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?

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?

Architectural services can range from the relatively basic documentation needed for a Building Approval through to comprehensive design, planning applications, documentation, specifications, tendering and involvement during construction.

If you're planning a new home or major renovation, one of the first decisions you'll make is how your project will be delivered. Many builders now offer a complete Design & Construct (D&C) service, taking care of design, documentation, approvals and construction under one roof. Alternatively, you can engage an architect independently to develop and document the project before committing to a builder.

If you’re planning a renovation, extension or new home, one of the first decisions may be who you engage to design it. In Queensland, both architects and building designers can prepare designs and documentation for residential projects. From a homeowner’s perspective, the services can initially look quite similar.

When you're planning a renovation or new home, it's tempting to start with the design. You probably already have ideas about how the house might look, rooms you'd like to add and a collection of images showing the style you're after. But before asking “What should we design?”, there are some more important questions to answer.