Home Renovation Guide - Your go-to guide to help you achieve the renovation you've been dreaming of - James Hardie
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Home
Renovation
Guide
Your go-to guide to help
you achieve the renovation
you’ve been dreaming of.
Project features Matrix™ cladding
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE 2
Everyone has
their reason
to renovate.
Many of us want more – You’ll see tips and inspo
more space, more light, to help find your own
more rooms. And some stunning style – inside
of us just want less – and out. Advice on hiring
less heat in summer, experts you can trust and
less maintenance, fewer information on how to
restrictions to our lifestyle. select the right products
to bring it all together.
Yet the journey we take
through our ‘reno’ often A renovation is always a
follows the same path. challenge. Planning is just
It’s exciting, overwhelming, the beginning. The best
exhilarating and ultimately thing you can do is just
rewarding. This guide can get started.
help steer you through
So start small. Start with
every stage of the process.
a room and get a taste.
Break it down with the
right help and advice,
you can manage the
project today and your
home will be magnificent
for years to come.
Project: Drummoyne, NSW. Builder: Evolving Construction. Cladding: Axon™ Cladding 400mm. Paint: Dulux® Stepney.
1. GET STARTED 2. GET PLANNING 3. GET BUILDING
Dream big. Think of your Find the right people and Manage the job so you
lifestyle and the right look. products for your build. build it once and build it right.
Time to dream Research
Design and mood Making your renovation timeless
Page 05 Page 17
How to improve comfort,
performance and feel
Page 07 The build and beyond
The rooms to prioritise Working with your builder
Page 30
Benefits of renovating The Kitchen Open Plan Living
Page 18 Page 20 Stay on time and budget
The upside of additions Page 31
Page 09 The Bathroom The Outdoors
Page 19 Page 21 Safety and best practice
Going Up or Going Out Page 32
Page 09 The Laundry
Page 20 The dotted line
Plan on your floor plan Understanding contracts.
Page 10 Page 33
Family First Living large
Planning for now and in 5 years. Where to live when renovating.
Page 10 Reality Page 33
Council approval Find your builder Contracts and defects
Before you start Page 22 Page 22 Page 34
Materials matter Applying and Owner builder Renovation regrets
Great design built to last. approvals Page 23 Page 35
Page 11 Page 22
Your design team
Framing up Page 23
Page 11
Build flexibility
Page 11 Scope
Cool summers and cozy winters Budget Your budget checklist
Page 12 Page 25 Page 26
QUICK LINKS
Get inspired Find a builder HomeBuilder and you Budget checklist Safety and best practice
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED
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1 Get
Started
It’s exciting right? You’ve decided to
upgrade your home and anything is
possible. Everything is on the cards!
But hang on for just a sec, it can pay
to pause. Are you 100% clear on your
reason for renovating - is this your
stepping stone home to something
bigger, are trying to meet your growing
family needs. Or maybe you’re
down-sizing for the next phase of life.
Perhaps you’re creating your forever
home, or you could be renovating to
sell? With your reason sorted, you can
focus on your space, design budget
and block. In short, you can get
started - with confidence.
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 5
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Time to dream
Design and mood
Once you know why you’re renovating,
it’s time to dive into the fun stuff – design.
Creating a vision board is a great
As you’re researching looks and layouts,
consider the functional elements of a
way to capture how you want your
house – how do you and your family want
to use the space? But be lead by the more
home to look and how you want it
emotional - how do you and your family
want to feel in the space.
to make you feel.
Where are the places in your home Have a think about how you live
you want to create calm to escape in your own home. What are the
Find images for from the family chaos? How will you parts that you love? The parts you
your mood board on capture those summer breezes and rave about to mates and that you
the James Hardie late afternoon light to lift a mood? want to make sure you keep.
website’s inspiration And, what are the parts that don’t
gallery or on Pinterest work - the dark or cramped areas
@jameshardieau or the spaces that just don’t get
used. Think about the things you
are jealous of in your friends houses
or have loved from places you have
holidayed over the years.
Creating a vision board is a great
way to capture how you want your
home to look and how you want it to
make you feel. Think of it as a true
north for your renovation. The guide
you return to when you make all
your reno decisions. When in doubt,
and there will be doubts, you can
always ask yourself ‘will it help me
achieve my vision’?
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 6
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Here’s how to get
started using tips
from the Three Birds
Renovation school:
1. Write a title for you vision board
in 3-5 words.
For example: Parisian apartment
or Beach meets bush
2. How do you want you renovation
to feel
For example: It always feels like
there is space
3. Come up with a hashtag for your
vision board
For example: #modernlines
4. Choose the images you like and
make sure they always relate
back to your vision.
And once you’ve got your vision
board - stay true to it and start
specifying what products you want
to achieve that look. Your vision
board always hold the answer.
A vision board can take some Before you know it, you’ll build a
F
ollow James Hardie’s time so let those ideas evolve a bit. picture of a beautiful, functional home
90k strong Instagram It’s worth it. We suggest including: that flows from space to space.
• Create a master vision board Follow architects, interior designers,
for your whole project landscape gardeners, renovators
and stylists you discover on sites like
• Exterior and interior ideas
Instagram, Pinterest and websites like
• A board for each room or area James Hardie’s ideas blog. They can
of the home - including outside. provide a trove of ideas and design
trends, solve problems and explain
ideas that are hard to describe.
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 7
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Have windows that face north (for
homes in the southern hemisphere)
mer
so low winter sun reaches deep into Sum
the house and warming living areas.
N E
Sun
r
nte
Wi
Modern Coastal meets Mixed Make the most of aspect. The owners
Cladding. North facing clerestory of this house turned a small veranda
W S windows fill the living areas with into a large deck using HardieDeck™
winter sun. to overlook a leafy park.
How to improve comfort, performance and feel
When it come to layout, there is • Keep cool in summer. Add a Design tips to maximise aspect - Lightweight building products like
no one option. To get the best shading hood or retractable the view from your house fibre cement are perfect for building
result for your project, your lifestyle awning over windows to shade on slope, allowing overhangs,
• Natural light and the connection
needs must be balanced with your the interior from high in the sky shading and thermal performance
between the exterior and interior
property, site and the best materials. baking summer sun. Encourage all year round. Cladding can also
of your home are the keys to
breezes through the house. reduce the environmental impact
Homes should be orientated to creating the best aspect - even
Based on wind directions, allow of a home.
get the best of everything – views, on narrow or uneven blocks.
cool, fresh evening air flow to
natural light and energy efficiency. • Open plan living, using space and Orientation and aspect are the
flush out hot stale air using
light can give the impression of first things a building designer or
Design tips to maximise orientation breezeways. Avoid building to
larger floor space, no matter the architect such as those with the
- the direction your property faces the boundary so air flows around
size of your block. Building Designers Association,
your house to help cool it.
• Warmth and light in winter. should notice on a site visit.
• Plan for needs. Utility areas, Site, orientation and aspect can Making the most out of your site
Add north facing windows
such as laundries, bathrooms also have direct connection with the will not only improve the comfort
(in the southern hemisphere)
and garages can be tucked away materials you use. Pair lightweight and liveability of your home. If you
to capture the most light and
on the south side of a property. cladding and flooring with a timber can retro fit some northerly aspect,
delicious warmth from the low
frames and design options open up. make sure the real estate agent uses
winter sun angle. Or could a
Cantilever the second level over an this if or when it comes time to sell.
skylight work?
outdoor dining area for warm winter
lunches and shady summer ones.
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 8
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The upper storey uses lightweight
Axon™ Cladding 400mm and is
cantilevered out from the bottom
level creating a Box Modern Look.
The Famous Five – Natalee Bowen’s expert tips
The right questions to ask and the mistakes to avoid.
• A building products 1. What don’t you like about your 4. Create open plan living.
company that started in home right now? How much Remember lifestyle equals
Australia in 1888. more space do you need? Is the value. Create a holiday at
• Now a global leader in the floor plan working? How will any home feel, open the layout
production of interior and changes affect your lifestyle and of the home and find that
exterior building products that of your family? indoor-outdoor feel. A better
employing more than 4,900 2. Create a vision board of flow adds a sense of luxury.
people across operations elements you love and want to 5. Budget. Deciding on a
in North America, Australia, include in your current home realistic budget is an essential
New Zealand, the - including open plan living, part, if not the most important
Philippines, and Europe. alfresco area and façade. part, of planning any renovation.
3. What are the things that will When we first renovated
add value? Adding a level, 20 years ago there was a lot
upgrading to cladding to of planning and budgeting
transform a dull brick home into discussed and this is why the
a Hamptons-style home. Finding job was split into two parts
a classic style that won’t date? and took a few years to finish.
atalee Bowen has over 20 years of design
N
industry experience. For more of her
Hamptons-inspired style visit indahisland.com
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 9
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Benefits of renovating Making the space
for your needs
The upside of additions
If you have outgrown your current Helpful Hint
home or it is not working for you, Jak Rizzo from Iobis Building Upper storey additions
there are plenty of options. Sell up Design on the NSW central are rarely built with heavy
and move on. Knockdown and rebuild. coast, believes home owners materials such as bricks
Or renovate. If you’re reading this can save a fortune on their because engineering the
guide, chances are you’ve already renovation in the planning old house to support
chosen option three. Great choice. phase by hiring a skip bin. their weight is too
Renovating allows you to keep living He advises clients to have costly. Typically these
in your suburb of choice, and preserve an honest clean out to avoid renovations are done
the things you love about your home. adding expensive floor space with a timber frame and
You can increase the functionality and to accommodate the stuff cladding that simply
liveability of your property, add some they’ve collected over the nails onto it like timber
serious dollars to your resale value years and don’t really need. or more durable fibre
and design your home for your exact
cement cladding.
needs unlike a project build.
Going Up or Going Out
This 1930’s home was updated with a Modern Coastal
Look that makes the most of the Derwent river views. It’s one of the big calls. You’ve Upper storey additions can be
decided to add space but how 25% more expensive per square
much and where. Whether you meter than ground floor additions.
go up or out depends on a few However they are ideal for adding
key factors such as the size and extra bedrooms, or zoning a house
orientation of your block, existing with a growing family. Bring on the
house construction, and how much parents retreat.
space you need.
When adding first floor or ground
Ground floor renovations are twice floor extensions you can choose
as common as upper floor additions. different materials to what the
And they are great for utilising space house was originally built with to
on your block and opening up both save space - fibre cement cladding
your floor plan and your house to the on frame allows you to build high
outdoors. And here comes the BUT performance walls with a width
R
ead more about whether to renovate or start new - they can also see you lose that very of just 100mm over brick veneer
Creating a more functional home outdoor space you are connecting to. cladding, saving up to 130mmm
Three Birds Renovation: rebuild or renovate of valuable floor space.
HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 10
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Plan on your floor plan
Whether you chose to build up or • Consider how you use every
out, the most important factor in room and every bit of space will
your renovation is a floor plan that maximise your renovation and
makes the space work for your keep it practical. Home theatre
needs. Here’s how to make floor rooms are great, but not every
plans count: reno can or should have one
• How your home and rooms are
laid out should help how you live
now - keeping bedrooms in cool
Need to know
parts of the house for example, Your floorplan should
and away from noisy living areas consider the orientation
- and in the future. of your property to outside
• Think about how you will gardens and courtyards
repurpose rooms when the kids to maximise light and the
grow up and need more space - feeling of space.
or when they move out and you
all of a sudden have more space.
Things to think about when renovating for your family
• Think about what your family • Let’s face it, families are messy.
will be like in 5 or 10 years, Now is your chance to plan for
not just next year. a clutter free, easy tidy home.
• Ask your family what they • Think about the rooms that
want and incorporate it into really count - bathrooms,
your design. play and study areas.
• Keep your spaces connected. Read about how a family home
Family is about sharing became a forever home
moments. Design a renovation
that helps make them.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 11
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Before you start
Materials matter Framing up
Renovating to sell Thinking about what your renovation Did you know 89% of renovations
looks like is one thing. Using the are built out of timber or steel
Most people renovate to make
right materials is just as important. frames? James Hardie are experts
a life more comfortable, others
in frame construction. They’ve
to make some money. If you’re Historically, Australians homes were
designed a range of high-quality
looking to flip your way to built from locally sourced natural
fibre cement wall and floor products
financial reward, you’ll need materials like sandstone and timber.
that are easy to install and offer
a different approach:
Today’s modern homes are built design flexibility.
• First you need to be sure from engineered materials like fibre
you are buying a property cement, plasterboard and laminates. To suit the different Australian home
that is worth renovating. styles, fibre cement can create a
Engineered wall and cladding
Is it in the right area? variety of looks from classic timber
materials are created to improve
Is it structurally sound? to a modern rendered wall. All
on natural materials. They may be
Will it need repairs, such James Hardie products are low
more cost-effective, more durable,
as rewiring or plumbing maintenance and meet or exceed
more sustainable or simply more
before you even start? Australian needs for durability*.
readily available. And you can build
Are there any planning
without compromise.
or heritage issues? Build flexibility
• Before you purchase a house Fibre cement also gives you design
and crunch half of it down, flexibility, because it can be held
you need to crunch the entirely by the frame. Masonry and
numbers. What are all your bricks, on the other hand, need to
expenses? What is a realistic bear their weight on a concrete slab
resale price? What happens or steel lintel. Interesting shapes,
if the market crashes? wide openings, gravity-defying
• If the numbers look right designs and solutions to tricky
on your project, every bit of building challenges are possible.
your design should have one
purpose in mind - increasing
value. So you need to know
your buyers and understand Project: Bowral, NSW
what they’re looking for in Look: Traditional Hamptons Find out more about different
a home. Walls: Linea™ Weatherboard 150mm building materials
Paint: Dulux® Timeless Grey Stria™ Cladding 325mm
*When installed correctly as set out in the installation guide current at the time with and maintained in accordance with the James Hardie installation literature current at the time of installation.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 12
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The right
Lightweight construction allows
modern designs to have bold materials used
in the right
forms. Here, Stria™ Cladding
is used vertically.
way can help
you achieve
Cool summers and
cozy winters.
your vision,
Building the most thermal efficient
renovation helps reduce heating
deliver street
and cooling use and costs. The
combination of fibre cement
cladding and the right insulation
and spacing make a big difference
areas punished by the sun. appeal and
give you the
Gain extra space
What you don’t want is thermal
with cladding.
mass - bricks - on the outside
flexibility to
You can gain extra floor space by of a house. Brick veneer, or in
specifying your cladding. Insulated more technical terms the use of
design the
timber frames and internal high mass cladding in lightweight
plasterboard walls are just 100mm framing can decrease thermal
wide. Using Axon™ Cladding performance because they
adds just 9mm to the width of the
wall. Brick veneer adds 130mm.
Doubling the wall width.
maintain higher temperature
differentials. Translation -
external brick walls keep outside
way you want.
temperatures for longer.
For a 250 square meter single level
you could gain almost 10 square For more information visit the
meters. That’s a study nook, powder Australian Government’s
room or valuable storage space. YourHome site.
230mm 109mm
Creates additional
121mm floor space
Brick Veneer wall James Hardie™ Cladding
width 230mm wall width 109mmHOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 13
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Beautiful wall textures with less hassle.
Fibre cement is engineered for in bushfire zones and for fire and
frame construction on walls, floors acoustic wall systems.
and ceilings. It can easily be nailed
Being a manufactured product it’s
to timber or screwed to steel. Being
made to look like materials which
made from cement, it’s enduring.
can be less durable and or harder
It’s resistant to damage from
to maintain, such as timber,
moisture and termites and will not
and complex to build, like
rot when installed and maintained
a rendered masonry wall.
in accordance with James Hardie’s
literature current at the time of
installation. Being fire resistant,
and deemed non-combustible by
the National Construction Code,
James Hardie has products for use
Weatherboard Looks Vertical Joint Timber Looks Cement Render Looks Panel LooksHOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 14
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Axon™ Cladding
400mm Smooth
The owners
The dream was for an
ultra-contemporary family
extension. Something striking.
Something different. David and
Bec had a clear vision for their
family renovation in Sydney’s
Drummoyne. Then they found
the letter. It was from the original
builders and fell out from behind
an architrave. It stopped the work The ask
in its tracks. It read: With their young family in mind,
David and Bec’s modern extension
“This building was erected by: would overlook a backyard retreat
– M. M. Haiges. with plenty of room to play and
– Carpenter James Haston unwind. They planned to give
– Plasterers Thomas Smart the front of the house a modern
& Henry Glossip renovation, while keeping within
– Painter M. Swan the heritage requirements. But
Case Study Remember us all whoever after finding the note, preserving
finds this. 1902.” the 114-year-old building became
From cottage to
crucial to the renovation of the front
of the house.
contemporary and
the hidden secret
The builder
Kane Harrison. You can find a
that made it happen.
builder in your area using James
Hardie’s Find a Builder page.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET STARTED 15
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‘The humble heritage facade of
this Drummoyne cottage hides
an amazing contemporary home.’
The look The materials
You wouldn’t know it from the Clever design calls for clever
street. That’s the ambition of materials. To achieve the modern,
the contemporary home that geometric, minimalist look,
David and Bec created. It belies David and Bec used James Hardie
the humble heritage facade Axon™ Cladding featuring the
of the cottage. The modern, subtle vertica groove reminiscent
‘boxy house’ look uses cladding of a vertical joint timber. The 9mm
careful adjoining the original thick premium fibre cement is also
brickwork as a dynamic contrast used to hide the roofline and solar
between the old and the new. panels, giving the modern extension
its clean lines and angles.
Before
The ‘one thing’
The result
A floating second storey extension
- featuring three bedrooms and It’s all in the details. Interior design
two bathrooms - is cantilevered was crucial to integrating and
over the pool and living area. The seamless look and feel throughout
extension was made possible with the house. The grey and white
fibre cement cladding rather than colour palette is interrupted by
heavy brick. Precise engineering contemporary black powder-coated
and building deliver shade, weather fittings in the new part of the house.
protection and a stunning impact. And the black is intentional, picking
up on the black copper fittings in
the old part of the house. From
humble beginnings to a high-end
reimagining, hopefully David and
After
Bec remembered to hide a note
Find out more about creating behind a cornice.
A new, and protected alfresco dining area, pool and bright open plan a modern classic look
living equals a big boost in lifestyle.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING
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2 Get
Planning
It’s time to stop dreaming and make
some decisions. After what can
feel like a lifetime of consideration,
you’ve made the big call to renovate.
The moment has come to assemble
a team you can trust, perfect your
plans, pick products you can rely on
and calculate some, well-informed
figures. Think about what you want
each room to look like. Do your
research. Ask questions. Interrogate
every angle and opportunity –
because the decisions you make
right now will shape your build,
and your lifestyle for years to come.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 17
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Research Project: Sandy Bay, TAS
Look: Modern Coastal
Walls: Linea™ Weatherboard
Paint: Wattyl® Cattle Dog Cluster
Find out more about
the modern look
Find out more about
the hamptons look
Heavy materials include
formed concrete blocks and
bricks. Lightweight does
not mean weak. It’s is a
term builders and designers What is fibre cement?
use that refers to timber,
Asbestos-free Fibre cement was developed by
steel, fibre cement and
James Hardie in the early 1980s and is trusted
other materials that can be
by builders for its durability, design versatility and
installed on frames rather
being easy to work with.
than having to bear their
weight on the ground. It’s made from a combination of cellulose fibre
(which comes from plantation pine trees),
Additions don’t need to
cement, sand, water and a small number of
Making your renovation timeless. meld seamlessly into an
secret ingredients which give fibre cement its
existing home, replicating
How do you elevate your renovation The signature Hamptons Look style trademark characteristics. James Hardie® fibre
traditional facades and
from the simple to the striking and make gives you the best of coastal design, cement is fire resistant, resistant to impact, and
styles. They make a
sure your design won’t date? By using with open spaces and light brought resistant to damage from moisture and termites*.
statement by working
the right materials to build timeless to your site. different styles together - Fibre cement products include external cladding,
designs like the popular, timeless creating common ground. internal wall and ceiling lining, indoor and
The best renovations use modern
Hamptons style or a Modern look that outdoor flooring substrate, wet area lining and
lightweight materials such as fibre James Hardie’s cladding
will stand out for decades to come. eaves, as well as soffits (veranda ceilings).
cement cladding and weatherboards range has the flexibility to
The Modern Look, with its clean lines, that can work on single or double be mixed and matched
geometric patterns and minimalist style storey builds. for a specific look, or your
has stood time’s test. With its origins in personal style.
1930s Europe, it provides the flexibility
to and compliment existing structures Find our more about fibre cement products
as part of a renovation.
*When installed correctly as set out in the installation guide current at the time with and maintained in accordance with the James Hardie installation literature current at the time of installation.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 18
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The rooms to prioritise
Need to know
Kitchens are also a great way to link to the outdoors
through by clever location of a BBQ or outside
serving bench or even continuing your building
Think about the rooms where you The Kitchen
and your family spend the most time materials - such as wall cladding from inside to out.
or need to be functional. These are You’ve often heard it said that the
the key areas you should focus your kitchen is the heartbeat of the house.
attention on to get the most from That’s for a reason. Not to get all
your renovation. sentimental but its often the place your
family and friends connect the most
- as you prepare a meal, over dinner,
and even in that chaotic “have you
got your lunchbox, are you coming
home after work, who is picking up
X kid from soccer and Y kid from piano”
morning rush. HardieGroove™
linings are a
Kitchens not only need to look good,
durable wall
they need to be functional and durable.
material that
That means:
As award winning architect resists moisture
and author Joe Snells says: • Storage and bench space is a and knocks.
must - whether that’s putting in a It give the a
“The kitchen is butlers pantry if you have the luxury
of space or an island bench that
vertical joint
timber look
often the central can also open up a room. The last
thing you want is a kitchen that
to a kitchen
splashback.
location of the looks magazine-awesome, but is
completely impractical.
home, from • The trusted formula for achieving this
There are few areas of the home
that get more traffic than the
Kitchen by Three Birds Renovations.
House 9. Ceramic sink by Reece.
where you want
functionality is the ‘kitchen triangle’
kitchen. So practical design means
or connecting your kitchen sink, oven
hard wearing. For walls and halls,
to be able to
or cooking space and fridge areas.
consider high impact lining materials
But in open plan kitchen/living areas,
such as HardieGroove lining.
keep an eye on
it can help to think of creating zones.
• If you have a separate kitchen,
things; like the consider opening it up to the dining
and living areas to bring together
bridge of a ship.” those spaces.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 19
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Need to know
In older home renovating a bathroom may be a
The secret to an enduring necessity. Often the layout is wrong for modern
bathroom lays behind the tiles. living, small leaks may have weakened timber
flooring or structures, the look may be dated and
A bathroom is a sanctuary. It’s few parts of the house take more wear and use.
everyone’s personal and private space
- providing nobody is banging on the
door. So ensure you have space you
need, invest in quality products in
this high use area. Don’t be tempted
to jump on the latest shmik design
trend, rely on your personal style and Villaboard™ lining is heavy duty compared
remember the high use a bathroom with plasterboard. If the waterproofing
cops daily. fails you can rest assured that it won’t.
There are three main types
of bathrooms:
• the family bathroom But it’s also what you can’t see under
• the ensuite the hood that also matters. Internal
• and the guest bathroom wet area walls such those behind
shower recesses, tiles, vanities and
Each type has a different role in the floors, are high risk areas for damage
home. If you are renovating for a in the future. Unlike plaster and
busy family, try and aim for a family chipboard, fibre cement products
bathroom and an ensuite. If you’ve like James Hardie Villaboard™ wall
got the room - and budget - a guest lining and Secura™ internal flooring
bathroom stops visitors from spending are resistant to damage from water
their time in private family areas. and moisture. With respect to
(Just think about where you put your Villaboard™ lining, it also has higher
guest bathroom - there’s little worse “hanging power” for tiles meaning
than opening the door and announcing those expensive penny-round tiles Secura™ Interior
to a room where you’ve just been. you always coveted are always secure. flooring is a
Bathrooms rightly attract a lot of Villaboard can hold tiles up to 50kg fibre cement
attention and design consideration - a square metre*. While Secura has tongue and
ceiling mounted shower rose anyone. two functions - one side is designed groove flooring
Keeping space usable is crucial - think for tiled areas with a sealant gap, that’s resistant
long vanities, double basins, the and the other is suited to sit under to damage
ultimate layout has a bath and shower. vinyl and/or carpet. from moisture.
*When installed correctly as set out in the installation guide current at the time with and maintained in accordance with the James Hardie installation literature current at the time of installation.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 20
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Both HardieGroove Lining with
100mm groove spacing or Axon™
Cladding 133mm Smooth with
133mm groove spacing can be
used in ceilings. Vaulted and
Cathedral ceilings give rooms
a sense of grandeur and space.
Has the laundry become the new bathroom? Open plan living areas
Has the laundry become the new Simple moves, like putting your Getting families together. Entertaining
bathroom? A quick glance at washing machine taps in a laundry friends. Creating shared spaces and
Pinterest and renovation handles cabinet are easy was to increase the areas - that’s what the modern living
on social media reveals high design space and usability of your laundry. room is all about. The “good room”,
meeting high functionality. While it And don’t forget storage, drying space tucked away off a hallway never
was not always the sexiest part of a and ventilation such as extraction fans to be used, thankfully is no longer.
renovation, your laundry is all about if you are running a dryer. The living room is for movie watching,
functionality and can be a major selling video gaming, reading, chatting and
point. Laundries should be connected snoozing - sometimes all at once.
to your kitchen and you washing line It’s the most important, and public,
should be as close to the laundry as HardieGroove Lining.™ It gives the space in the house.
possible to keep things practical. charm of vertical joint timber in your
Renovating gives you the chance
laundry and it won’t swell or warp
to put your living room in the best
from the humid air from the dryer.
possible position, with the best design.
Have your living room windows and
doors facing the sun and outdoors. Get the look
Bring in the light and breeze. Sliding Modern design is all about
or stacking doors connect the living simplicity. Think about seamlessly
room to garden spaces, opening up connecting the living area and
the room and making it feel larger. In outdoor area. Axon Cladding can be
Australia, that means 30 degrees either used indoors or outdoors providing
side of north. If you can’t relocate the the opportunity to create an interior
room, there are always other options feature wall that extends to the
such as skylights and making window outside of the house.
openings larger.
Open plan living means bringing your
kitchen, living and dining area into the
a single space. As always, floor plan is
crucial. Have as few walls as possible.
Take as much space from adjoining
rooms as you can and zone off areas,
such as a study nook.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 21
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Privacy wall.
Wall: Stria™ Cladding 325mm.
The outdoors
Australia has the perfect climate for Renovation foundations – Joe Snell’s expert tips
connecting the indoors with outdoors
- whether that’s a courtyard, deck, • Use a professional. Renovating • Design for the future.
balcony or the good old backyard. is often our biggest investment. Don’t get caught up designing your
With its Hills Hoist and bare patches You wouldn’t skimp on a doctor renovation for your family now.
of grass from endless cricket games Decks, balconies, gardens and or lawyer. Please don’t do so on Ensure that you have designed for
- the backyard has always been part verandas are a must for entertaining, your home. your changing family needs over
of our way of life. all year round. Step outside and gain • Do your research on builders, the next five to ten years.
But gardens are getting smaller and another room. HardieDeck™ decking and make sure to meet their past • C
onnect with the outside.
connecting the inside with outside is made from fibre cement. And with its clients and see the work done. We live in one of the most liveable
and creating entertaining areas is even smooth, wide boards, clean lines and If a builder can’t recommend climates in the world, make sure
more important. Think of your outdoor durability it creates a clean modern anyone then alarm bells should any money you spend on your
areas like another room - flexible, look - and all with timeless style and a be going off. renovation is making the most of
inviting and built to last. modern look. the outside environment.
• Confirm and understand
your budget. Think carefully about
what you really need. Nail down
your budget and contract with your
builder before you start. Ensure that
the builder is licensed
and registered.
Joe Snell is an award winning architect,
designer and author of ‘Your Best Home:
5 spaces x Design steps = a Better Life’.
Find out more at studiosnell.com/joe-snell
Privacy wall.
Wall: Linea™ Weatherboard 180mm.
Paint: Dulux® Domino.
Find out more about modern deckingHOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 22
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Reality ind a James
F
Hardie builder
in your area
Council approval
It’s important to check with your local
council before you start building.
Submitting planning applications is
not much fun. But that’s all the more Applying and approvals
reason to approach this part of your But if you do need planning approvals,
renovation with care and clarity. Make who is going to handle them? It could
sure you understand the rules set by be your builder, architect or a project
your local council. manger. Who you choose depends on
The first thing to work out is do you need the needs and complexity of your reno Find your builder
any formal planning approval at all? but it’s essential everyone is crystal
Some people have the time and skills If you don’t have any first-hand
There are three main types of approvals: clear on their responsibilities.
to manage a renovation themselves. recommendations, start by looking at
• Exempt development - things like And perhaps the most important thing But for most, the task can be too big online reviews. And, of course, balance
small decks and carports that don’t to consider with the planning approvals to take on. all your research with your budget and
require approval. process is time. Your application has to their availability.
Enter the builder. Now, you are going
adhere to both state and local-council
to spend a lot of time with your builder.
• Complying development - low impact
laws, and could be objected to by your A good builder is a true partner
renovations like kitchens, garages Calling them. Waiting for them to call
and some ground floor additions.
neighbours. With the timeframes
you. Meeting them for coffee. Meeting in your reno. Someone who
involved in each part of the process,
them on site. Meeting them for coffee protects your best interests,
• Development application - approvals can take up to 8 weeks,
renovations that change the or longer.
on site. Texting. Emailing. You want to manages trades seamlessly
choose the right one.
streetscape or impact neighbours. and has a keen eye for quality
These are examples only. Classifications To find yours, speak to at least three
control on every part of the job.
and what is permissible may vary. Need to know different builders about your plans
It may seem like a lot of work, but
Always check with your council first. and vision, ask for references from
To avoid objections, it’s a great getting the right builder will save you
previous clients and to see some of
In NSW, many ground floor renovations idea to talk with your neighbours so much more work in the long run.
their finished builds.
can get by with a complying through the planning process to James Hardie’s Find a Builder is a
development - which is planning and avoid surprises. And be prepared to A great way to create or cutdown your
handy directory. It may help you find a
construction approval by a council work closely with your build team shortlist is to ask for recommendations
local builder.
or accredited certifier - rather than a and local council to quickly amend from family or friends - because anyone
more complex and time consuming plans and deal with objections. who has used a builder will know them
Development Approval. well by the end of the project.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 23
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Your design team
Who will you need?
Architects are experts in going from Building Designers are the all-in-one
the big picture to the little details. renovation option. With design and
They can translate your vision into a construct builds, the building company
plan - maximising light, space and completes the architectural design of
functionality. Architects can help give your build or renovation, is responsible
you better clarity on how your home can for planning and documentation as well
improved, which materials to use and how as the build and project management.
to best maximise the space. But they do With your design input, Building Designers
come at a cost. A draftsman is trained are expert in understanding how your
in technical and material design, which home fits your needs, and provide expert
may be enough for you build, provide you advice throughout the build. One of the
Owner builder have a clear design and style in mind. advantages is a single team to deal with
You’ve probably heard the line. But there are downsides. Owner across the build and often services such
Being and owner builder can save builders often have to balance as designs are fixed cost.
you 30% of your build or renovation managing their reno with their day
cost. But what does being an owner job, plus being an owner builder can
builder mean, and is it right for you make it more difficult to get finance
and your renovation? from the bank or other lenders for a
Put simply, being and owner builder construction loan. Some banks may
means co-ordinating and supervising only lend between 0 - 60% of the entire
the whole build process. That means construction costs. Builders are also
managing the trades the project experienced in the juggling of trades,
needs, work quality as well as being work flow and scheduling needed to
responsible for insurance and safety keep a project on track. Owner builders
on site. The upside of wearing that need to ensure that the work meets
risk is clawing back the margin building regulations and standards.
that a builders charge, which can Builders also have extensive
range between 6 - 22%. connections in the industry, making
Being an owner builder can appeal it easier to find trades and workers
to those with renovation experience. they can trust.
Remember, owner-builders must do
an approved course or have existing
accreditation.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 24
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A good builder
is a true partner
Planning consultants can be helpful
in your reno.
Need to know if you are starting a renovation that
requires complex planning approvals.
Someone who
Have a builder and designer
work together from day one and
Paying for their expertise in negotiating protects your best
interests, manages
regulations and approvals at the start
collaborate to build to your budget. can speed up your build and save you
trades seamlessly
It can be risky to finish your plans in the long run.
with a designer and then try and
and has a keen
find a get quotes to build the design.
If you’re building your dream home
When - or hopefully if - costs blow
and want to get involved, do the
eye for quality.
out there can be a blame game.
Three Birds Renovations 6 week
Reno School online course.
Three Birds Renovation SchoolHOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 25
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Scope
Budget
How much will my renovation cost? An accurate quote requires a fully
Even if you know how many bedrooms finished plan, including detailed product
Have three budget
and bathrooms you want, the answer to and fit-out specifications, that can be
costs in mind:
this question is all in the detail. estimated by your builder. The simplest
way to ensure you’ll be on budget for 1.
What you hope it will cost
Three Birds Renovations Reno School
a big job is to approach an architect, (as inexpensive as possible).
estimates the cost of a renovation can
builder or design build company with
be anywhere between $1,000-$4,000 hat it will probably cost
2. W
your specific budget to begin with.
per square meter. But several key (the proposed costs you lock
factors including the size and shape To ensure you maintain a balanced in before commencement).
of the addition, the number and size budget, it can be a good idea to allow
of bathrooms, the type of external a contingency of 10% for simple 3. What it might end up costing
cladding, roof covering, windows and renovations, and more for houses should anything go wrong
joinery selected, and the condition where integrating the old and new can (e.g. price surges on materials,
of existing dwelling all contribute to create challenges. Be disciplined and unexpected delays, etc.).
building costs. stick to your specs and vision boards, Be realistic. Avoid bill-shock.
and avoid last minute variations with And the disappointment that
additional costs. comes with it.
Allow for unknowns - especially if
updating an existing house.
Think about the extras. With so much
attention going into maximising space,
selecting taps that are modern but
won’t date and keeping track of costs,
it’s easy to let thing on the side slip such
as window finishes, driveways, rain
tanks fencing and landscaping.
Project: Maroubra, NSW
Look: Mid-Century Modern
Walls: Stria™ Cladding 325mm
Paint: Dulux® Lexicon Quarter
Create feature walls by replacing boring plasterboard with cladding. Designer: Studio SnellHOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 26
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Your budget checklist
Getting your budget right and sticking to it is crucial to delivering the renovation you
The simplest way to imagined. Here’s an easy to use checklist to make sure you start on the right track.
ensure you’ll be on Your team Inside
budget for a big job
Architect/Building Designer/Draftsman Cabinetry
$ $
is to approach an Interior Designer
$
Wardrobes
$
architect, builder or Structural Engineer fees Air Conditioning
design build company
$ $
Private or Council Certifier Fixtures and fittings
with your specific $ $
budget to begin with.
Environmental/Soil specialist Flooring
$ $
Surveyor Council fees Window coverings
$ $ $
Water Board Arborist Appliances Styling
$ $ $ $
Before you start Outside
Rent Removalists Landscaping
$ $ $
Fencing
Builder and trades $
Demolition Solar Panels Awnings
$ $ $
Builder Pool Renderer
$ $ $
Electrician
$
Plumber
Total $
$
Tiler Glazier
$ $
Painter Plasterer Download our budget checklist
$ $
Disclaimer: This is a general checklist only and is not intended to be comprehensive.
It is provided for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 27
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Matrix™
Cladding
Case Study The owners
Mark and Suzette had returned to
When Scandi Barn Melbourne to re-establish their roots
after two decades overseas. The couple
meets Edwardian charm.
had a choice - buy a new place or
renovate the house they bought in 1994.
“We lived in it for a few years before we
moved offshore, Mark say. We really
liked the house and its historical nature.
On coming back to Australia, we were
considering what we would do and we
thought we’d really like to renovate”
Front
says Mark.
The ask The builder
Renovate an Edwardian home, which Shaun Clancy at Clancy Constructions
by Suzette’s own admission needed in Kew. You can find a builder in your
some work, and combine heritage area using James Hardie’s Find a
with modern architecture. It was your Builder page.
typical single fronted period place with
a skillion roof on the back, she says.
“We’d always thought that we were
going to just chop off the back of the
house and take it to the tip, because
it was just terrible.”HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET PLANNING 28
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“...we engaged people that we
both trusted and who ultimately
delivered on our vision.”
The look The ‘one thing’
The design of the Mark and Suzette’s For home owner and renovator Mark,
renovation had several components they “got it right” because of the
that needed to be integrated - their people they used for the build. You
desire for a modern minimalist look do put a lot of trust into the people,
that also worked with the old part of the contractors, the architects and the
the house. The answer was the modern subcontractors that come onto site.
Scandi Barn look.
“I think we were genuinely lucky in that
This design features steeply pitched we did engage people that we both
The materials The result
gable roofs, clean, and open, light trusted and who ultimately delivered
warm internal spaces. And the on our vision,” Mark says. Building a Scandi Barn, on the frame of Mark and Suzette, who are both keen
reference to the Scandi Barn is clear an Edwardian home, with its lines and gardeners, are retired now - giving them
through the renovation. The roof lines angles was a challenge. That’s where even more time to appreciate what they
of the renovation compliment the pitch the Matrix™ cladding product helped, have managed to create. We’ve kept
of the roof that was in the old part of the shadow line that in the frame, the all the old photos, Suzette says, and
the house, Mark says. paintwork created a generous feel. looking at the house now it’s like chalk
and cheese.
“It marries the heritage, he explains. “The Matrix installation process is very
“I can actually just sit up here and look easy,” Shaun says. “The carpenters on “Mark was looking through some photos
at the back of the property and I really site can complete it from start to finish. and I didn’t realise it was our place he
do like the way it presents itself here. It’s easy for the guys to work with.” And was looking at and I looked over his
maintenance has been easy. When a shoulder and I thought “wow that looks
recent dust storm came in Mark and great” and I did a double take and it was
Suzette had to scrub down the old the back of our house,” Suzette says.
weatherboard front of the house but the “It really is quite beautiful.”
Matrix just took a damp cloth and didn’t
retain the moisture. Find out more about creating
the Scandinavian Barn lookHOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET BUILDING
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3 Get
Building
Now the fun begins. The daggy and dated
comes crashing down. The leaky and
loose gets ripped out. And the old makes
way for the new. This is another point
in the build where it can be easy to get
carried away with the excitement of all
that’s taking place. But achieving the best
results, and keeping your sanity, requires a
calm, considered and logical mindset right
through the construction phase. Here’s
how to keep the ship steady through the
ups and downs of the build – and beyond.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET BUILDING 30
The build and beyond
That means:
• Speaking to your builder daily - even if ind a James
F
briefly. It helps to build your relationship Hardie builder
and helps identify any problems early. in your area
It helps to know what you want, or
what you need advice on. Don’t leave
any chance for confusion or grey areas.
Be specific, Be detailed.
• Meet on site whenever you can. There’s
nothing like being there to make sure you
instructions are clear - and it also helps
the builder, who knows the technical
details explain any issue more clearly.
• Don’t rely on hand written notes,
and certainly don’t rely on requests,
questions or even answers from often
chaotic site meetings. Your builder
may be managing more than one build
or quoting for new jobs. Follow up
site meeting with requests by email.
This will ensure there is no confusion
about your requests and each party’s
responsibilities.
Working with your builder
Need to know • Ask every question you have about the
Your relationship with your builder and build and ask it early - because making
tradies has a defining affect on your Conversations with your builder retrospective changes to work can be
overall renovation experience. Like all should always be part of the process, costly, time consuming and is often
relationships, the key is communication. and to avoid misunderstandings, based on misunderstandings.
Ensure there is a clear understanding of make sure you put all your
responsibilities and expectations at every • And while conversations should always
communication in writing. be part of the process, make sure you
point in the process. Everybody should
know who is managing every task. No put all your communication in writing.
question is too simple, no detail too small.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET BUILDING 31
Stay on time and budget
10 tips for working with a builder – Futureflip’s expert tips You’ve been disciplined. You’ve done the Some of the most common causes
right thing with your budget, shopped of budget blow-outs are unforeseen
1. Do your research and 5. What’s your final 8. Ask your builder how around, triple checked quotes, made problems, such as the need to rewire
ask for references budget? There’s often often you can access compromises. So how do you make or re-stump, or last-minute upgrades to
2. Check the fine print. a difference between your home during sure all that hard budget work doesn’t fixtures and fittings – like changing from
Ask your builder if they budgeted cost and the the build. get blown away once you start building? a benchtop to a stone benchtop.
are fully licensed and total cost of the project. 9. Ask about the latest Renovation budgeting is hard. Sticking
Preliminary costs can It’s important to stay true to your budget
fully insured. date to make changes to a renovation budget is even harder.
be an extra 20% of the and your plans throughout the build.
to your plans without Costs can creep in a number of ways.
3. How long has the build budget. A little bit of design discipline will keep
builder been in incurring extra charges. you on track.
business? How many 6. How will the builder 10. A
sk your builder to
projects of this type communicate with outline exactly what
have they completed? you during the project. is included in the
What’s their standard contract and any items
4. Have a clear idea turnaround time for
of what you want to that could vary in price.
communication?
achieve so that builders
can provide accurate 7. Ask how many projects
quotes and plan the they’re currently working
process accordingly. on, and how many
they will be working on
during your build.
Futureflip is a Sydney-based design and build
company, specialising in new duplex constructions,
with more than 15-years experience.
Check them out on Instagram: @futureflipHOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET BUILDING 32
Your dream home should
have a dream garden.
Don’t neglect landscaping.
Tips for keeping your reno on budget.
1.
Reduce your unknowns. The first 3.
Some builders and tradies can use
thing is to know as much of the detail that laid back approach to their
of your renovation before you start advantage. You have contracts and
- from taps to tradies and layouts to quotes with timings for a reason.
landscaping. The plan you plan the Don’t be afraid to speak up. But do
less surprises. be reasonable and polite. It will get
you places.
2.
Have a schedule and stick to it.
Sounds simple right. Remember 4.
Identify the rooms that could cost
one of the most common causes you time and pay extra attention.
of budget blow outs is delays. And bathrooms and kitchens are
Your budget has a twin. And that’s the prime culprits.
your renovation schedule.
5.
Take pictures. And lots of them.
Keeping your budget balanced also relies
on very clear, detailed contracts with your Need to know
construction partners. Ensure every task and
cost must be accounted for and allocated Beware of variations. Think of this as
to someone before you start the build. Get like bracket creep and income tax.
it all in writing because you don’t want to Variations are the agreed changes
get halfway through the job and hear the to what has been agreed in your
dreaded words, “that wasn’t included”. building contract. That means things
like changing bench tops to stone,
And a final watch out is landscaping – the
changing timber window frames to
too often forgotten part of the renovation.
black powder coated steel frames. It
With so much time and effort into planning
doesn’t take much for a few variations
and budgeting for their dream home,
to add up to a lot more money.
the dream garden is often neglected.HOME RENOVATION GUIDE | GET BUILDING 33
The basics of building contracts Cost Plus contracts do have an estimated Where to live while renovating
final price. This is based on a scope of
Each state has a specified value of work work that you agree too, and where you You’ve done the planning, found your
over which the home owner will need a pay for the costs of materials and labour look, your builder and your ready to start
building contract. In Victoria, for example, as well as a nominated builders margin. renovating. Where do you live?
this value is $10,000. Builders work off two A Cost Plus contract means keeping a very For some renovations there may be no
basic types of contracts - Fixed Price or close eye on your builder and the costs choice but to move out. But remember
Cost Plus. So what should you go for and they are passing on. moving out means moving up the budget.
what should you look out for? According to property research group
Fixed Price contracts are the most CoreLogic - the median rent across
The Master Builders Association
common and they include the builder’s Australia in 2019 was $436 per week
has a range of contracts you can
‘margin’ and GST. But beware, Fixed ($454 in Melbourne and $582 in Sydney).
use as a guide.
Price isn’t always what it seems. Prices There are advantages of living on site while
can change due to variations, for example you renovate, you and your family feel part
deciding to put a skylight in that living area of the process, it easier to keep track on
that wasn’t in the plans. Another watch out progress and keep an eye out for issues.
is the items a builder specifies. These may But living in your home while you renovate
be standard items rather than the finishes can add to an already stressful situation.
you have always dreamed of. Any cost There’s the dust and dirt and cramped
difference is worn by you. living conditions when that bedroom
Make sure your
becomes your makeshift kitchen and
living room and study.
plans are clear and Chances are that reno is already all
consuming. And it becomes even more
you are across consuming when you can’t get a break
plus there can be a lack of privacy.
the specifications Photo by La Miko from Pexels
such as lighting,
benches or floor
coverings.
Photo by Cal David from PexelsYou can also read
