Ready to turn your renovation dreams into reality? With hipages, you’ll find a great selection of professionals who can manage your renovation projects and complete them to a high standard of quality and professionalism. Here’s what you can expect from a home renovation builder.

What does a home renovation builder do?

A home renovation builder is a professional who specialises in renovating, remodelling and updating homes. Depending on their experience level and the services they offer, they are usually responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the renovation process, from planning and design to construction and completion.

Design and planning

Your chosen builder will work closely with you to understand your needs and goals for the renovation. They will then create a design plan that takes into account the existing structure and any necessary changes. They will also create a detailed project timeline and budget that they will share with you to sign off on.

Obtaining permits and approvals

Before any work can begin, a home renovation builder will need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from your local council. This may include building permits, electrical and plumbing permits, and any other necessary approvals.

Construction and project management

Once all necessary approvals have been obtained, your builder will begin construction. They may take full control and oversee all aspects of the project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, ensuring that work is completed on time and within budget, and handling any issues that crop up during construction.

Communication with property owners

Throughout the renovation process, your builder should keep the lines of communication open –keeping you informed about ongoing progress and any issues that have arisen. They will also work closely with you to make sure the renovation is meeting your expectations.

Quality control

The builder is responsible for ensuring all work is completed to a high degree of quality. They will conduct regular inspections to verify that all work is meeting building codes and standards, and will address any issues with the relevant tradies.

Clean-up and final inspection

After the renovation is complete, your builder will conduct a final inspection of property to ensure everything is up to code and meets your expectations. They will also take care of site clean-up and remove any remaining rubbish from your property.

What is the difference between building up versus extending out?

If you have limited space on your block, ‘building up’ with an additional level is probably your best bet for renovating. If you add another storey to your home, you will be able to keep your garden space while increasing the level of natural light that enters your home. When building up, consider the streetscape and direction of sunlight when allocating particular rooms. Bedrooms and living areas, for example, should receive the best views.

Be aware that building an extra storey onto your home will mean your roof has to come off. In addition to the cost of this job, as well as the removal of things like solar panels and satellite dishes, it’s essential that your builder provides emergency services in case of bad weather. It’s also important to consider how much money you can spend on your renovation, as building up is more expensive than extending out.

Choosing to extend outwards means there will be significantly less disruption to your home, meaning you can often live in it while the extensions are being built.  However, you will lose yard space so it’s important to place the extension correctly.

Why is it important to hire a professional home renovation builder?

Whichever builder you choose for your extension design and construction, make sure you are comfortable with them. Ensure they are fully licensed and have all the correct insurances. Take time to find a home renovation builder who has significant experience with project managing extensions or additions, as this will ensure a safer and more streamlined job.

Before beginning any extension or addition, you will need to get council approvals and permits. With the right home renovation builder, they can help you work out exactly what approvals you need and even help you negotiate the red tape.

Don’t attempt to design your extension or addition yourself – you will need the services of an architect for extensions. They will be able to draw up blueprints for council and other tradies who will work off them. With any extension, especially an additional storey, you will need an engineer to assess the structural viability of your plans.

What should I factor into my home renovation budget?

When budgeting for an extension or addition, remember to factor in some extra money for unforeseen costs that may arise throughout the project. There may be bad weather that causes damage, or hidden expenses you forgot to budget for. Asking for a time limit from your builder on how long the extension will take may also help you set a more manageable budget.

As well as budgeting for the extension, you may need to factor in extra money for when you are not able to live in your home (e.g. rent elsewhere) and other associated costs.

How much does a home renovation builder cost?

Pricing a full home renovation is an involved task mainly due to the countless variables. The good news is that if you are using a dedicated home renovation builder, they will usually quote a flat fee that can be broken down into the labour of all the trades involved and materials. Depending on the project, renovations to an existing home could range anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands (and more!). According to ZJ Building, for a full home renovation your budget should be starting at $150,000.

Expect to be quoted a per-square-metre sum in all the quotes you ask for. However, also realise that this figure may only be for a shell with no plastering or painting included. The type of material used will also play a major role in the overall cost, with weatherboard the least expensive followed by brick veneer and solid brick.

As always, shop around and get at least quotes from different home renovation builders on hipages – and don't forget about additional costs such as insurance and council charges.

What to ask when hiring a home renovation builder

Because home renovations are such major projects, it's critical that you reach out to several prospects on hipages and ask them some key questions before settling on your preferred professional. It’s good to ask questions such as:

• What’s your experience with home renovation projects?
• Can you provide references and imagery from previous client renovations?
• How do you handle project management and communication?
• Do you have specific tradies you always work with?
• What is your pricing structure and payment schedule?
• How will you handle any unexpected issues or changes during the renovation?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.