe this?

        could cost anywhere from a $10,000

        10k for some CAD files is a bit of money for essentially getting nothing tangible in return.

        10k could be a full bathroom or kitchen reno for some.

        • johnno07 on 05/03/2024 - 09:55
          +2

          Can't speak for the ACT, but you certainly can't do a full kitchen/bathroom reno for 10k in QLD.

          • nikey2k27 on 05/03/2024 - 16:15
            +1

            @johnno07: you got to know right people i just $22,000 for bathroom and $12,000 for new bathroom used 12,000 guy last time he 7,000 2 year ago he

            • johnno07 on 05/03/2024 - 16:17

              @nikey2k27: ????

            • johnno07 on 05/03/2024 - 22:24

              @nikey2k27: I'm still trying to decipher this. Where I am from, $22,000 is probably about as cheap as you'll get a bathroom if its pretty standard finish and you aren't really moving anything. Some money to be saved if you do a bunch of yourself - unless you value your time.

              $7000 will get you a bunch of PVC pipes and a couple of blokes to put them where they are supposed to be (hopefully).

            • fefris on 06/03/2024 - 07:37

              @nikey2k27: Chat GPT having one its turns?

          • serpserpserp on 06/03/2024 - 10:53

            @johnno07: No you can't do a full remodelling. But you can reno either for 10k

            • johnno07 on 08/03/2024 - 00:41

              @serpserpserp: You said "full reno" - which I equate to a "full remodel" - given remodel is synonymous with renovate (just more common in North America). You could potentially retile with cheap large format tiles and change out your tapware/basin etc with Bunnings-grade stuff for 10K. It wouldn't be a great reno. You really don't get a lot for your money these days.

        • HeWhoKnows on 06/03/2024 - 08:06

          Irrelevent comment/comparison as one doesnt emply an architect to do a bathroom reno

          In OPs case….
          "So I'd like to overhaul the joint AND create a separate wing"

          So employing an archictect needs to be done unfortunately

          All OP can do is draw up some simple plans or use some free floor plan or design programs and send them to some architects for a ball park estimate

          See here:
          https://www.guru99.com/best-free-cad-software.html

        • johnfuller on 06/03/2024 - 15:10

          same can be said for bitcoin?

    • johnfuller on 06/03/2024 - 14:30
      +2

      architect is about 3-5k but best find one that submits to council so any amendments are included in that cost because there will be alot, no way architect is 20% of cost of works, not even a project manager takes that much lol

  • Dollar General on 03/03/2024 - 15:05
    +18

    It’s like asking how much a prostitute charges. All depends what kind of service you want and how much experience they have

    • CurlCurl on 03/03/2024 - 15:32
      -7

      It’s like asking how much a prostitute charges. All depends what kind of service you want and how much experience they have

      A friend once told me PORN STAR action is more expensive.

    • bargaino on 03/03/2024 - 17:19
      +6

      Except with an architect, price increases with experience.

      3 beddie, mid 1950s ex-guvie

      Sounds like my place. You don't need an architect to do a demolition.

      • Lunarboogie on 03/03/2024 - 19:46
        +2

        I considered a knock down but I like the heritage of the ex-guvvie frontage over the cookie cutter designs of the major builders (none have tickled my fancy). The alternative would be to get a bespoke architectural design and build that immediately but I can't afford at present.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 04/03/2024 - 22:36

          you could always maintain the heritage frontage, build a new house past that. My cousin did this with a heritage home in Coburg

    • zorodluffy on 05/03/2024 - 14:53
      -1

      thats not a comprable example, sex work is regulated here in aus, and therefore they cant charge you more then the set rate, they cant charge less eithier, its all regulated.

  • sumyungguy on 03/03/2024 - 15:09
    +53

    They typically charge a percentage of your total project cost depending on what services you engage, perhaps up to 15% if they project manage your construction. I spent 10% by doing my own PM, with a fee-for-service payable if I needed their help with approving progress payments. Architects are top-shelf with a broader skill set than designers and draftsmen. But a key benefit is access to their network of builders and subcontractors. All the best tradies get so much work from architects they don't need to shop around for other jobs. Familiarity with an architect's specifications and expectations makes for a profitable relationship. For your 10-year timespan you should be able to negotiate a fee for a concept/design that meets your needs at this early point.

    • lachhelix on 03/03/2024 - 16:05
      +1

      No clue why you were negged - have a +1 - provided good detail

      • sumyungguy on 03/03/2024 - 16:27
        +9

        Much appreciated! I thought I was being reasonably factual but may have offended buliding designers and draftspeople.

        • CurlCurl on 03/03/2024 - 16:41
          -1

          Maybe you have a stalker. I know I do.

          • freefall101 on 03/03/2024 - 18:44
            +21

            @CurlCurl: That’s crazy talk. BTW you left your bathroom window open.

        • kiitos on 04/03/2024 - 08:28

          Where does a building designer fit in with respect to architects and draftsmen?

          • sumyungguy on 04/03/2024 - 09:30
            +2

            @kiitos: I rate this a good summary https://hipages.com.au/find/building_designers. I look at all the development applications in my area and clients have predominantly engaged building designers, probably because they're cheaper than architects.

          • serpserpserp on 04/03/2024 - 19:43
            -4

            @kiitos: A building designer is like going to UTS for a degree. A draftsmen, UNSW. An architect? University of Sydney.

    • Lunarboogie on 03/03/2024 - 19:46

      Thanks for this.

  • MrThing on 03/03/2024 - 16:32
    +4

    Lots

    Mine cost 65k for everything up to and including construction drawings

    It excluded all consultant fees (engineering, arborist, SEE, landscape, stormwater) which added to about another 20k

    • Lunarboogie on 03/03/2024 - 19:49
      +1

      Thanks. How much was the cost of the build? Trying to get a sense of what proportion of the total costs went to the architect.

      • MrThing on 03/03/2024 - 20:55
        +1

        1.2

        • elgrande on 03/03/2024 - 22:27

          Did this exclude landscaping? Just trying to figure out how it could have been so cheap.

          • MrThing on 04/03/2024 - 08:31

            @elgrande: Exclude

            Landscaping is monkeys work when you have a plan, why pay someone to do it

          • serpserpserp on 04/03/2024 - 19:44
            +1

            @elgrande: Cheap? I would have thought spending 1.2mln is high end.

            • elgrande on 05/03/2024 - 00:06
              +2

              @serpserpserp: I was being sarcastic, but probably should have used the /s.

  • AustriaBargain on 03/03/2024 - 19:46
    +1

    That's nice of you to do this for your son. If your wing was adequately soundproofed then you could both worry less about sexy time and movie night sounds leaking through, not to mention arguments with whatever partner he may have by then. You'd want a good architect, someone who knows how the actual space will react to heat and cold from outside. And be comfortable enough for you to live in if you really will be living in that wing for the rest of your life. You'll want space enough to host guests, comfortably large enough shower and probably a tub by that age, and I bet you'll be watching more TV/VR in 20 years time than you are now.

    • Lunarboogie on 03/03/2024 - 19:54
      +8

      Yeah, I'll definitely need to make sure all that is thought through. I won't be moving to the back though for just any squeeze. He'd have to put a ring on it before I become the background to his foreground. I also think multi generation living is the way of the future for many families given the way intergenerational inequity is heading. I feel privileged that I was able to buy a house through hard work at a time when it was still achievable.

      • Antikythera on 04/03/2024 - 16:55
        +3

        if it is a long term plan consider disabled bathrooms showers etc. you can leave off the hand rails etc in the short term but design with adding them in future. flat whole room shower floor for example.

        mum had a two story home and was getting older and thought about adding a lift as most of her living was done upstairs.
        for the price of a lift (40k-50k) we instead added a second kitchen, disabled bathroom and shower, and an extra living area all at ground level.
        the cost of the entire addon was helped by the fact we have a carpenter and cabinet maker in the family.

        the disabled bathroom and shower allowed her to stay in her home much longer than would have otherwise been feasible.
        eventually the extra rooms also added much more resale value than a 20 year old lift would have.

        • lew380 on 04/03/2024 - 18:55
          +1

          This seems to be key, everyone in the 70+ yr bracket needs to take this into consideration. It seems to take every grandparent by surprise when that time comes. With the birthrate what it is, most Australians are childless(collapsing economy relying on low quality immigration) and will have to nurse themselves to the end.

    • serpserpserp on 04/03/2024 - 19:45

      I bet you'll be watching more TV/VR in 20 years time than you are now.

      We'll all be meat sacks jacked into the Matrix by then.

  • Stewardo on 03/03/2024 - 20:23

    Do you own the freehold on the land?

    • Lunarboogie on 03/03/2024 - 20:42

      I do (well all freehold land in the ACT is via a 99 year lease but I don't see the government taking land off people).

      • Stewardo on 03/03/2024 - 21:02
        +1

        How many years do you have left on your lease?
        I’d buy a new house and land package just over the border in NSW and rent it out for 20 yrs, the construction component would be tax deductible while it’s leased.
        In 20yrs your son would have a house nearby that’s more or less paid off.
        Getting an architect involved to reno an old commission house will be throwing good money after bad.

        • Lunarboogie on 03/03/2024 - 21:39
          +3

          93 years left so it will outlast my son. I thought about buying something cheaper further out but if he's anything like me, he'll want to live in the inner city. I love the established trees and bigger blocks and proximity to work/shops. It's also a very progressive area - the local booths are among the highest Greens voting in the country - which chimes with my values.

          • serpserpserp on 04/03/2024 - 19:47
            +2

            @Lunarboogie:

            the local booths are among the highest Greens voting in the country - which chimes with my values.

            Might get a lot of nimbys against your plan then.

            • Lunarboogie on 05/03/2024 - 21:42

              @serpserpserp: Not really. The whole suburb is being turned over with knock down rebuilds and renos. Much like all inner city areas, demand is through the roof. Which is why I can't understand why some folk are suggesting that I give all this up and move to the fringes. Yeah, nah.

      • whyisave on 04/03/2024 - 19:37

        but I don't see the government taking land off people

        Maybe in NSW first, before ACT.

      • nobro25 on 04/03/2024 - 22:27

        That's correct… Technically all land is actually owned by the crown. People just trade land by crown ownership with 99 yr lease.

  • George Washington on 03/03/2024 - 21:24

    Quizz the architect on box gutters

    • MrThing on 04/03/2024 - 08:34
      +1

      Just don't use them

      After watching old mate "site inspections" on youtube, as I go about my day I look at houses with them - and all of them, at the very least the rain heads and wrong

  • Hardlyworkin on 03/03/2024 - 21:59
    +3

    What if your son decides down the track he actually wants to live in a vibrant town/city?

    • CheapandUsed on 04/03/2024 - 08:20
      +2

      The way things are going, in 20 years time that might only be Canberra.

      Melbourne and their cookers hasn't slowed down in over 2 years. Not to mention the USA style events in the CBD.

      Sydney is a shambles of disparate and disinterested wealthy groups creating their own enclaves with toll roads in between.

      Brisbane/ Gold Coast is full of the early escapees from Mel and Syd with a climate that would make a dolphin sweat.

      • lachhelix on 04/03/2024 - 09:16

        climate that would make a dolphin sweat

        😂

      • Lunarboogie on 04/03/2024 - 19:40

        Canberra is a great city. World class amenities without the traffic, crime or congestion. The secret is out though which is probably why Canberra is Australia's fastest growing city.

        • Hardlyworkin on 04/03/2024 - 22:25

          Great city for a child or parent based on those qualities. Hopefully your son get to live somewhere with more going on in his 20s.

        • freecandy on 06/03/2024 - 13:28
          -1

          lol I went to Canberra but there was nothing to do :/ Sydney and Melbourne are way better soz

  • elgrande on 03/03/2024 - 22:30
    +1

    Have you considered a granny flat? In NSW this would be the most cost effective solution to your scenario. I.e. $150k.

    Ex-Gov house on a good block 👊

    • nswnotill on 04/03/2024 - 11:05

      I agree with elgrande. Have you fully explored the granny flat option? What is the size of the block? You will have to be spot-on with the titles though. Who owns what on the block

    • Lunarboogie on 04/03/2024 - 19:33

      Thanks for this idea. I wouldn’t mind a nicely designed granny flat but I'd prefer to have a consolidated house where I share some facilities in common with the rest of the house, like a kitchen for example. If my son is there, with his brood, it will be a pleasure to be under one roof with the grandkids than be in two separate places. My son, who is the lamp of my soul, is only a child himself but I feel the years have gone by within a blink of an eye and I am already looking forward to doing it again with grandkids - I would have loved to have had more kids but it just didn't turn out that way for me. So in many ways, this multi generation house I have in mind is as much for the sake of my unborn grandkids as it is for my young one. I'm just trying to be sensible in making the most of my modest windfall to ease their lives where houses in the inner city will be even harder to obtain.

      • whyisave on 04/03/2024 - 19:42
        +1

        You can still achieve all that, with an attached granny flat,
        that will have a common wall, with a doorway in between,
        or leave it open for now, but with the provision for wall later.

      • lainey13 on 05/03/2024 - 00:58
        +1

        Your future daughter in law will have to be super understanding if you think she would be ok sharing so much with in laws.. hopefully your son picks the right one from the right culture to suit your scenario.

      • samyall on 05/03/2024 - 08:44
        +1

        I have to agree with the others - more detachment is probably better here. You dont want your son thinking he is still a kid living with mum and dad when he is establishing his own life.

        I know some people who sub divided their land and built a house for their daughter. There isnt any dividing fence so the grandkids see both houses and yards as theirs and they are as much under one roof as two and they can have their own space.

    • MrThing on 04/03/2024 - 08:35
      +17

      My trick

      1: be a hard worker
      2: work at maccers
      3: get a $1mil inheritance
      4: brush my teeth twice daily
      5: be good to mum

      Every person who says they have multiple properties whilst only having worked at maccers

        • arescarti42 on 04/03/2024 - 16:45
          +11

          Since when does a $60k inheritance not count as an inheritance or help from parents?

          • MrThing on 04/03/2024 - 16:46
            +4

            @arescarti42: Lol, these people

            "Self made" + one off inheritance of 1mil dollarydoos

        • EBC on 04/03/2024 - 16:57
          +2

          No inheritance except the inheritance he got is an odd way to put it. Yes, not $1M but still large enough to put a deposit on a property. He is making <$20k in income from these 4 properties so it's not like they are super high earners and probably not that expensive to buy either. Not saying it's not impressive because good for him, he still needs to be careful with money to keep progressing.

          But lots of people could put the deposit on 4 cheap properties, that doesn't make them some sort of property mogul.

          Also, "working for Macca's" isn't life sentence of poverty. He has clearly in management is likely making a decent salary. The CEO "works for Macca's" but is earning $18M per year.

          I didn't watch all the way, but does he still live with his mum? Because the issue with young people buying property isn't buying an investment property which can earn them income while not paying any rent living at their parents for free, it's getting a deposit together while having to rent somewhere.

          • munecito on 04/03/2024 - 19:32
            -2

            @EBC: The issue is not having 4 cheap investments.

            The main issue with kids today is that they want the waterfront property as a first purchase.

            Cheap properties. That's how we (my wife and I started). We weren't living with parents.

            I was a tyre fitter at Beaurepaires, new to the country with little English and coming from a third world country. She was in customer service at Optus. We lived in western Sydney.

            That was 20 years ago and even then I was hearing that nobody could afford to purchase a property.

            The reality is that it can be done. I did it without inheritance and without being the sensors l smartest or bravest person around.

  • SEPULCHYLD on 04/03/2024 - 08:35

    Tow in a tiny house, swap place when it's time?

  • gromit on 04/03/2024 - 11:32
    +3

    If your requirements are straight forward then a draftsperson will be considerably cheaper and easier. Also just because you don't like cookie cutter modern houses that builders show doesn't mean you can't do something more traditional. Especially in Canberra, you are going to find your Reno costs are pretty close to knockdown rebuild.

    • MrThing on 04/03/2024 - 16:47

      The quality of your existing house maybe significantly better than what you can build new but

      • gromit on 04/03/2024 - 20:30

        Canberra is a "special" market when it comes to building. Even a cheap reno adding a room or 2 is going to run into the multiple hundreds of thousands.

        • Lunarboogie on 05/03/2024 - 07:02

          Yep. The good ole Canberra tax - comes with living in the (now second) best paid jurisdiction in the country. Service providers can just charge whatever they want…

    • derrida derider on 04/03/2024 - 20:33
      +3

      If it is an "old and cold dump" as OP himself says then the reno costs to build something two families can live in comfortably are likely to greatly exceed those of a knockdown rebuild. The age of a house is no guide to its quality.

      TBH I think OP is dreaming. What on earth makes him think the kid will always WANT to live as an extended family? Most adults want independence. That doesn't mean they don't love their olds, just that they want their own life and to bring up their own kids their way.

      • Lunarboogie on 05/03/2024 - 06:57
        +4

        I'm not thinking of anything extravagant. Just a separate wing for the mrs and I such as a bedroom, bathroom and possibly small living room while still using the kitchen and other parts of the main house.

        We're an Asian-Australian family so living multigenerationally isn't a foreign concept. I was raised in the same house in Melbourne with my grandmother and we never batted an eyelid. In fact, looking back it was great to have her as a part of the nuclear family.

        If for whatever reason my son (who is now third generation Australian to my second) feels different to the cultural values he was raised up in than that's fine too. It would simply mean I'm left with a bigger place than I need and would either rent that new wing that I constructed out or downsize. With the housing market being what it is, I don't think I'll lose money.

  • LFO on 04/03/2024 - 12:07

    Hiring architects or an architectural firm is a double edged sward.

    You'll get good advice on design, orientation, flow and living spaces and etc etc. Knowledge and advice that a draft-person or a builder will not have.

    Unfortunately some architects also push designs, features and "looks" that only an architect will value … like gorgeous light pendants … 8 or 9 meters high … inaccessible!!

    Yes I will hire them but will carefully asses their valuable advice and then decide what to actually build.

  • bobbified on 04/03/2024 - 13:39
    +1

    So I'd like to overhaul the joint and create a separate wing where the Mrs and I can retire in place and let him take over the rest when he reaches that point in life (in 20 years or so time).

    I've never used an architect before so can't answer your question, but I would like to say.. what a thoughtful dad you are!

  • Bren20 on 04/03/2024 - 13:39
    +2

    You don't need an architect you need a structural draftsperson. Unless you've got cash to burn. Go in with a plan for what you want and they'll finesse it into something workable.

    Piecemeal upgrades will cost you and be a massive headache. You can maybe break it up a little bit, such as major reno (additional rooms/major structural works) / minor reno (reconfigure existing house) / landscaping. You don't want to break up your major structural works, it'll get way too messy, you'll need to get permits each time, you'll need to ensure that your design is future proofed to ensure that the staged works don't conflict with your future plans. This will need massive oversight as tradies are liable to do things the easiest way rather than future proofing.

    Granny flat is likely a much better solution if your property allows for it.

  • 2esc on 04/03/2024 - 17:03
    +1

    Another option but it depends on your property access is to get a house built elsewhere and moved onto your property(attach to your existing home if required). I had a tour of Anchor homes in Stratford, Victoria and was quite impressed (excellent quality control and time) but your properties access is the key they have moved homes that sort of distance.

  • Hillagood on 04/03/2024 - 18:11
    -1

    Are Architects a waste of time?
    There, fixed your question.

  • drillvoice on 04/03/2024 - 21:09
    +2

    Not answering your question but I'd like to recommend light house architecture and science. A good architext can save you money by a more efficient build.

    • Lunarboogie on 05/03/2024 - 06:59
      +3

      I'm very impressed with Lighthouse. Really clever use of space and very environmentally minded which is what I value.

    • Mr Ayayay on 05/03/2024 - 14:54
      +1

      Came here to recommend Light House. They also like to future proof for multi-generation properties.

  • smpantsonfire on 04/03/2024 - 21:41

    How old is your son?

    Are you assuming he wants to stay in Canberra 😂

  • firstpostbekind on 05/03/2024 - 08:04

    Going through a reno now

    Unfortunately every person involved will want their pound of flesh

    I would suggest you follow the best and some up and coming builders on Instagram

    They will tag their vendors and suppliers

    You can get ideas from there
    If you’re lucky you can find a good and honest builder who actually has some design skills (think 10 years in the trade who has learnt from experience)

    Also
    Lots of home magazines at the library
    The featured houses all have floor plans
    They are useful resources

  • h0mbre on 05/03/2024 - 08:05
    +1

    There are many levels to this and it’s quite a nuanced question.

    Do you value design generally as an individual?

    In my experience (as a builder), many homeowners do not see the value in spending money on design consultants but in my opinion this comes from either ignorance or genuine nonchalance to design in general.

    If you value design then there is great benefit in engaging an architect to design a smart and efficient house (especially in Canberra).

    • Lunarboogie on 05/03/2024 - 20:14

      Thanks. I do value design in general and the extra lift it can give to a place. For me it's a value proposition. Although it is my forever home, I'm a humble public servant and have to live within a tight budget.

  • yamahamoto on 05/03/2024 - 09:39

    There is no cheap solution. anything with existing dwelling is a mess and i am finding out the hard way. Still in the planning stage and the council is giving me a run around.

  • zultan on 05/03/2024 - 10:41
    +1

    This is probably a better place to ask: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/3kvx5269?p=1022

    • Lunarboogie on 05/03/2024 - 20:16

      Thank you. I'm not an avid forums guy (I rarely have time for this site) but I'll take a look.

  • weee on 05/03/2024 - 11:17

    good on you for thinking so far ahead, from another angle though, you can choose what you build and what your future dream house look like, but you can't choose who your son will be marrying to and what kind of person he chooses to turn out to be (in 20 years so as you said), generally speaking, a child should and will move out when they reach adult age, planning so far ahead to expend your house so your son can live in it and continue to share the same piece of land with both of you in the distant future seems to me, a bit overthinking in the different direction.

  • hawkers89 on 05/03/2024 - 11:35

    As others have said, the price varies a lot depending on the services you want them to do and what sort of houses they design. I was quoted 10% of the build cost by a high end architect that builds primarily homes that are worth well over 5million and then by another architect for a fixed fee of 70k that does houses primarily in the 1-2million range.

    A draftsman can do the floorplans for you but I think you'll find depending on their experience level they will not be able to consider some aspects of the design like an architect would and they typically will not do interior design (if that is a service you require). My experience with a draftsman was that they could come up with a floor plan however the layout of one of the bedrooms was so whack and it was like a huge walk from bed to the toilet. They designed a huge bathroom but then the WIR was miniscule in comparison. Doesn't quite stack up in terms of scale.

  • Hangryuman on 05/03/2024 - 15:46

    I used to work as a real estate salesman and have seen plenty of both architect-designed and project/draughtsman projects

    the first difference I used to note was angles - projects tend to be square boxes - rectilinear - efficient use of space but - unh - kinda boring

    architects tend to introduce 45-degree angles, curves, and soaring roofs - a school friend of mine used a school friend who studied architecture to build a house for him as his first project - it was kinda Sydney Opera house shape and lined with plywood I thought would never last but still seems to be there nearly 50 years later.

    so if you want interesting/unique/artistic/tailored to your specific requirements, an architect can be good.

    as others said, it depends on how much you get them to do - I've paid $1000 for some sketch plans which I loved and used later in other works, and some I'd still like to do someday.

    if you know an architect, I suspect a lot is choosing someone you can relate to - to understand your desires and translate that into something you'll love - if you don't see eye to eye it might never work.

    But sure - give some a call for an initial chat - and see how you feel - just be prepared to pay for some sketches - I was happy with what I got - some great ideas I wouldn't have thought of myself.

  • pencilhead on 05/03/2024 - 15:47

    Have a look at homeone forum:
    https://forum.homeone.com.au/

    Having done reno's and knockdown rebuild.
    Architect, if your building your dream forever home.
    Builder / draftsperson for reno / extensions etc.

    Think about what you want and the get builders to come and have a look/quote. They can advise best way forward.
    Doing it piecemeal is a bad idea. It will cost heaps more and styles change over time, it will probably look weird.

    If you are not emotionally attached to house, consider selling and buying something in the same area.

    • Lunarboogie on 05/03/2024 - 20:20

      Yeah, I've walked away from the piecemeal approach. I had initially thought about doing it that way to space out the bank payments but it seems I'll just have to take the hit and do it all at once.

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