Whether your home is too old, rundown, or just not big enough for your family, every homeowner wants to find the most economical solution to change their home into one that meets their requirements.
There are two main options when it comes to overhauling your house to create a dream home that will suit you and your family for years to come: renovating or knocking down and rebuilding. Which option is right for you will come down to various factors, including who you choose to work with during the design phase and construction process.
Let's take a look at what steps to take to save you money when it comes to knocking down and rebuilding or renovating your house to create your dream home.
The best way to save money on a renovation or knock down rebuild is to choose home builders with plenty of experience and proven results.
While you should shop around for a builder that's affordable and easy to communicate with, choosing one that's based in your location will likely save you a lot of money in the long run. A Wollongong home builder will have local connections with other tradespeople, be familiar with any challenges your site conditions pose, and be more likely to know local council procedures and constraints — all of which will save you cash.
Whether you're knocking down and rebuilding or renovating, look at what you can reuse. Recycling unique or valuable features can save you money, but here's where working with a home builder that you trust comes into play. What sometimes starts out as an economical way to save can end up becoming an expensive exercise. For example, saving your old windows may add to the cost of demolition or be difficult for your builder to install in your new home. Their restoration could be expensive, or they may not be the most energy-efficient option. Speak with your builder about what they believe is worth saving, and they will explain if it's worth it or not.
Another good reason to have a builder that you can work with closely is that they'll be able to give you guidance on where you can opt for low-cost options and where you should never cut corners. Expensive finishes might look great, but they shouldn't come at the cost of good-quality fittings. You should always opt for the best fittings and fixtures you can afford to ensure longevity and save maintenance in the future.
From timber to doors, windows and sinks, there's nothing wrong with adding character-filled pieces to your brand-new or renovated home. Find unique pieces by visiting the Revolve Centre at the Wollongong Waste and Resource Recovery Park (also known as Whytes Gully) or try local salvage yards to see what you can find that will fit the style of your home.
Be realistic about what you can afford and find a Wollongong home builder that can work within these parameters. Factor in the demolition contractor and site costs for knock down rebuilds, a construction contingency for renovations, landscaping, permits and council approvals. Choose pre-designed plans to cut design and architectural costs, and, most importantly, don't change your mind during construction, as this will cause expensive delays.
Here's where choosing a Wollongong home builder or knock down rebuild specialist will come in handy — they'll likely already have connections with local businesses. Local building materials suppliers will have lower delivery fees and might be able to offer you a better deal.
Should you start from scratch, or do you just need more space? The most reasonably priced option for your situation will depend on the scope of the work, and sometimes, you'll need to speak to an expert to help you assess your options. However, here are some things to consider before contacting a builder.
Depending on the amount of work required to achieve the type of home you desire, a knock down rebuild can be an affordable solution. In fact, it can be more cost-effective than a major renovation in some cases. If you're looking to completely change your floorplan or your current home is in a state of disrepair, consider these factors to determine if knocking down and rebuilding your Wollongong home is for you:
A renovation or extension on your Wollongong home can be a low-cost option if your home is generally in good condition, is well-orientated on your block of land, and your home's floor plan and size already generally work well for your family. Some of the benefits of a renovation include:
When it comes to choosing your Wollongong home builder, you want to work with a company that's not only reasonably priced but also has a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction, such as A Class Building and Construction.
If you're considering a major renovation or a knock down rebuild, ask your builders these questions:
Selecting local home builders with a proven track record and years of experience should be a priority when value for money is your top consideration for a home renovation or rebuild.
Choosing the cheapest building team you can find could cost you more in the long run, and it may mean you don't end up with the dream home you thought you'd get.
A Class Building and Construction has 45 years of combined experience building in the Wollongong and Illawarra region. Not only are we an award-winning construction company, but we also guarantee that our clients are 100% happy with their custom builds, renovations and extensions. Contact us today on 0414 183 503 to book a building consultation, and we'll show you how we can help you create the home of your dreams.
