Q: We have an old home that's had several additions over the years. Is it possible to renovate it ourselves to obtain a more cohesive style?
A: Home renovation isn't a recent phenomenon - it's just become more glamorous recently. Apart from the appeal of many older homes, they are usually well-located and provide real opportunities for capital growth if carefully handled.
Older homes have often been altered or added to since they were originally built. It's not unusual to see houses, particularly period cottages, which have undergone several face-lifts over the years as families have moved in and out, as lifestyles have changed and as repairs have become necessary. A common sight is the "cascading skillion" - a series of lean-to additions at the rear of a home with each roof tucked under the eave of the previous one.
The first priority of any renovator intending to retain previous additions should be to ensure that they are safe. One in four of the homes inspected by building inspectors has some form of illegal building evident - a low ceiling, steep stairs or inadequate natural light or ventilation, for example.
It's reasonable to assume that such work was done without the necessary permits or inspections so the condition and adequacy of the structure, the wiring or the plumbing is uncertain at best. Some investigation should be carried out to establish the extent of any reconstruction work required (and its likely cost) before decisions are made about retaining that "charming attic" or the "sun-filled sitting room".
This done, the design process can begin, taking into account circulation, zoning, orientation, views, materials, lifestyle needs, the form of the house and of course the budget. It's sometimes useful to think about the building objectively...as an empty vessel within which your particular requirements need to be accommodated.
Style is clearly a matter of individual taste and preference. Many renovators want to preserve or recreate period details while others enjoy the freedom of more contemporary materials and spaces. The choice is yours and it can be worth exploring the possibilities of both approaches.
In any event, it's important to do your homework first. Objectively assess the home so you can decide what to keep - don't assume it's condition or it's adequacy for your needs.
Simon Turner
Showing posts with label sydney renovators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sydney renovators. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Architects: To Use or Not to Use
Q: "We are currently weighing the pros and cons of using an architect. We do not want a "cutting-edge" renovation and certainly do not want the pressure of dealing with someone who wants to put his or her "stamp" on the place. That said, is there a role for an architect in our renovation and what is the average percentage charged? Does this include advice on fittings and fixtures?"
A: "Why have a "cutting-edge" renovation when you can have something that perfectly suits your needs. The "cutting edge" makes great news, but what won't be on the front page is how an architect turned a modest budget under budget.
Using an architect really depends on how much value you place in a home. If room layout, circulation, siting, sun, passive solar heating, views and priceless lifestyle benefits are important, it's probably best to use an architect. Archicentre runs a service for people who have renovation dreams, but don't know where to begin. It's called the Archicentre Renovator report.
Following a detailed home briefing, the architect produces concept drawings with one objective: to capture your vision. For optimum value, the architect should present detailed drawings to several builders as part of a competitive tender. If this job is managed intelligently, your architect's fees will be minimal.
Don't be surprised if there is a huge difference between the highest and lowest tender; 40% to 60% is not unusual. The architect's standard fee of 10-15% is merely a quarter of the difference. Advice on fittings and fixtures is included. Simon Turner
A: "Why have a "cutting-edge" renovation when you can have something that perfectly suits your needs. The "cutting edge" makes great news, but what won't be on the front page is how an architect turned a modest budget under budget.
Using an architect really depends on how much value you place in a home. If room layout, circulation, siting, sun, passive solar heating, views and priceless lifestyle benefits are important, it's probably best to use an architect. Archicentre runs a service for people who have renovation dreams, but don't know where to begin. It's called the Archicentre Renovator report.
Following a detailed home briefing, the architect produces concept drawings with one objective: to capture your vision. For optimum value, the architect should present detailed drawings to several builders as part of a competitive tender. If this job is managed intelligently, your architect's fees will be minimal.
Don't be surprised if there is a huge difference between the highest and lowest tender; 40% to 60% is not unusual. The architect's standard fee of 10-15% is merely a quarter of the difference. Advice on fittings and fixtures is included. Simon Turner
How to Easily Update an Old Brown Kitchen
Q: What colours would suit a kitchen/family area/laundry upgrade to a home 30 odd years old with quite a bit of dark brown feature brickwork internally at present.
A: A coat of paint is probably the least expensive way to revive your interior. Colours should be neutral, elegant and if you have trouble capturing much daylight, a skylight or a lighter colour could help. For a flashy result, apply a cement-based paint for a nice textured finish. For excellent interior guidance, a decorator or an architect is ideal for making great value judgements on planning and design. Or research using some of the widely available magazines or ask your local hardware store for advice, colour charts or even 3-D modelling. Simon Turner
A: A coat of paint is probably the least expensive way to revive your interior. Colours should be neutral, elegant and if you have trouble capturing much daylight, a skylight or a lighter colour could help. For a flashy result, apply a cement-based paint for a nice textured finish. For excellent interior guidance, a decorator or an architect is ideal for making great value judgements on planning and design. Or research using some of the widely available magazines or ask your local hardware store for advice, colour charts or even 3-D modelling. Simon Turner
Feng Shui Tips For Your Children
Here are some simple tips to allow your children to benefit from the art of Feng Shui:
1) Try not to allow children to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Yes, this allows young children not to fall off beds but it also causes young children to fall sick frequently. The reason is: chi is not able to flow underneath the bed. Ideally, chi should circulate around the mattress where our children sleep to allow them to be healthy.
2) For young children, try to have their back to the wall when they write. It is important there should be a solid wall behind a children's writing table. This allows the child to have support so that he can sit there and study longer rather than for only half an hour and then they tend to move about because there is no solid wall behind their back. Adjust your writing table.
3) Do not allow children to sleep on double bunk beds even if it means saving space. The child sleeping underneath will not have "fresh chi" and so his health might be weak. But if due to space constraints, then monitor your child's health if not add in a metal 6 rods wind chime or a crystal sphere, to break up the "stale chi" around his bed.
4) If your child usually falls sick in a bedroom then either change them to another bedroom or simply hang a six rod metal wind chime as the metal element will break all the earth energies in that room. After hanging, if the wind could not do the job for you then you will have to "chime" it yourself and then watch for the good results. Simon Turner
1) Try not to allow children to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Yes, this allows young children not to fall off beds but it also causes young children to fall sick frequently. The reason is: chi is not able to flow underneath the bed. Ideally, chi should circulate around the mattress where our children sleep to allow them to be healthy.
2) For young children, try to have their back to the wall when they write. It is important there should be a solid wall behind a children's writing table. This allows the child to have support so that he can sit there and study longer rather than for only half an hour and then they tend to move about because there is no solid wall behind their back. Adjust your writing table.
3) Do not allow children to sleep on double bunk beds even if it means saving space. The child sleeping underneath will not have "fresh chi" and so his health might be weak. But if due to space constraints, then monitor your child's health if not add in a metal 6 rods wind chime or a crystal sphere, to break up the "stale chi" around his bed.
4) If your child usually falls sick in a bedroom then either change them to another bedroom or simply hang a six rod metal wind chime as the metal element will break all the earth energies in that room. After hanging, if the wind could not do the job for you then you will have to "chime" it yourself and then watch for the good results. Simon Turner
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Drawer Fridge
The Norcool Drawer Fridge, a sleek metallic refrigerator that is built right under your existing counter top space and consists of easy pull-out drawers, adds a whole new dimension and sophistication to your kitchen.As with dishwasher drawers, if you are just a one or two person household and/or have a smallish kitchen, then this is the best way to optimize space. You could have your fridge installed into your island so that when you’re chopping, you can just grab below for that egg or shot of milk instead of trekking across to the big beast on the other end of the room.
If your space is big enough, you could even keep your old fridge for bottles but use your drawer device for the things you cook with all the time. The refrigeration drawer module has a total capacity of 170 litres. It includes two outer drawers and an inner drawer. The drawers can be pulled out completely and have an easy-glide self-closing mechanism and shock absorption. For more information visit Norcool's website.
The Transformer Couch
The couch that turns into bunk beds Whilst this isn't coming to a cinema near you soon, it could be arriving in your spare bedroom.
The tidy couch morphs very quickly and simply into bunk beds!. The DOC sofa bed, from BonBon Trading in the UK, is a practical device that is ideal for small pads where space is limited. In a range of colours, from funky orange to more neutral tones, there’s one for every taste. The sofa has removable covers and integrated/patented mechanism which transforms the sofa into a bunk bed. Doc XL furnishes the day area and with a simple movement transforms into a practical ready made bunk bed with integrated supporting ladder and protection guard. Simon Turner
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Life Expectancy of Your Home's Fixtures and Fittings
Read on to find out just how long, on average, the fixtures and fittings of your home will last.
Concrete and masonry: 100 years plus
Concrete foundations, including chimneys and fireplaces, should last a lifetime and brick walls have a life span of 100 years or more.
Cabinets: 50 years
Good quality cabinets are built to last a long time but styles go in and out of fashion. Many homeowners replace cabinets after a fraction of their useful life.
Floors: 25 to 100 years
Hardwood is good for 100 years or more, as is stone. Expect 50 years out of vinyl and 25 from linoleum, but you'll probably tire of the pattern long before that.
Roofing: 20 to 50 years
Local weather conditions are critical but, on average, slate, copper and clay/concrete tile roofs last the longest, 50 years or more. Figure wood shake roofs for 30 years, fiber cement shingle 25 and asphalt shingle 20.
Siding and accessories: 20 to 50 years
Brick, stone, engineered wood and fiber cement siding should last a lifetime. Wood shutters should give 20 years of use and copper gutters 50 years and aluminum ones 20.
Countertops: 20 years to forever
Granite could outlast you - by a long shot, absent of a destructive child with a five pound hammer. Cultured marble has a life span of about 20 years.
Decks: Up to 20 years
With wooden decks the key is the weather. In moist climes, decks will rot much quicker than in ones that expose decks only to dry conditions. In ideal weather, figure 20 years. In monsoon conditions, you can't count on much more than half that.
Plumbing fixtures: 15 to 50 years
A kitchen sink has a life of 50 years or more but faucets go bad after about 15. Shower heads should last a lifetime but whirlpool baths, which get widely differing amounts of use, can last 20 to 50 years.
Windows: 15 to 30 years
Think wood, which lasts upwards of 30 years while aluminum windows have a life span of 15 to 20 years.
Gas ranges: 15 years or more
With no motor or many moving parts, gas ranges are the most trouble free of appliances.
Fridges: 13 years
The compressor on fridges work hard and run often. Add complications, such as automatic icemakers and there's more to go wrong. That they last as long as they do is a tribute to their generally high quality.
Electrical: 10 years to a lifetime
You shouldn't have to replace good quality copper wiring but switches and other controls may have to be updated every 10 years or so.
Dishwashers: 9 years
This appliance gets widely varying amounts of use, depending on the household. Big families may have them running a few times a day while a bachelor may keep his sitting empty most of the week.
This survey obviously accounts for wear and tear, as there's no accounting for taste over the years! Simon Turner
Original survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders
Concrete and masonry: 100 years plus
Concrete foundations, including chimneys and fireplaces, should last a lifetime and brick walls have a life span of 100 years or more.
Cabinets: 50 years
Good quality cabinets are built to last a long time but styles go in and out of fashion. Many homeowners replace cabinets after a fraction of their useful life.
Floors: 25 to 100 years
Hardwood is good for 100 years or more, as is stone. Expect 50 years out of vinyl and 25 from linoleum, but you'll probably tire of the pattern long before that.
Roofing: 20 to 50 years
Local weather conditions are critical but, on average, slate, copper and clay/concrete tile roofs last the longest, 50 years or more. Figure wood shake roofs for 30 years, fiber cement shingle 25 and asphalt shingle 20.
Siding and accessories: 20 to 50 years
Brick, stone, engineered wood and fiber cement siding should last a lifetime. Wood shutters should give 20 years of use and copper gutters 50 years and aluminum ones 20.
Countertops: 20 years to forever
Granite could outlast you - by a long shot, absent of a destructive child with a five pound hammer. Cultured marble has a life span of about 20 years.
Decks: Up to 20 years
With wooden decks the key is the weather. In moist climes, decks will rot much quicker than in ones that expose decks only to dry conditions. In ideal weather, figure 20 years. In monsoon conditions, you can't count on much more than half that.
Plumbing fixtures: 15 to 50 years
A kitchen sink has a life of 50 years or more but faucets go bad after about 15. Shower heads should last a lifetime but whirlpool baths, which get widely differing amounts of use, can last 20 to 50 years.
Windows: 15 to 30 years
Think wood, which lasts upwards of 30 years while aluminum windows have a life span of 15 to 20 years.
Gas ranges: 15 years or more
With no motor or many moving parts, gas ranges are the most trouble free of appliances.
Fridges: 13 years
The compressor on fridges work hard and run often. Add complications, such as automatic icemakers and there's more to go wrong. That they last as long as they do is a tribute to their generally high quality.
Electrical: 10 years to a lifetime
You shouldn't have to replace good quality copper wiring but switches and other controls may have to be updated every 10 years or so.
Dishwashers: 9 years
This appliance gets widely varying amounts of use, depending on the household. Big families may have them running a few times a day while a bachelor may keep his sitting empty most of the week.
This survey obviously accounts for wear and tear, as there's no accounting for taste over the years! Simon Turner
Original survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders
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