Build a more complete picture of your renovation budget When planning a renovation or extension, it's easy to focus on the expected building cost. But the amount you need to complete the project may also include site and existing-building work, contingency, professional fees, approvals and other costs outside the building contract. Our Renovation Project Budget Calculator is designed to help you bring these costs together and develop a more realistic picture of your total pro

A practical guide to renovation and extension costs in Brisbane One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering a renovation or extension is how much will it cost per square metre? A square-metre rate can be useful for establishing an early construction budget, but renovations are more difficult to price this way than new homes. Two projects adding the same amount of floor area can have very different costs depending on the work required to the existing house, the

Good design and expensive finishes aren't the same thing Architect-designed homes and renovations are often associated with higher construction costs. There are good reasons why some architect-designed projects do cost more. But it isn't simply because an architect was involved. Often, the difference is between a project designed around a standard building product and one designed around a particular client, property and set of priorities. Understanding that distinction can h

f you're planning a renovation, extension or new home, you'll probably hear two approval terms fairly early in the process: DA and BA. They are different approvals dealing with different aspects of your project.

If you own an older house in Brisbane, particularly a Queenslander or pre-war home, your property may be affected by the Traditional Building Character overlay.

If your current home no longer works for you, renovating may seem like the obvious solution. But before investing substantially in an existing property, it's worth asking a broader question: Is renovating actually the best option?

When people talk about their renovation budget, they're often referring to the amount they expect to spend with the builder. But the building contract is only one part of the total project cost.

For many Brisbane homes there are three broad options: extend up by adding another level, extend out into the site, or build under an existing raised house.

Renovating a Queenslander presents a unique set of opportunities and constraints. Done well, it can significantly improve both the way the home functions and its long-term value

Before committing to detailed design, there are some fundamental questions to answer: What can realistically be achieved? What planning or site constraints need to be considered? Is the proposed budget realistic? And what architectural and consultant services will actually be required?

What to consider when renovating in Brisbane’s bayside Homes in Brisbane’s bayside suburbs offer some particular opportunities when renovating. Good orientation, cooling breezes, outdoor living and, on some sites, views can all contribute significantly to the quality and value of a home. But getting the best from a bayside property involves more than simply adding floor area. The existing house, orientation, site levels, neighbouring properties, planning constraints and the w

Renovating a Queenslander presents a unique set of opportunities and constraints. Done well, it can significantly improve both the way the home functions and its long-term value

Architectural fees can vary considerably from one project to another. A straightforward renovation requiring limited documentation may involve relatively modest architectural fees, while a major renovation or new home requiring planning approval, consultant coordination, detailed documentation and assistance during construction will require a much broader scope of service.