I discussed in a blog post last year the many advantages of completing a renovation as opposed to a new build and we’ve also touched on renovations when we discussed ensuring you trust your builder when embarking on a build journey.  But let's knuckle down and talk a bit more about renovations and what you can expect when doing your renovation with us.

Embarking on a renovation can certainly be a roller-coaster.  When we get to the demolition stage of a renovation, it’s like opening a box of chocolates…actually, no, it’s more like opening a can of worms!!  But we try to ensure the process is as smooth as possible…hey, I’ll personally hold your hand throughout!

Once you’ve made an initial contact with us, I’ll come out and meet you on site to check out your potential project.  I’ll chat to you about just how realistic your ideas are against a bunch of important factors such as the kind of lifestyle you want to lead, the prevailing weather, site implications, existing structures and of course, often most importantly, budget.

Once you’ve had some time to think about the initial site visit…lets crack on!  Of course, at this early stage, even after our initial meeting, exactly what you want may still be a grey area and need loads of work.  But if you decide continuing with a renovation project of some description is definitely what you want to do, then I’ll officially engage you via a pre-build contract.  Hey, this might seem excessive, but there’s actually quite a lot of work to do to ensure the project can in fact proceed to a point where a hammer is swung.  

It’s now time to present you with a bunch of important information including a basic scope of the project, an outline of each stage up until commencement of building work and associated costs such as local Building Consent Authority fees required specific to your project and the fees of architects or designers fees.  

The first exciting part is the concept of the proposed floor plan.  This will be completed by an architect or designer of your choosing (we have a great relationship with personnel in this area, so we’ll help here too).  The designer will then produce a complete concept upon taking into account ideas and discussions between yourselves and me to ensure it will in fact be functional and within territorial authority parameters.

Once you have approved the concept drawing, it will be further developed into elevations, roof plan & cross sections.  Based upon these elevations, roof plan and cross sections, we will then produce an estimate of costs for the project and once the estimate is accepted, then the magic really starts to happen.

The approved concept is refined to produce detailed drawings and specifications that will allow a building consent to be applied for.  At this point, surveyors and structural and geotech engineers may need to be engaged to complete the consent process. 

Once building consent is achieved, get your safety glasses on and dust off the sledge hammer…!!

I take pride in my ability to communicate well with our clients as I hold their hand throughout the entire build process.  It’s of the utmost importance to me and my team that we always communicate effectively, are innovative in our ideas and ability to complete projects and operate with integrity throughout the entire process.

Every renovation adventure is a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations.  But the beauty of renovations is knowing the Frontline Builders team can achieve ANYTHING!  If you want something crazy or outrageous….i’ll do absolutely everything I can to get that to happen…yip, sometimes it just aint gona work, but I’ll always find a solution.  Every obstacle is an opportunity to redefine the ultimate renovation vision.  

I’m not just A builder, I’m your builder.

Wade