Spring is often a time of rebirth and refreshing…pollination, plants and flowers blooming, native animals birthing babies, people Spring cleaning and washing windows etc. There’s something about Spring that energises and gets us moving!
Spring also makes people want to renovate and start new projects around the home.
If this is you, here are a few things to think about and tips to help you avoid disappointment this Spring.
Expect to wait
The Illawarra building industry is still very busy. Some aspects may have slowed or closed temporarily but as long as the Illawarra continues to grow the building industry will continue to be busy.
This means you need to be prepared to wait
- for appointments
- for quotes
- for drafting/designs, building approvals, surveyors, engineers
- for start dates
- for weather impacts and material shortages
Have realistic expectations
Many clients base their expectations on a friend or relative’s experience or on radio or tv advertisements offering discounts and extra inclusions.
- Not understanding the different types of building industries
- Not knowing the cost of materials or processes
- Not realising the issues that can impact the build timeframe and cost
are all things that regularly cause our clients disappointment.
Here are a few things you may not understand about the building industry.
- The difference between custom, project and speculative builders
- How to plan and budget for those bigger jobs
- Where to start if you want to build a custom house or extend your current home
- Extra charges
Expect the unexpected
Every client wants to know up front exactly how much a job will cost and how long it will take. Every project has the potential for an unknown quantity. Project homes (limited styles, mass produced) have less variables than custom one-off builds, extensions and renovation work.
You will be less likely to encounter the unexpected and suffer disappointment if you understand the type of work you are wanting and the potential variables that impact this work.
With a bit of research you can understand and prepare for the unexpected. Your builder can probably answer any questions you may have about your project but he/she won’t automatically know what you do or don’t know or do or don’t understand. In the same way, you likely won’t realise what you don’t know. So it is good to do a bit of research. We have lots of information and blogs on our website. We also have information emails, info sheets and simple work process flow charts that can help.
Best advice
Probably the best advice I can give for any type of building project is not to max your budget at the outset. Keep a percentage back for the unexpected. If the unexpected doesn’t happen then you have that bit left over to buy new furniture or accessories.
Whatever your Spring project whether large or small, building or otherwise,
‘Forethought spares afterthought.’ (Amelia E Barr)
- Ask questions
- Do a bit of research
- Make a plan
- Be flexible
- Review and adjust as you go along!
