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Channel: Renovations – Darren James Interiors

‘Living Through a Renovation’

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The New Year is just around the corner and for many of us it’s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make not just personally but around the home.

A friend of mine who is about to start a major renovation in the new year approached me the other day with a really good question, a question no doubt any person undertaking or thinking of undertaking a renovation asks…

Should we live in our house whilst we undertake the renovations?

Ask this question to someone who has been there and done that, having lived in their house whilst renovating, and they will most likely tell you “Don’t!” I guess this is great advice if money is not an issue and financially you can afford to live elsewhere during the remodeling.
Depending on the size of the project, staying in the house may not be an option, so if you do have to move out for some or all of the time, remember to factor this into your budget. It’s also important to remember that staying in your house may not always save you as much money as you think. In some cases the project can take longer especially if by choosing to stay there the project then needs to be completed in stages to ensure you and your family continue to have some sort of facilities.

 

 

Time is money and if trades are forced to make several more trips to site its’ fair to say the overall price of the project will increase. Not only that, but productivity can be effected by trades having to work around you. Picture the plumber turning off the water while you are getting the kids ready for school.
Again, it really comes down to the size of the project and your individual circumstances, but many of you will still decide to ‘live through the renovation’. As with anything in life, knowing what to expect and how to handle it will not only softens the experience but allows you to make the necessary preparations. By no means will it prevent your life from being disrupted (there is no escaping this), but it will help you survive and get through it – After all, living through a renovation can test the strongest of people and their relationship.

 

Here are our tips:

1. Know the project timeline and scope. It’s important to understand the scope of what is involved in the renovation project and the timeline – results in less surprises and makes the process easier to endure.
2. Accept the inevitable. There will be dust, noise and disruption. The sooner you accept that the sooner you can get over it! In saying that any good builder, tradesman and project manager should be able to ensure this is kept to a minimum.
3. Have a flexible approach. In order to survive the project, it’s important to have a flexible approach and be aware that normal household flows will be disrupted. You may have to get up earlier in the morning – trades start early. There also may be times when there is no hot water.
4. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Sometimes small things and unforeseen circumstances to occur which may even cause a delay i.e. bad weather – don’t let it get the better of you!
5. Enjoy overseeing the project. If you are like me this is the fun part – watching it all come together. It really is fascinating and interesting seeing how it’s all done. BUT my advice is to keep changes to a minimum – ripple effects are costly, not only in time (delays) but money (extra costs).
6. Communicate communicate communicate – It’s important to communicate with your builder, trades or project manager. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, but keep in mind there may be good reasons why something is off spec or not quite completed. Always communicate changes in writing and keep paperwork for everything. It’s important to communicate as a family also – if there is something happening that will affect everyone e.g. water is being turned off or there is going to be a delay in the project, keep everyone updated. That way there is no surprises.
7. Remember the vision. Focus on the vision ahead and what you are doing it for – the temporary mayhem won’t last forever…

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Top 5 questions to ask your renovator

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A renovation can be a great way to breathe new life into a home and give it an upgrade into the modern day. While it can be an exciting prospect, it’s important to think about a few things before you dive in. The following are just a few of the top questions you should ask a potential renovator:

 

 

1. What services do you offer?

Not all companies are created equal. Some are happy to do renovations of all kinds, offering a more general building service, while others specialise in certain areas. While specialising may be a little more expensive, it also means you get quality work and a team that is dedicated to your project and space. This is one of the first questions you should do your research on.

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2. Can I see examples of previous work?

One of the best ways to know if the builder you are looking at is the right fit is to look at previous work. You may be able to find this on their site or you can ask them in person. They should be able to show pictures or even take you to a showroom. Some may be able to show you a home or unit where work has recently occurred.

 

3. What do you need from me?

A renovation project isn’t about hiring someone and just leaving them to it. Your involvement is important but finding out how much is needed from you is crucial to this. Most builders will happily cater to your desires and are open to any suggestions and input you have.

 

4. How long will the work take?

How long will you be without a room? Renovations often occur in the bathroom and kitchen, which are areas we use every day. Unless you have several of these spaces, going without can be hard. Knowing how long it will take will help you plan and organise around the renovations.

 

5. How much will it cost?

And last but not least, the cost! Remember that you want a quality job which will cost a little more. Asking for a quote or estimation of the price based on your home or similar previous projects can help you draw up a budget and decide if this is achievable for you.

 

Looking for a company that ticks all the boxes? Talk to Darren James Interiors. Specialising in kitchen and bathroom design, our team is happy to deliver quality work that goes above and beyond.

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Designing Homes for the Australian Weather

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They don’t call Australia the sunburnt country for nothing. At times the heat can be stifling, as the temperature gauge goes up and the windows are thrown wide open in search of a cool breeze. Often during the hottest summer months, you may find many of us sheltering inside with the air conditioner on full throttle, which can often lead to exorbitant power bills while adding to our personal carbon footprint.

During recent times, permaculture principles have made a big impact on our way of life, and the choices we make when designing new or renovated homes. Innovative designers such as Darren James are implementing features that accommodate the Australian weather conditions that work with the seasons, rather than against them. Renovating gives us the opportunity to redesign with this in mind, creating eco-friendly spaces for future generations to enjoy. Through implementing pioneering design elements, a balance can be found between functionality and aesthetics.

Environmental Factors

The cost of heating and cooling our homes can be a hefty expense. When we consider that the average energy expenditure for heating and cooling accounts for more than 40% of what we pay, it makes sense to get creative about doing things differently. As people become more aware of the health of the planet that sustains us, taking responsibility for the resources that we use is imperative for the future of our species. Our own personal environmental footprint can be vastly improved simply by redefining our focus in our own homes and incorporating more sustainable design features.

Orientation of Living Areas

An important design feature that makes a huge difference to the temperature in our homes is the orientation of living areas. Houses that face north are suited to the Australian weather, providing cool breezes in summer, while making the most of the sun’s warmth during the cooler winter months. This simple design feature utilises the natural flow of air for passive cooling of living areas, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Bedrooms and living areas that are positioned accordingly, to utilise this natural air flow, allow the occupant to live in harmony with the changing seasons.

Choice of Materials

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The choice of materials is another element that designers are introducing into new or renovated homes, and the benefits are far reaching. Technology has come a long way in the development of materials that curb heat such as insulation, roof coatings that reflect the sun, as well as energy efficient glass for windows. Regular glass allows in heat during the warm weather, while allowing precious warmth to escape during the winter months, whereas high performance glazed glass can be extremely effective in controlling the temperature inside your home.

Passive Cooling

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The positioning of windows makes a vast difference to the temperature inside the home as well as allowing in as much natural light as possible. Designing the home with windows positioned to draw air through the house welcomes the cool breezes, generating a natural cooling effect, without the cost of air conditioning. Planting surrounding gardens adjacent to windows provides a natural filter system to cool the air before it enters the house, keeping the temperature down as well as providing a picturesque view.

The post Designing Homes for the Australian Weather appeared first on Darren James Interiors.





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