Doggies - JULY 2015.pdf

I’m starting arenovation or new buildWhom should I speak to first?We have to confess, we're oftenpuzzled by people who startout on their renovation or newbuild thinking that the firstperson they need to contact is abuilder.Sure, you should speak to a builderif you're going to fix a roof, build awardrobe or re-lay a timber floor.But if you're wanting to extend orreconfigure your existing house tobetter suit the way you want to live,or build a new home, that's anotherproject entirely.The way we see it, approaching abuilder first is a clear case of puttingthe cart before the horse. Why? Well,essentially, builders are specialistsin building from the plans anddocuments that you should provide tohim or her. Architects are specialistsin the key upfront decisions that willdefine your project, such as:• identifying what configurationof space will work best for theway you and/or everyone in yourhousehold lives;• helping you define and control thescope of the project;• advising you on the key planningand building regulatory controlsthat you will need to work through.These will shape the envelope ofworks and influence the timeframefor construction.The benefits are not just aesthetic,spatial or regulatory though.With the right design, drawingsand approvals, you can approach avariety of builders who will quote onthe works, rather than being lockedin with one.An architect will put everything inplace for the builder to commence24