If you follow us on Facebook, we have been working our way through the alphabet – one letter per week – as a means to explore different aspects of the industry, do you have a better idea of the things you might encounter during your project.
We give you tips, explanation in a sometimes serious, sometimes tongue in cheek look at all things Reno. Included are a few that didn’t make the Facebook cut.
Here is a summary of the I, J, K and L’s of our renovation alphabet…
I is for
INNOVATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION
The emergence of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and later BIM (Building Information Management) have irrevocably changed construction.
While CAD vastly transformed the role of designers, allowing them to now resolve issues previously not able to be fully addressed until the construction phase. Welcome to the third dimension.
BIM has proven amazingly versatile, allowing architects, engineers, builders, and subcontractors to collaborate on the fine details of design and construction by using the same database and computer modelling.
Because BIM is a collaborative process from beginning to end, it allows all parties working on a project to visualize and analyse design decisions, and pinpoint interferences and other errors, before work begins on site. All this means there is less room for error and as a result budget blowouts.
It’s a win-win all around.
IPHONE
any smartphone, for that matter. Your phone is your new best renovation friend.
Mobile technology has transformed the construction industry in several ways. Using smartphones and tablets, all parties involved can work together using the same consolidated information sources, ensuring no one is left out of the loop, no matter where they are.
What’s not to love about a device that is a one-stop shop – it’s a camera, a phone, a diary, a measuring tape, a notebook, a project management tool, budget calculator…and that’s just fro starters
INTERNET
This alphabet would be incomplete without paying homage to the telecommunications network that has revolutionized construction. From construction management software to laser-based survey equipment to cloud-based collaboration tools that allow builders, architects, and renovators to communicate and exchange ideas throughout the renovation process. Not to mention the plethora af blogs, social media feeds, apps, the list is endless.
There’s no doubt the digital age, and by association, the internet has changed renovation enormously.
J is for
JANUARY
Ahh … January…What’s not to love about January?
Think sun, sand, beach… and best of all TIME.
Finally , a little time to think about what you want to achieve by renovating your home.
It’s the best month of the year to get your head around starting a renovation project,
JARGON
Blah,,,blah,,,blah….JARGON is a term for words or expressions used by a professional that is difficult for others to understand. Sometimes it feels like you’re listening to another language.
The Design and Construction industry are full of jargon and they can make it almost impossible to know what is going on at times.
Communication is a critical part of a successful renovation.
So make sure you understand what your project team is talking about, get them to relay the information to you in layman’s terms if you are unclear on anything.
KEEPING UP WITH THE ‘JONES’
Many people plan their renovation wishlist with the main aim of keeping up with the ‘Jones’
it really important though, to carefully consider what YOU want and what you actually need to ensure you get value for money and are happy with the end product.
Remember, you have to live in your home, not the Jones’.
The mortgage lifestyle balance is a critical one to get right. Spend your money for the right reasons…
K is for
KITCHEN
It can be said that while life may be created in the bedroom, it is certainly lived in the kitchen.
Our kitchens once had a singular purpose – the preparation and eating of food, but it has morphed into the epicenter of our homes.
It’s the heart of our homes because:
It fuels the Mind, body and soul
It the Hub of family activities
Everyone uses it
We all need one
And it sets the tone of our homes – relaxed, formal, or traditional what every your style is…
KERB
Did you know that the land between your boundary and the kerb actually belongs to your Local Council, not you?
And did you know that there are rules (that are getting stricter) about how you use it and what you can do to it?
It’s important to understand this as in some cases, it can be a project game stopper or at least a ‘project’ changer to your renovation project.
The location of your crossover, street trees, services, power/telephone poles, and many other things can have an impact.
KICKOFF MEETING
Now it’s starting to get exciting – all the planning is done and all your ducks are lined up. plunge. You can visualise your dream home.… almost taste it.
Your construction kickoff meeting. This the first meeting you have with your builder at the start of construction.. This meeting introduces the members of your project team where everyone’s role is discussed and clarified. Schedules, communication and any queries can be addressed also)
L is for
LANDSCAPE
Landscaping or External work ideally needs to be tackled with the same care as internal work… and that needs to be allowed for when formulating your initial budget. In Queensland, we value the inside/outside style of living which is highly suited to our climate. Designing and allowing for Landscape works with ensuring that this connection is maximised.
Gone are the days of whacking in a few plants and some turf. Outdoor entertaining areas require much more thought and planning than that.
LEGISLATION
In mid-2017, QLD started operating under new planning legislation – the Planning Act 2016.
State and local governments share the responsibility for its delivery.
The Act mandates the framework and process for development assessment and also the basics required for a development application.
The local government’s planning scheme sets out what development can occur in an area, and applications are made against the scheme. In Brisbane, it is Brisbane City Plan 2014.
The Act could have an impact on your renovation project depending on where it is situated and its age,
LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE
You may be more familiar with the term – Res A. But did you know that term hasn’t been technically valid since 1987?
The proper term under BCC Town Plan is now Low-Density Residential or LDR.
Land in Brisbane is divided into zones. These zones guide the land use or type of development that may occur on a site.
LDR deals with and accommodates houses typically built in 1947 or later.
LOWSET OR HIGHSET HOUSE
Lowset and Highset are quintessentially Queensland terms. They refer to whether a house is raised high off the ground,
A Low set house is one built close to the ground or on a concrete slab, and its converse is defined as highset. Which refers to a house built on stumps. The reason for lifting houses off the ground was traditionally to makes it easier for the owner to detect any white ant or borer infestation and take action. Other reasons are that they are well positioned above mosquitoes, snakes, cane toads and floods, and that furthermore they catch welcome cool breezes.
Photo Credit Kari Shea on Unsplash
Disclaimer:
While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, Buildit123 Pty Ltd does not guarantee that this blog article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use
