Planning your home extension with an architect before engaging a builder seems like it’d save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run, right? In reality, often the opposite is true.
Failing to involve their builder from the very start is a trap many Brisbanites fall into.
At best, it means your renovation will suffer delays and cost a lot more. At worst, it could be enough to sink your project entirely.
But why does this seemingly minor oversight lead to so many problems? And more importantly, how can you avoid it?
Unrealistic Plans and Why They’ll Sink Your Project
When you’re dreaming up your ideal home extension, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all.
Adding an extra bedroom for the kids, a sprawling kitchen with an island with plenty of storage, or a home office tucked away from the clamour of family life could be just what everyone needs.
But in that excitement, many people make a crucial mistake: hiring an architect or draftsman without first consulting a builder to discuss budgets and feasibility, and then pouring thousands of dollars into architectural plans – only to discover the actual build is financially out of reach.
This happens more than you might think, resulting in unusable plans and lasting heartache.
The truth is, getting a builder’s input from the get-go can help you tailor those plans so they’re grounded in reality (i.e. actually feasible).
The Evans family skipped this critical step, and it cost them big.
When Reality Hits: The Evans Family’s Tough Lesson
They had always envisioned a spacious outdoor area connected seamlessly to their living room: a place to host family birthdays and weekend barbecues.
And after years of hard work, they were finally in a position to make something happen. So they hired an architect to draft up plans for a beautiful alfresco area, complete with built-in bench seating, an outdoor kitchenette, and a raised deck.
Ben, the Evans family patriarch, proudly showed the plans to his usually critical father-in-law — who, for once, seemed genuinely impressed.
But then Ben brought those plans to a builder, and reality hit him like a tonne of bricks.
Their budget wouldn’t come close to covering the elaborate designs they’d dreamed of.
Faced with ballooning costs, they had to abandon their dreams and settle for less.
The Evans family’s experience isn’t unique. They’re just one of many who’ve watched their dream renovation slip out of reach.
So how do you avoid ending up in the same mess?
Why Your Builder Should Be Your First Call
How do you avoid this happening to you?
The solution is simple: involve your builder from the start so you can make sure your plans are grounded in reality.
While an architect or draftsman can bring creative flair to the table, a builder can bring essential cost insights, practical advice, and a whole lot more.
Here are four advantages of involving your builder early:
- Realistic cost assessments: Working with a builder from day one gives you a clear view of what’s actually within budget. This grounds your expectations and helps you make smart financial decisions every step of the way.
- Avoid costly mistakes: Talking to a builder first helps you steer clear of spending big on designs that never make it off the page. Instead, you’ll focus on plans that fit your budget and can actually be brought to life.
- A smoother project timeline: Good planning keeps the project moving along smoothly. With your builder mapping out each phase, you’ll avoid setbacks and last-minute surprises that turn a small delay into months of waiting.
- Financial flexibility: If the budget is tight, a builder can suggest breaking the project into stages, so you can enjoy part of your new space sooner. This approach lets you tackle it bit by bit, as you’re ready.
In the End, It’s All About a Solid Plan and Realistic Budget
If there’s one takeaway from all this, it’s that thorough planning and realistic budgeting are essential for a successful renovation.
Engaging the right professionals — especially a builder who offers practical guidance from the outset — means you won’t end up like Ben, explaining budget mishaps to his father-in-law over Sunday lunch… at the father-in-law’s house.
Of course, there’s more to a successful renovation than that, which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you to download:
5 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Major Home Renovation
It’s completely free and will help you avoid the common pitfalls that so many homeowners fall into.
*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.
