Category: Blog

Like most quantity surveyor contractors, we were keeping a close eye on the 2021 budget release this month, and whilst there was a lot of funding splashed towards COVID-19 vaccines, women and child care — the construction industry also faced some continual support through the HomeBuilder and First Home Loan Deposit schemes. Let us see exactly what that means for the Australian construction industry.

First, a bit about HomeBuilder

The HomeBuilder initiative was put into effect in June 2020 and was part of the Morrison government’s economic recovery plan to provide more work for the residential construction sector. This provided first home buyers and eligible owner-occupiers with a grant of up to $25,000 that would go towards the construction of a new property or the (substantial) renovation of an existing one.

There were a few criteria that had to be met, though. Chief among them were a few financial ones:

  • Singles earning more than $125,000 p.a or couples earning more than $200,000 p.a collectively cannot apply for the grant.
  • A price cap of $750,000 for national dwellings applies to new builds.
  • Renovations must be between $150,000 and $750,000 and the property being renovated cannot be valued at more than $1.5 million.
  • Construction must commence within three months of the contract date.

Over 120,000 applications have been received for the HomeBuilder grant. Initially, HomeBuilder was slated to end on the 31st of December, 2020, but the application process was extended to the 14th of April, 2021, with a three-month extension of the commencement window. A few days after that, the Morrison government announced that the commencement window for existing applications would once again be prolonged a further 12 months bringing it to 18 months.

How the 2021 budget boosts the HomeBuilder initiative

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced that another 12-month commencement extension would be put into place for existing applications. So, whilst no new applications can be made for the initiative there is more potential for contractors to become involved with the work thanks to the extended commencement window. This will ultimately create more work for building contractors, quantity surveyors, architects and all those involved in the residential construction industry.

First Home Loan Deposit Scheme extension

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (also known as the New Home Guarantee scheme) was designed to help first homeowners both build and purchase a new home with an incredibly low deposit of just 5% — waiving the lenders mortgage insurance that is usually required for home loan deposits below 20%. An extra 10,000 places have now been added to this scheme, further encouraging new homeowners to purchase and — more importantly to the construction industry — build new homes.

With no shortage of land and a more than certain increase in residential construction in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, there are sure to be more applicants for the grant. This decision will ultimately funnel funds back into our local economy with more singles, couples and families starting new lives in new properties — boosting community value and providing more work for those in the construction industry.

Construction industry on the rise

Throughout the pandemic, few industries were allowed to operate — construction was one of those industries, which operated largely unaffected until stage four lockdown — which saw restrictions allow only 25% of a regular workforce on site. Since the final quarter of 2020, the industry has seen a return to normalcy. The extension of these grants is expected to boost the chances for potential work across the residential construction sector whilst also providing opportunities to first home buyers.

Though not a direct cash injection, this latest budget announcement is ultimately a win for construction — an industry that plays such a crucial role in our economy. Construction makes up around 8.5% of Victoria’s workforce — roughly accounting for 13% of the state’s economy and producing 9% of our country’s gross domestic product. Our quantity surveyor contractors welcome this continued support and look forward to working on many projects across Victoria and Australia over the next year and beyond.

Are you looking for quantity surveyor contractors?

Section 94 employs highly experienced and qualified quantity surveyors who can help you with all your construction cost and contract requirements. Drawing from an invaluable bank of knowledge and sources, our specialists can operate remotely and survey any property in Australia regardless of location.

If you would like to request the assistance of our services, then please give us a call on 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au.

A bank prefunding report is an in-depth account that a quantity surveyor engages in on behalf of homeowners. The purpose of such a report is to seek financial approval for a construction project from the bank. Today’s article will be looking at some of the elements that go into such a report and how quantity surveying services can help establish a comprehensive report for you.

 

Why are bank prefunding reports necessary?

The whole point of a bank prefunding report is so a construction project can be independently assessed to ensure certain aspects of the project are in order – such as its construction price being at market rate. Other aspects that are assessed include background checks on the builder, confirming the insurance is current and preparing a cash forecast report.

Essentially – a bank prefunding report enables the bank to protect itself from giving out loans that have a low chance of being repaid. It is our job as quantity surveyors and independent assessors to gather the information that will indicate to the bank whether or not the loan is worth their time and money.

 

Gathering the information

In order to give a comprehensive and truthful report to the bank, we must assess all the relevant documentation for the construction project including the building plans and contract. We can use this information to form cost plans that will bolster the legitimacy of the report. If a bank can see a clear cost plan for the project, then it will raise their confidence in your repayment abilities and sway them further towards a loan.

 

Why are the contracts important?

Contracts feature elements such as construction timeframes and builders’ insurances as well as liquidated damages (which is an agreed-upon number that must be paid should the contract be broken). The construction timeframe, for example, is laid out and includes the total number of working days with leeway for inclement weather days, rest days, weekends and public holidays.

The contract will also establish details such as the cost of the deposit, who is in charge of gaining and paying for the relevant permits and extra costs that are payable by third parties that are not included in the contract’s final price – such as utilities that will be used during construction as well as telephone bills.

 

Quantity surveyors report

Some of the areas covered in a quantity surveyors report include the project description, estimators cost report and recommended construction cost. The project description, for example, is a basic rundown of what is involved in the project – how many storeys the property is going to be, what types of rooms it will have – as well as what materials the walls, floor and roofing will be made from. A two-storey townhouse may use brick veneer for the external walls on the ground level but weatherboard for the first floor. These sort of details all come together to help us establish a more comprehensive prefunding report.

 

Analysing the construction plan

When it comes to construction costs, there are different averages for the varying types of construction projects depending on the construction area. New builds in metropolitan Melbourne, for example, could be anywhere between $2,200m2 to $3,800m2 – whereas the average in suburban Melbourne could range from $1,400m2 to $2,100m2. This difference in cost is due to several various reasons such as tradespeople being able to access the site easier and a simpler overall build cost.

We review the floor plan and measure it to determine the cost per m2 to determine its accuracy. Furthermore, we take into account the forecasted construction cost prepared by the builder and estimator to judge whether or not it is a reasonably accepted amount for the type of project and more importantly, if the estimated costs are viable enough to complete the actual project.

 

Do you require quantity surveying services?

Section 94 is well-versed with crafting in-depth and accurate bank prefunding reports to ensure you have access to the loan you require for your next construction project as well as simultaneously assuring the bank that the loan is worth it. With years of experience under our belts and the ability to offer our quantity surveying services to anyone in Australia, you will know you are in safe hands with Section 94.

If you would like to contact us to chat about our services, then please do not hesitate to call 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au.

If you’re an owner-builder looking to renovate your home, then you’ve got a big task ahead of you. A multitude of elements must be considered, researched and taken care of before the construction even starts and that’s what today’s article is all about – the preparation and what you need to know as an owner-builder. Our experienced quantity surveyor contractors have handled countless residential renovation projects over the years and are best situated to help you prepare for this exciting undertaking.

Why are you renovating?

The first thing that needs to be established is why you are renovating in the first place. Are you looking to boost the value of the property and flip it in the near future? Or, are you renovating purely so you can improve your own living situation? This will ultimately affect the renovation itself. If you are looking to flip, then popular and trendy designs may take precedence over personal opinion and vice versa.

Evaluate your budget

When it comes to determining a budget for your renovation, our quantity surveyor contractors recommend staying below 10% of your home’s market value – especially if you are looking to flip. The reason for this is so you don’t lose too much when selling. That being said – if you are looking for more extravagant, structural renovations, then you may be looking at a higher figure. A good strategy is also adding 10% to 20% extra to your budget to cover any overspends or unforeseen issues that may occur. If you are unsure how to fund the project, then take a look at our article on financing your home’s renovation.

Plan the design

With projects of this magnitude, it is wise to plan before commencing – this is the worst industry for improvisation or suggesting ad hoc tasks halfway through. Finding a professional and experienced architect that you trust and whose work you are happy with is key to a successful end-product. Work with them to establish every aspect of the project and confirm material specifications. You will want to confirm exact particulars such as joinery finishes, tiles and carpeting to avoid any confusion or mistakes further down the track.

Find the perfect time to renovate

There are two factors you should consider when looking at the best time to renovate – the weather and the market. If you are looking to flip then a rising market is the best indicator so by the time it’s ready you can take advantage of the high prices. The weather is obviously important as strong winds and rain can sometimes stifle renovations (depending on the type of work). If you know the work will be done outside, then it may be worth holding off for spring or summer.

Gaining permissions (council and strata)

Most internal renovations – painting, changing floorboards etc. – will not require council permission. If you are unsure, it does not hurt to ask. For major structural renovations or changes that may affect services such as plumbing, electricity or gas, you will need to consult your local council and gain approval before moving forward. They may also need to inspect said changes after the fact to ensure everything is up to code. If you own an apartment, however, you should seek approval from the body corporate before any type of renovation just to be sure.

Whilst some simple apartment renovations are generally considered to be possible without permission (think painting, installing cabinets, replacing floorboards etc.) – every building is different. Body corporate will not want changes made that will devalue or compromise the structural integrity of the surrounding apartments. If you are thinking more drastic changes like removing walls to create a more open concept, then body corporate will need to be consulted prior in case the walls are load-bearing.

Living arrangements

An often overlooked, yet, crucial element that particularly applies to large-scale renovations is where you are going to stay while the work is being completed. It can be a hassle going about your day during renovations and potentially even hazardous to sleep in an active construction environment – which is why you must factor in your accommodation for the period. You could stay with a family member/close friend or rent a property. If you are going to rent, then be sure to include that in your budget.

Are you looking for a quality quantity surveyor contractor?

Section 94 has had years of experience dealing with residential renovations and can help ensure that all contracts and forms are in order and that your budget is accurate and well-planned. We can also help you with bills of quantities, construction budgets and section 94 reports to name a few.

For more on our services, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@section94.com.au or call 0413 953 869.

Whilst we like to think that all contractors administer the best possible work they’re capable of and provide a promised result – the reality can be much different. Sometimes the end result is subpar and can leave you regretting having wasted the time and funds on such a job. In these situations, it’s important to be able to reach the best possible solution. But the question is, how can that be achieved? Well, for today’s blog, we’re going to be explaining some basic research you should do before hiring a contractor as well as how an experienced building quantity surveyor can help you should something go wrong.

Know your options

It’s easy to be wowed by a contractor’s work online – whether it be a flashy Instagram page or a stylishly curated portfolio. But don’t let that be the controlling factor when making a decision. You need to dive deeper. Search the web for reviews – compare any negative reviews with positive ones and use common sense to deduce their viability. Use reverse Google image search to ensure the photos on their website are actually theirs and have been taken from someone else.

Contact them and ask specifically about what sort of job you need done and see if they have any experience with it and can provide some examples. Chatting with them and getting to know them is another good tip as you can sometimes learn what sort of a person they are and whether or not it’s someone you’d like to do business with. Word of mouth can be an advantageous source if you trust them enough. Similarly, you may also get in touch with one of our qualified quantity surveyors to see if they have any recommendations for your area.

Examples of subpar finishes

Whilst it is frowned upon, subpar finishes are not uncommon in the construction industry as contractors will often take shortcuts to achieve a more cost-effective and easier result. This could be to win tenders from potential clients by offering lower prices or for a different reason altogether. At the end of the day, you should always opt for a contractor you’re happy with – and, if they promise you a certain result, then it’s entirely on them to deliver it.

A subpar finish doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire job is botched – but it does mean that the end-product is not at the calibre of quality that was initially promised by the contractor. This could be something like a paint job that has streaks in it or wasn’t coated correctly – or, it could mean a noticeably unstable balcony or deck that could potentially be a health risk. Regardless of the degree of unacceptable craftsmanship – you’re going to want some sort of compensation for it, which is where our esteemed quantity surveyors come into the mix.

How a quantity surveyor can help you

If you’ve experienced a subpar job, then our quantity surveyors can help remedy the situation. Having worked in the industry for several years we understand how best to communicate with contractors and developers to ensure a fair solution is reached. The solutions themselves could vary from things such as a redo of the job or even a price deduction. In our experience, it is entirely possible for a modest fee to be deducted from the overall bill. In one instance, we were able to have $80,000 taken off of the final cost due to a less than desirable job having been done.

Are you looking for a building quantity surveyor for your project?

If you have an upcoming construction project, then why not hire a trained and professional quantity surveyor to help ensure your project runs smoothly. As a premium quantity surveying business, Section 94 is well-versed in matters such as:

Because of our unique set of skills and remote working capabilities, we’re also positioned to help you with your construction project wherever you are in Australia. This means that even across states we can offer our amazing services in the same capacity as if we were right there beside you.

If you’d like to contact us to enquire about any of our services – then please feel free to give us a call on 0413 953 869 or send us an email at info@section94.com.au.

Construction projects are complex and multi-faceted undertakings that require much preparation and critical thinking in order to realise their full potential. One of the key aspects of a construction project is cost management – every good quantity surveyor contractor knows this, and that’s why in today’s blog, we’re going to be exploring every aspect of cost management including what it is and how it can help you.

Cost management in a nutshell

Cost management is the process of ensuring every financial avenue and aspect of the project is in order prior to and during the project’s execution. Essentially, it’s ensuring the budget is sound and is stuck too throughout the project – guaranteeing that the project will run as financially smooth as possible. This includes accurate and closely regulated cost estimations based on all the available information and then monitoring the allocations.

How to estimate for a plan

There are two estimation stages carried out by our experienced quantity surveyor contractors – the initial rough one and the refined one that comes after the research phase. The first stage is done based off of past projects that may be similar in style or capacity and (as the name suggests) concentrates on establishing rough cost estimates for materials and labour.

The second, refined estimate takes into account all the research that has taken place to paint a more concise and clearer picture. This is done using determinative techniques which can only be effectively carried out once the project’s scope is clearer itself – hence why it comes after the research phase. At the end of the day, it’s up to a quantity surveyor contractor to deliver the most accurate cost estimations possible.

Researching and forming a cost management plan

Before any construction project is undertaken, in-depth research is required to gain the best possible outlook of the project. Things like viability, what competitors are doing, the best avenues that can be taken to achieve a certain task and timeline are all established during this research phase. Another important aspect is what issues may crop up down the track as well as a list of all the resources you’ll require – both materials and labour (otherwise known as a bill of quantities). It’s important to root such problems out in the beginning to avoid later disruptions.

These are all crucial parts that work to form the basis of a cost management plan as it’s from information such as this where refined cost estimates are made. For example, if your research reveals a material you were planning on using is no longer viable for a later phase of the project – you’ll have to find a replacement which may mean a different amount of funds. Alternatively, if certain delays are expected to potentially occur during construction then a contingency surplus should be established so you won’t be financially taken aback should the potential issue come to fruition.

Establishing and monitoring a budget

After the most accurate cost estimations have been delivered by the quantity surveyor – a budget based on said estimates can be established. Once a budget is set, then it must be closely regulated throughout. These are compared to any similar previous projects to gauge performance efficiency. The monitoring itself is helped along by the release of funds in increments based on the different stages of the project.

Cost management also involves identifying any variations from the budget and deeming whether or not they’re necessary or, if not, taking the necessary corrective steps. Another factor of cost management is keeping an eye on any budget revisions that may be required during construction and ensuring they’re viable within the grand scheme of the project.

Beyond the project

All the data from the cost management plan can be used as a baseline for future projects of a similar calibre to ensure more accurate estimations and projections can be made. This can essentially increase the accuracy of future estimations.

Are you looking for a quantity surveyor contractor for your next construction project?

Section 94 employs premium and trained quantity surveyors with years of experience under their belts to ensure you receive the most accurate and high-end estimation solutions for your construction project. We offer a variety of services on top of cost management such as organising progress claims and bills of quantities.

If you’d like to get in touch with one of our quantity surveyor contractors, then please do not hesitate to call 0413 953 869 to see how we can help you no matter where you are in Australia.

Construction projects – no matter their scale – are always going to be pretty complex with several moving parts that need to work harmoniously in order for the project to be completed properly. This is why the planning phase is so vital. Every last detail needs to be fleshed out before any work actually begins to guarantee a smooth ride. And what’s the best way to ensure this? By consulting a quantity surveyor contractor of course.

Pre-planning

As we said, it’s crucial that you cover every aspect of the project before any work is done and to start you’re going to need to do some pre-planning. This is where above all else you determine the feasibility of the project. You’d hate to get halfway through the project and realise you physically cannot achieve a certain aspect of it.

These are known as feasibility studies and will look at your resources and finances to determine how viable the project is and what the likelihood of it being completed without too many delays along the way is. This can be helped by the risk assessment phase of a feasibility study. You will also be establishing the project’s goals and budget as they’ll help you further plan – as well as looking into any permits that you may require.

Moving forward with the planning

Once the initial points have been mapped out it’s time to flesh them out and dive more into the details. This includes aspects such as:

  • Itemising equipment – Selecting specific materials and items for the construction. This is where a quantity surveyor contractor can really come in handy.
  • Budget specifics– Dividing and defining the budget clearly so every aspect (such as materials, labour etc.) has an accurate amount allotted to it that’s in keeping with the initial budget estimate. The feasibility study should also have given an estimate on how much should be allocated for any unforeseen delays that may arise.
  • Duration – Establishing a clear timeline for the project so you can stay on track and minimise distractions.
  • Determining milestones – Closely linked with establishing a timeline, defining milestones throughout the timeline serves as a great way to keep track of things and also help the project stick to schedule. It’s a clear indicator of how long each task should take and when it should be finished.
  • Organising experts ­– Finding the right tradesman, architect and quantity surveyor contractor for your project. You should look at their previous works and ensure their style and quality is in line with what you’re after.
  • Gaining approval – Once you have the specifics you can gain any permit approvals or permissions you may require.

Commencing construction

On paper – this is one of the easier tasks for a project manager since everything has been outlined and pre-planned – therefore it should run to schedule. But, as we know, nothing ever runs so smoothly. It’s the project managers job to ensure that everyone is sticking to the schedule and that the milestones/deadlines are being met. It also falls on them to organise regular meetings with both the construction team and the stakeholders to receive and give progress updates.

If any issues occur then it falls on you to remedy them whilst preferably still sticking to the budget and time constraints. There will be times when your project may stray from the timeline or go over budget – but it’s important to not make a habit of it as it can be easy to get stuck in the mentality of “this is only x amount over therefore it’s not a huge deal”. This is one of the reasons why It’s smart to budget for unknown variables – so you have that surplus to draw from should you need to.

Staying on track with an experienced quantity surveyor contractor

It’s imperative that you keep everyone on track and the appropriate stakeholders looped into the progress. The construction phase is where you must be pro-active. Don’t worry though, our experienced quantity surveyors can help you stay on track and achieve the milestones. Section 94 employs premium and highly qualified quantity surveyors to help ensure your project and all its finances are in order.

You deserve the best quality work – so why settle for anything less? Get in touch with one of our quantity surveyor contractors today by calling 0413 953 869. Alternatively, you can contact our Sydney or Melbourne offices.

Renovations are huge undertakings, and sometimes people can get a bit carried away with what they want – or overlook something they don’t want. When we offer our quantity surveying services we see all types of people and can safely say that there are a handful of things that you should avoid when it comes to renovating your home. We’re going to take a look at six of them in today’s blog.

1.     Trying to save money with DIY

Whilst there are absolutely some tasks you can tackle yourself, it’s generally our experience that if you take on a task with little to no prior experience then you could end up costing yourself more if issues arise down the track. Having a professional perform the task they’re paid to do every day is the best way to go – and when you utilise our quantity surveying service, you can rest assured knowing that we’ll help find the most premium, cost-effective approach. If you’re renovating to add value to your home, then you probably won’t achieve that with a DIY job either.

2.     Not renovating for your audience

If you are renovating to add value – then you’ll want to do extensive research to see what the best trends are or what similar homes in the area are doing with certain rooms. You have to detach yourself from the property and do what’ll give you a better ROI rather than what you personally prefer. However, if you’re renovating your home so you can live in it then you should follow your heart and personal tastes because at the end of the day if you’re going to be putting so much money and effort into a renovation you’re going to want to make sure you’re happy with it in the end.

3.     Going over budget

It’s frighteningly easy for you to go over budget. Sometimes you might get carried away when looking at flooring materials or picking appliances for the kitchen and before you know it your total is well over what you’d planned for. The wise thing to do here is not to borrow more money, but to take a step back and look at what you really need – as well as if there are any cost-effective alternatives. Your budget is initially put in place for a reason – so you can stick with it and not overspend.

4.     Failing to pre-plan

Deciding what you want to be done to each room as you go along is one of the worst things you can do when renovating. It will end up costing you more and taking twice as long to complete. You must plan ahead, talk to an architect, organise all the tradesmen you’ll be needing and consult with them regarding labour and material costs. You must know what you want to do in each room before any renovation has actually begun. This is one of the crucial and key elements of a successful renovation.

5.     Selecting the first professional you find

Picking the first tradie that comes up on Google is not the wisest idea – from both a financial and quality standpoint. You should shop around and gather quotes from various builders and also ask to see examples of their work to ensure they’ve done something similar to what you’re looking for. This will help you better gauge which builder is right for your project at a price you’re willing to pay.

6.     Leaving new appliances until the end

If you’re remodelling your kitchen and purchasing new appliances – then this is something you should do first, or, at the very least know what exactly you’re going to purchase so you know the precise dimensions. Why is this important? You have the unique opportunity to build the appliance slots in your new kitchen to fit your new appliances precisely – otherwise you risk purchasing an appliance that is too small and will leave excess gaps or something that’s too big and won’t fit at all. In this scenario – you’ll either be forced to do further works or base your appliance purchase on size rather than your requirements.

Looking for quantity surveying services?

Section 94 can deliver premium and comprehensive quantity surveying services in Australia and will work with you to ensure your budget and all contracts are in order for your next renovation project. This includes handling progress claims and bills of quantities, so you don’t have to worry about the fine details.

Get in touch with our experts today to discuss our quantity surveying services by calling 0413 953 869.

Sometimes you just can’t find the right home, so you opt for the obvious solution – build your own. It can be an exciting time building your dream home from scratch and watching (or even helping) every completed step lead closer to the final product. But financing such a project can be a bit tricky if you don’t have the cash just lying around. That’s where a construction loan comes into the mix. Today’s blog is going to be concentrating on this specialised type of loan and all the affiliated elements of it such as progress drawdown reports.

What is a construction loan?

A construction loan is a special type of loan that’s targeted directly at people who are building their own home. It is quite different from a standard home loan which is structured around purchasing existing homes. A construction loan, however, has some added features that suit the construction process – namely, progress drawdowns or progress payments. This element allows you to manage the financial side of your construction project a lot smoother and with less hassle.

What are progress drawdowns?

Progress drawdowns are where your lender releases small amounts of funds to you in increments as they’re required by the builder. When each amount will be released is established by a progress drawdown report prior to the construction commencing. This report must be approved by the lender and will outline the project’s timeline.

This is the key difference between a standard home loan and a construction loan. It allows for more control to be had over the funds since small amounts are allocated at each interval – as opposed to a large sum being released to you at once. The builder is required to offer proof (such as an invoice) that that the previous stage has been completed before the drawdown for the next stage can be released.

How is the total loan amount calculated?

Construction loans are based off the estimate of the home’s value when it will be completed as well as the materials and labour required to build it. This information is then used to find the approximate loan you’ll be given access to (incrementally of course). Your chances of receiving a higher loan may even improve if you’re planning on constructing a rental property as the lender may look into factors such as the future rental income.

Pay interest only on what you borrow

When you receive a home loan – you must pay interest on the entire sum that you’ve borrowed. This is not the case with a construction loan, however, which only requires you to pay interest on the money you’ve drawn down on as opposed to the entire loan that could be available.

Say you have $500,000 available to you in increments, but you only end up using $400,000 of that total sum – you’ll only have to pay interest on the $400,000 as you never accessed the final $100,000. This is an added advantage with a construction loan as you ultimately may end up paying less interest.

Construction loan eligibility

To be eligible for a construction loan some preparation that must be done. You must have comprehensive and detailed plans of the project ready for the lender and an appraiser to look over. This also includes the progress drawdown report. Our qualified quantity surveyors have experience with progress drawdown reports and can help you establish an effective and detailed one for you to use.

You will be required to pay a deposit when your loan has been approved – this is generally a minimum of 5% but the larger the deposit the more confidence the lender will most likely have in you so we recommend a higher percentage.

Looking for help with a construction loan?

Construction loans are highly desirable for financing your construction project. The controlled release of funding and interest feature makes it easier to manage both in the short term and long-term. The experts at Section 94 are equipped with the experience, knowledge and authority to handle all of the financial minutiae of construction loans – including creating progress drawdown reports – so your application can go as smoothly as possible.

If you’d like to get in touch with us to discuss how we can help you with your construction loan – then please don’t hesitate to call us on 0413 953 869. You may also contact our Melbourne and Sydney offices respectively.

We’ve spoken about renovating your home in the past (and ways you can finance it), but today we’re going to be concentrating exclusively on renovating with the intent on increasing your home’s value. There are several key areas you can concentrate on during a renovation that will achieve this and our expert residential quantity surveyor in Sydney is going to take you through five of those key areas in today’s blog.

1.    The bathroom

The bathroom can be a make-or-break room to some so it’s essential that if you’re planning on boosting your home’s value, you dedicate a chunk of funds and time to the bathroom. Spacious bathrooms with white marble, roomy baths and rainfall showerheads are guaranteed to turn heads.

If you have space – consider adding another bathroom to your home. This will take time as there’s a lot involved, but any Sydney-based residential quantity surveyor will tell you that it’s absolutely worth it for the extra value your home will gain. This also gives you a unique opportunity as you’ll be approaching a fresh canvas.

2.    The kitchen

Some may argue that the kitchen is just as important as the bathroom. Regardless, it is still an important space that people will look at meticulously if you ever plan to sell your home. If the décor is outdated and rustic, then you should consider a modern aesthetic.

The trouble here is you may run into some problems blending it with the rest of your home (depending on the rest of your décor) – this could be very easy or require a bit of extra ingenuity. Island benchtops are also fantastic additions to any modern kitchen if the space is available. If you don’t have much room for additions like this, then consider updating the appliances and the benchtops to match them.

3.    Decking/outdoor living area

If you have a sizeable backyard, then you can’t go wrong with crafting an outdoor living environment. Install a deck or opt for a concrete substitute. Either way, you’re going to have a great space for couches and a BBQ (or even an outdoor kitchen if it fits the space) – and, you can even top it all off with an extended roof to keep it all dry.

You can definitely have some fun with the roof and essentially make it one large skylight so the sun still makes its way through or so the raindrops can be observed. Since we’re going into cooler seasons now – invest in an outdoor fireplace or gas heaters so the area can still be enjoyed in autumn and winter.

4.    Make your home more energy efficient

With sustainability being such a hot topic in recent years, our residential quantity surveyor thinks that this is an important element to look at during a renovation in Sydney. There are several ways in which you can increase your home’s energy efficiency. Double or triple glazed windows, for example, offer fantastic insulation and soundproofing qualities – especially considering you can lose up to 40% of your home’s heat from windows and gain up to 87% of outside heat.

On top of this, you should look at retrofitting energy-efficient insulation products such as glasswool to further improve your home’s thermal performance and energy efficiency. Not only is a higher energy efficiency better for the environment – but it also means you’ll be spending less on heating and cooling, ultimately reducing your electricity bill. This is an attractive feature for any home.

5.    Curb appeal

The front of the house is crucial as it’s the first impression. Some people may not choose to look at a certain home when buying/renting purely based on the lack of curb appeal. Overhaul your garden and consider planting a variety of colourful flowers – try to aim to contrast your garden with your home’s exterior.

If you have a front fence, then make sure it’s in tip-top condition – you may as well get all of the work done in one swift project. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade the fence? You should be able to look at the front of your house and be amazed. If you’re going to put in the time and funds to renovate, then you should be impressed with the results.

In need of a residential quantity surveyor in Sydney?

Section 94 are experts when it comes to residential renovations and understand what features can best accentuate and boost your Sydney home’s value. Our residential quantity surveyor can also draft up the bills of quantities and assist you with other financial requirements post-renovation.

If you’re looking to boost your home’s value by renovating or would like to know more about our other services, then please get in touch with our quantity surveyor by calling 0413 953 869. You can also visit our Sydney office.