Category: Blog

Over time, strata properties can become dated. From the fading façade to the creaky elevator, the ageing features – despite being liveable – can start to impact existing residents as well as those looking to move in or invest. Unfortunately, this can cause the value of your property to remain stagnant or even decline. Want to know how to raise the property’s value instead? In this blog, we’re showing you how exactly you can achieve this through renovation projects, and how you can kickstart the process with a Section 94 quantity surveyor in Sydney.

 

Why should I invest in property maintenance?

From the perspective of a strata manager, property maintenance (aside from the bare minimum) may seem like a costly endeavour. However, in the long term, renovation projects on your strata property generate a great (and ultimately, higher) return on your investment. In fact, the right project can deliver a higher ROI by:

  • Raising the value of your strata property
  • Detecting and resolving other potential issues through close inspection.

 

5 projects that will raise the value of your property

#1: Give common areas a facelift

While most strata managers keep their properties in basic working order, transforming a space can really improve the value of your strata property. Communal areas in particular – such as barbeque spaces, hallways and the lobby – can get run-down over time and a simple facelift can keep your property up-to-date. A facelift can be as simple as a new paint job, fresh tiles, or a new play area in the shared entertainment area.

Taking care of these seemingly small elements will help create a great first impression for potential buyers or investors, as well as boosting the morale of residents.

 

#2: Upgrade the building’s security

A good security system makes any strata property an attractive choice for investors and potential residents, especially if the building is situated in an inner-city location. Older buildings in particular have a notorious reputation for outdated security measures, such as insecure entrance doors and letterboxes. Therefore, upgrading these areas will give your property an edge over the rest, ultimately increasing its value.

 

#3: Invest in sustainability

These days, more residents and investors are concerned about environmental issues such as climate change and sustainability. Not only have these environmental concerns started to impact the choices people make from day to day, but they’ve also begun to affect where people live. Plus, a more sustainable property often means reduced energy bills, which every potential resident will appreciate. Some sustainable measures you can implement include:

  • A communal vegetable garden and composting system
  • Energy efficient lighting or more natural lighting.

 

#4: Update key areas of the façade and interior

Sometimes a simple facelift isn’t enough to truly transform a space. In this case, a larger upgrade may be required for heavily used and publicly visible areas, such as the elevator and balconies. Balconies in particular have an immediate impact on how the property is perceived, since they are a part of the façade that is visible to the public. Although they seem like a hefty investment, better balconies and elevators are certainly plus points for new residents and investors looking at your strata property.

 

#5: Keep on top of basic maintenance and repair

Of course, it is imperative to pay close, regular attention to the necessary repairs and upgrades that need to be completed on your strata property. In fact, the strata manager or owners corporation management actually has a legal responsibility to keep the property in a state of good and serviceable repair, under the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 (NSW). This includes replacing and repairing fittings and fixtures, and ensuring the property is functional and liveable for its residents.

 

Budget for your strata project with a quantity surveyor in Sydney

Before starting any building project, you’ll need to plan your budget. Not only will your budget determine the materials and labour you’ll use to execute your renovations, but it will also help you plan a realistic timeline for your project. But budgeting, keeping financial records and managing finances can be extremely difficult and time consuming to handle.

This is where a Section 94 quantity surveyor in Sydney comes in. Our quantity surveyors support you from start to finish with detailed reporting you can rely on. We’ll help you create a construction budget with cost estimates, provide recommendations on cost management, and keep your finances under control. Our quantity surveyors simplify the logistics of your strata project, meaning you can focus on running a successful project.

Thinking of starting a project that will raise the value of your strata property? Get in touch with a Section 94 quantity surveyor in Sydney today on 0413 953 869.

Creating the home of your dreams is never easy, but it’s important to remain level headed. All too often new-home builders allow their thoughts to overwhelm them, and this is never a good thing. It’s important to take a step back and get down to the basics, and to help you out we’ve prepared a blog post with our top considerations when building a custom home.

We hope you find this post useful throughout the planning process, and we wish you every success with your project!

Design and Long-Term Goals

The first thing you’ll need to do is establish the function of your home. Will it be a family home, or perhaps a holiday home? During the design phase you will need to consider your needs – both now and into the future. You don’t want to get to the end of the build and find that the home doesn’t quite meet your needs. Ensure that every room has a purpose, as there is no point in wasting valuable space.

Building a home requires a significant financial investment, not to mention the time involved. Try to ensure your design will stand the test of time, and this will keep your family happy and ensure that you get the best possible return on investment.

Set a Budget

Building a home doesn’t come cheap, and you’ll want to do plenty of research on the process before you go any further. You should aim to save at least 20% as a deposit, and you may also be eligible for government grants which could reduce your overall building costs.

Sometimes things don’t quite go to plan, and this can cause surprise expenses – make sure you set some money aside for these (we would recommend around 10% of your total budget). If you need any help with cost estimation for your build, please get in touch with us – we’d love to help.

Location

Location is everything when it comes to real estate, and we’ve all got our preferences. Whether it’s a seaside retreat or a cottage nestled deep in the bush, you will need to consider your access to essential services such as shops, hospitals, public transport, recreation facilities, schools and more. This is particularly important for young families and the elderly.

Whilst a plot of land may sound appealing on paper, make sure you do your research to ensure the area is suitable and will accommodate your lifestyle.

Orientation of the Land

Your house design will be dictated by the orientation of your block. It’s a good idea to look at the Your Home – Passive Design Orientation guide to find out which orientation would be best for you. Most people like a north facing orientation, as this allows for optimal sunlight flowing into your living and entertaining areas during the day, creating a warm vibe and reducing the need for heating.

Keep in mind that new homes are now required to meet minimum energy efficiency ratings. Careful design can pay off big time, as you will benefit from lower power and utility bills.

Section 94 – Here to Help!

As registered quantity surveyors, Section 94 are well equipped to help you evaluate a prospective block of land. If you’ve already decided on your block and have commenced (or about to) the build, we can also help with cost estimation reports. We can help you control costs, evaluate risks and ensure your new home is everything you imagined and more.

Contact us now on 0413 953 869, or email us at info@section94.com.au

Embarking on a renovation or new home build is always exciting, but you should never rush your choice of builder. Your project could take many months to reach completion, so you need to be confident that your builder will deliver on their promises and that you will work well together.

Over the years we’ve seen plenty of projects go astray due to petty arguments and disagreements, and this is the last thing anyone wants to be dealing with. Section 94 are here to help your project remain on track for success, and to get you off on the right foot we’ve prepared a list of 5 questions to ask before signing the contract.

Qualifications and Experience

All builders within Australia must be licensed/registered, and you should sight their credentials prior to commencing work. We don’t want to see anyone getting conned by dodgy builders, so make sure your builder is both registered and insured before you sign on the dotted line.

We would also recommend looking at previous examples of the builders’ work. Every builder has a different set of skills to offer, and it’s important to find a company who has worked on similar designs/projects to what you have in mind. This will help in ensuring you get exactly the results you envisaged, with a high level of attention to detail. Amateur builders lacking experience will be likely to take much longer (meaning increased cost), and the results could be wildly different to what you imagined.

Access to the Site During Construction

When commencing a renovation or new build, you no doubt want to keep an eye on how things are progressing. Make sure you ask your builder about whether or not you can have access to the site whilst construction is underway. You may wish to drop in a few product samples, or potentially even make changes to the build on a whim. Does your builders contract allow this, or do they have strict workplace safety regulations in place?

Staying in Touch

Is your builder a good communicator? How will they keep you informed throughout the build? In the construction game, communication is key to success. You are investing a significant amount of money, and you need to be assured that your builder is not taking advantage of you. Ideally you should be provided with progress updates on a pre-determined basis (i.e. weekly or monthly), and this will provide you with peace of mind that the build is progressing according to schedule.

Tradespeople Coordination

You may have preferences for tradespeople working on your site. Ask your builder about which tradespeople they will employ as subcontractors for your job. It’s a good idea to research their reputations online to ensure they will do a good job. You may wish to suggest alternatives, and you should ask your builder whether they are open to this. Having a reliable and experienced team working on your home or renovation project is important, as disputes and arguments can cause significant delays and potential legal issues.

Warranty Periods

A good builder will stand by their workmanship and offer a long warranty period. In accordance with the Home Building Act 1989, they must offer a structural warranty period of at least 6 years. Make sure all warranty terms and conditions are clearly laid out within the contract, this will provide you with peace of mind and financial security should anything happen down the track.

Need Help Controlling Building Costs? Contact Section 94 Today

We wish you the best of luck with your renovation project or new home build. If you would like any assistance controlling costs, we’re here to help. As registered quantity surveyors, our service offering ranges from Section 94 Reports through to Bank Prefunding, Construction Budgets and Progress Claims.

Please get in touch with us today on 0413 953 869, or email us at info@section94.com.au. We look forward to assisting you.

Architectural trends are always changing. As new building methods and changing aesthetic preferences start to take hold, the changes are often quite apparent as you walk through the neighbourhood streets and observe all the new developments. From shapes and colours through to open plan living, there’s a lot to be excited about – read on to learn more about the latest trends.

 

Bring the Outdoors In

Whilst our houses were once designed to keep the weather out, many homeowners are now starting to invite the outdoors in. Australians love entertaining, and with great weather almost all year round why not make the most of it?

There’s no need to forego all the creature comforts. You might like to explore the use of glass door systems which allow plenty of natural sunlight whilst maximizing visibility, helping to create an impression of having more space. Open decks are making a comeback, and they’re more luxurious than ever when equipped with inbuilt BBQ’s and spas. You could also keep things simple and install a green wall for improved air quality and a sense of calm.

 

Smart Home Technology

We’ve all heard of technology such as Google Home and Amazon Echo by now, and it seems like everyone’s getting in on the home automation game. From lighting and heating/cooling through to automatic blinds and Wi-Fi power switches that can be operated remotely, home owners have more control over their home than ever before. This technology can help in reducing energy consumption and automating home duties, and we’re excited to see what else is on the horizon.

 

Green Homes

Forget about massive mansions which consume enormous amounts of energy, because green homes are the next big thing. Eco-friendly homes still have all the comforts you’ve come to enjoy, but they are intelligently designed to reduce energy consumption. Builders and architects are paying close attention to weatherproofing, insulation, multi-pane windows and more. Home owners are also adopting solar at a rapid rate, with around two million Australian households now benefitting from rooftop solar.

Reducing your environmental footprint will result in better environmental outcomes that benefit future generations. Tiny homes are also gaining traction, though they may not be the best choice for growing families.

 

Multi-Use Spaces

Every member of the family has different ideas for how a room should be used, and flexible design options aim to keep everyone satisfied. Quickly and easily modify the layout of a room using pocket or barn doors, which enable children and parents to co-exist within the same space harmoniously. In a matter of minutes, a dining room can be transformed into a fully functional home office.  When you want to hide things away, simply pull the door shut. Architects are hard at work developing ways to meet the requirements of diverse families, and multi-use spaces go a long way in future proofing your home.

 

Embracing Circles and Curves

Some of Australia’s leading architects are getting creative by exploring the use of circles and curves within residential homes. Designed to create a free-flowing, natural and calming effect this design trend helps to maximize space. This trend is pleasing to the eye and a big departure from the squared off homes we’ve been used to, and we think it will really catch on in the coming years.

 

Section 94 Quantity Surveyors – Here to Help with Costs

There are some exciting times ahead in the world of Australian architecture. If you’re thinking about starting a construction project that’s a little bit different to the norm, you may want to speak to us about our cost estimation service which will help you with budget management and cost allocation.

We are passionate about architecture and construction, and we love working on projects which push boundaries by exploring new ideas and trends. Please get in touch with us today on 0413 953 869, or email us at info@section94.com.au for more information.

As registered quantity surveyors, the team at Section 94 live and breathe construction. We have in depth knowledge of the industry and how it works, as well as benchmarked data to ascertain average costs for most projects. Our aim is to help clients get the best possible ‘bang for buck’ at every stage of their project, and we do this by providing a range of budget estimating, cost planning and management services. If you’re about to embark on a construction project, read on to discover how we might be able to help your money go a little further.

 

Minimise Risks

Every project has risks, but by engaging a quantity surveyor many of them can be drastically reduced. Some of the most common issues which can delay a project include:

  • Contractor availability
  • Design Variations
  • Unresolved Disputes
  • Government Approvals
  • Inflation in the price of materials

Being able to manage these risks effectively is essential, and we are well placed to offer advice and guidance with the aim of keeping your project on track for success. In most cases we are able to identify these risks early, and they can then be resolved quickly and easily.

With strong industry connections and knowledge in the field of construction, we are happy to offer guidance on choice of contractor, materials procurement, quality assurance, safety, environmental concerns and more. This will assist you with your decision making, reduce the risk of over expenditure and minimise the risk of delays and hiccups along the way.

 

Control Expenditure

Building involves a lot of costs, from labour through to materials there is a lot to keep track of. Section 94 can help to keep costs under control by providing budget estimating and cost planning services. We can provide you with an initial budget cost prior to commencing the build, which is based on previously benchmarked data from projects of a similar nature.

This gives you a clear understanding of costs and where your money is being spent. It reduces the risk of bill shock at the end of a project, and it also means you will enjoy greater satisfaction upon project completion.

As quantity surveyors, we remain involved at every stage of the project. We will provide you with regular updates and revised cost estimates at key stages of the build to keep you in the loop. With a clear understanding of costs, your risk of overspending is drastically reduced. We want you to achieve the best value possible, and we’re more than happy to provide advice regarding lower cost alternatives.

 

The Process

  1. Preliminary Estimate – in the early stages, we will present an estimated cost based on benchmarked data/tendered market pricing and personal experience.
  1. Cost Planning and Analysis – we will carry out a thorough analysis of cost targets and allocate sufficient funds to each stage of your project.
  1. Strategy – we believe in open communication, and at this stage we will make suggestions on ways to reduce cost without impacting on estimated project completion timelines.

 

We will also advise you on any ongoing/future operational costs to assist with your financial planning. 

Armed with the above data and knowledge, your project is now ready to commence. We will keep a watchful eye on your budget and alert you should any issues arise. All you need to do is sit back, relax and watch your project take shape.

 

Contact Section 94 Today

If you’re about to embark on a construction project and want to get the best value for money, work with a team who has your best interests at heart. Section 94 Registered Quantity Surveyors will help you control costs, reduce risk and make informed decisions at every stage of your project.

Contact us now on 0413 953 869, or email us at info@section94.com.au

With the ever-increasing cost of electricity, many new home builders are now looking for ways to make savings where they can. Building an energy efficient home goes beyond just installing solar panels, it requires careful thought and planning when it comes to choice of building materials and design features.

New homes are now required to meet the Energy Efficiency provisions stated in the National Construction Code, and achieving a 6 star rating is a commendable goal. To help you on your journey, we’ve prepared a short blog post with some tips on how to go about this on a budget.

 

What is an energy rating?

The nationwide house energy rating scheme involves a thorough review of your home, starting with the construction shell. Everything from your flooring through to roofing, walls and windows will be examined, along with the layout of your home, building orientation, shading from the sun and breeze to determine the thermal comfort of your home.

The maximum possible rating is ten stars, but all new homes and renovations should aim to exceed 6 stars. Achieving this means that your home is well protected against extreme heat and cold, which reduces your energy consumption from cooling/heating systems.

 

Stretching the Budget – Helping your $$ Go Further

Building a home is a big undertaking, and you always need to keep a close watch on your finances. As registered quantity surveyors, Section 94 can help by accurately costing your materials and project completion costs.

It is important to make savings where you can, and it always pays to shop around for your building products. Instead of opting for brand new materials, why not check out eBay and your local trading websites to see if you can find any surplus building supplies? Also keep an eye out for any clearance sales, as suppliers are often keen to move unsold or slightly damaged stock at very attractive prices.

Try to look for an architect/builder who is reasonably priced and has experience in green-home design and building, as they will be able to steer you in the right direction. Every architect will have different ideas, and not all of them will be efficient. When it comes to building an energy efficient home, it is important that you place a priority on function over form. You may need to sacrifice some architectural aesthetics, but you’ll be glad you did when you see the massive reduction in your energy bills.

 

 

 

What should I do in order to increase my rating?

If you want to increase your rating, it’s a good idea to:

  • Try to avoid (or reduce) the number of east/west facing walls and windows. West facing windows will overheat your house during the afternoon, and East facing windows will make your house hotter from midday through to around lunchtime.
  • Put some of your budget aside for double glazed windows – they will help to keep heat out during summer, and in winter they will keep it in. Poor quality windows are a big contributor to inefficiency, so don’t skimp in this area!
  • Ensure that you have adequate roof ventilation as well as quality insulation within walls and inside the roof cavity
  • Install ceiling fans in every room
  • Increase shade cover wherever possible through the use of awnings, trees and broad eaves
  • Instead of opting for dark roof and wall colours, look to lighter alternatives which do not conduct as much heat

Keep Track of Costs – Contact Section 94 Today

Reducing your greenhouse emissions and environmental footprint is not only good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet. Building an energy efficient home doesn’t need to cost a fortune. All it takes a little bit of knack, intelligent use of materials and adopting some thoughtful design principles.

Starting a new build is an exciting journey, and we would love to help you along the way. The team of registered quantity surveyors at Section 94 are standing by ready to assist with everything from section 94 reports through to construction cost reports, bank prefunding reports and progress claims. Know exactly where you stand and help your money go further – contact us today.

Isn’t it great when a project runs smoothly from inception through to completion? Finishing on time and on budget is the ultimate goal of any builder, but achieving this goal is not always straightforward. All too often we hear about failed builds, and the cause can often be attributed to poor management of cashflow or communication barriers and petty disputes which eventually come to a head.

At Section 94, we want to see your project succeed. By following our 5 tips for building and renovation projects you will be well on your way to success.

 

  1. Don’t Rush When Assembling Your Team

Whether a commercial or residential build, there’s a lot of planning and thought involved. Sometimes your thoughts may overwhelm you, but you should always resist the temptation to dive in.

Take your time to research local builders and design professionals. Go through their portfolio of completed works, and it is also a good idea to schedule a face to face meeting with companies you are interested in working with. This will enable you to gain a better understanding of how they work and whether your personalities and ideas align.

Make sure to check the following before choosing a firm:

  • References – look up reviews from previous customers. Were they happy with the end result?
  • Price – Be clear and upfront about your budget
  • Style – does the builder/architect style align with your ideas?

 

  1. Acquire Permits and Check Licences

Council regulations vary widely throughout Australia, and development applications can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to be approved. Start this process as early as possible, and make sure you have a clear understanding of the costs.

You should also check to make sure that your chosen contractors hold the appropriate licence for the jobs they have been tasked with. The last thing you want is to have unlicensed tradespeople working on your site, as this could result in disaster. At a bare minimum, your builder needs to be a member of the Master Builders association.

 

  1. Budget and Finance Arrangements

You’ll need to have a finance arrangement in place prior to commencing the build. Section 94 can help you in this regard by completing a bank prefunding report, which will assure the bank of your projects viability and estimated costs. Once you have this report, you will be able to apply for finance approval and get the ball rolling.

Your bank may also request updates throughout the build, such as progress draw down reports, revised financial projections and cash flow statements. Having a clear understanding of where your money is being spent is key to a successful project, so make sure you set a clear budget and engage a registered quantity surveyor to help you stay on track.

  1. Communication is Key

With any development there is always a large number of stakeholders involved. Everyone needs to be kept in the loop, and you should communicate with your builder and tradespeople on a regular basis to see how construction is progressing.

If you notice any issues, make sure that you raise them immediately so that they can be rectified. Creating a positive vibe on site and operating with honesty and integrity at all times will go a long way in ensuring a smooth build.

  1. Stick to the Scope

Sometimes as a build nears completion it can be tempting to carry on building more and more. Perhaps you envision a large gym, jacuzzi or home theatre room. The question you really need to ask is: will you use it, and will it add value to your development?

Often it is better to stick to the original plans, as a space which is under utilized and difficult to repurpose will only be a hinderance, not to mention a financial drain.

 

Section 94 Can Help – Contact Us Today

If you’re about to embark on a construction project, it’s a good idea to engage the services of a registered quantity surveyor. We can keep tabs on your finances and provide detailed construction cost reports, giving you a clearer picture of where your money is being spent and conserving funds where possible.

Please get in touch today to discuss your project needs. We wish you all the best with your build!

Starting a construction project is an exciting journey, but you’ll no doubt face some hurdles along the way. Budget plays a major role in selection of materials and labour charges, but you also need to try and stick to timelines whilst ensuring a high-quality standard is always maintained.  Developers often run into trouble when their project exceeds the estimated cost or takes longer than expected, and this can sometimes bring things to a standstill.

If you want your project to run as smoothly as possible, you need a professional team to oversee the details. By working with the team of quantity surveyors at Section 94 you can enjoy a range of benefits ranging from cost savings through to quality control and dispute management. At Section 94, we take the stress and hassle out of completing building projects, and we hope you find this article helpful.

 

Cost Savings

Quantity surveyors are tasked with providing accurate construction cost estimates, and once you have this in hand you can get started with project planning. We can update your estimated cost on a monthly or weekly basis, helping you to manage cash flow more effectively. We take a detailed look at your construction plans and market rates for materials and labour, and our estimates are benchmarked against existing data for accuracy. Simply put, our services will save you money and give you a better idea of where your money is being spent. You will be free to focus on running your project, without needing to worry too much about the financial side of things.

Personalised Service to Help You Achieve Your Goals

At our first meeting, a member of our team will sit down with you for a brief chat. Every client is important to us, and we want to clearly understand the vision and priorities for your project. Sometimes, an idea that sounds great on paper may be ludicrously expensive, or potentially impossible. To help you bring your dreams to fruition, we will prepare a feasibility study that will give you a clearer idea of how you might like to tackle the project.

Record Keeping and Easy Management of Budget

The construction business is dynamic and highly competitive, and costs can fluctuate from week to week. You need to consider not only the cost of components, but also manual labour and a range of different tradespeople. It can be a logistical nightmare trying to manage all of this on your own, which is why many developers prefer to leave it to us. We keep a watchful eye on every expense, and we will recommend cost control measures where we can to reduce unnecessary expenditure.

Dispute Resolution

It’s not uncommon to run into issues during construction, ranging from petty arguments through to timeline delays, conflicting ideas or even accidental damage. These issues can create a negative mood on site, and quality can then start to slip. We can help to resolve any disputes by stepping in as soon as they are noticed. We will see to it that an agreement is reached, helping to steer your project back on track for success.

With you all the way

Your quantity surveyor will support you from concept through to completion. Our aim is for you to receive the exact outcome you pictured in your mind, and we always make ourselves available for consultation.

At the end of the project, we’ll provide you with a final report detailing the total cost of the project and all expenses which were incurred. You may wish to refer to this record in the future, for example when a friend or family member asks about your development.

Need a Quantity Surveyor? Contact Section 94 Today

We hope this article has helped to shed some light on the value of quantity surveying services. If you are about to embark on a project and would like some support, please get in touch with us today. We provide everything from Section 94 reports and Construction Estimates through to Bank Prefunding Reports and Progress Claims. We look forward to working with you.

… and when is it mandatory to acquire one?

If you are sharpening your tools in anticipation, ready to embark on a new development project with estimated costs in excess of $500,000, then you are likely going to need a section 94 quantity surveyor report.

Section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, presents relevant councils with the power to acquire levies from developers for the construction of new residences and places of business. These levies are purposed for contributing towards future planning, infrastructure, and public services that may be required as a result of the development activity.

Section 94 council reports are essentially a precautionary measure undertaken by council to ensure they have some added funds in place to cater for a growing community. These contributions can help to fund items like road upgrades, community centres, public open spaces, etc.

It is mandatory for a Section 94A form and cost estimate to be carried out by a registered quantity surveyor. Once assessed and completed, the quantity surveying consultancy will make available the Section 94 council report, which is then submitted along with the development application. Through this process, the council obtains a full overview of the anticipated development and has a means to work out the amount of the Section 94A contribution.

WHO CAN PROVIDE A SECTION 94 REPORT?

A quantity surveyor report and Section 94 council reports can be undertaken by chartered surveyors and those quantity surveyors registered with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, or a person who can demonstrate equivalent qualification.

For reliable, fast and affordable section 94 council reports, get in touch now!