Avoiding The Block – a – holic Blunders

Who doesn’t love The Block? It’s exciting, inspiring and very dramatic. What these people achieve in such a short space of time is incredible and it’s enough to get us geared up to grab a sledgehammer knock down the nearest load bearing wall.

However, watching shows like The Block can give people an unrealistic sense of what it’s like to renovate and what’s involved.

Unlike the everyday home renovator, The Block contestants are not owner builders. They’re generally amateur designers and project managers but some have trade backgrounds. They’re provided with generous budgets.

Don’t assume you have the same skills as The Block contestants

They are fully insured, undergo strict safety induction processes, they have access to a team of licensed tradespeople, and are being supervised by architects and a building foreman. The foreman is on site throughout the build continuously checking to ensure all work is completed to code and enforcing safety regulations.

If you’re keen to take on a project as an owner builder, you need to understand that you are accepting most of the risk and you have responsibilities. Knowing the rules and regulations is important, ensuring you have the right permits in place and understanding your own limitations is critical.

QBCC Responsibilities

QBCC specifies the extensive responsibilities for owner builders on their webpage

One of the key requirements for owner-builders is that anyone that is engaged to carry out building work on the project must be a licensed contractor, with a written contract in place for all work exceeding $3300.

Under an issued owner-builder permit, no work such as plumbing, draining, gas fitting, or pest control can be carried out by the owner-builder unless they are licensed in that field, in addition fire protection work higher than $1100 must also be completed by a licensed contractor.

There are other requirements on the owner-builder covering areas such as; the display of signage, work supervision, site safety, payments and contracts.

An Owner Builder Permit application to QBCC costs approximately $400. To obtain an owner builder permit, the owner builder needs also to complete an owner builder permit course. These are generally online, self-paced with prices ranging from about $180 to $400 depending on the provider.

More information and a list of course providers can be found here https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/home-building-owners/owner-building/owner-builder-courseproviders

Want the right help with your owner-builder project?

Call Glenn and Rebecca Martin at iBuild Queensland, the friendly property renovation experts on 07 5441 7706 or 0419 864 877

www.ibuildqueensland.com.au

QBCC licence 1304991 Master Builders 68500

Home Renovation

The key to a successful home renovation project.

Ideally our homes reflect who we are, our personalities and our lifestyle aspirations. However, sometimes there is an uncomfortable disconnect between the home we’re living in and what we’d like it to be. That’s often the driver behind renovation projects. It can be very rewarding and it’s possible to create some amazing results, adding value to your home in the process.

Things don’t always go to plan and renovation dreams can quickly become nightmares costing the homeowner a lot of money and potentially reducing the property value. Some renovating projects pose serious risk to personal health and safety. Understanding what’s involved and conducting a realistic audit of ones’ own limitations is key to a successful home renovation project. Choosing the right people and obtaining qualified professional advice is critical. Choose a QBCC licensed builder always.

DIY vs Home Renovation

When you can’t DIY, choose iBuild Queensland. With a commitment to integrity, traditional craftsmanship and the highest quality standards, iBuild Queensland will help you make your home reno dreams a reality.

www.ibuildqueensland.com.au
QBCC licence 1304991 | Master Builders 68500 | NDIS Registered | Safety First Guarantee

The Secret to Great Kitchen Design Upgrade

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so why not do a kitchen upgrade. Here we nourish our loved ones, chat with our kids, partners or house mates at end of the day. It’s the hub of activity, for family time and entertainment especially when kitchens and dining livings room are combined.

Our reminders, bills, photos and the latest kids’ masterpieces all seem to end up stuck on the fridge and it’s where some of our most important conversations take place. The simple act of cooking a meal provides a sense of place and togetherness. So, when a space is this important, it makes sense to plan for your needs and invest wisely to ensure it is practical and beautiful.

Kitchen Upgrade – Choose a good layout

Kitchen layout is the most important aspect of kitchen design and creating much needed functionality with the “Kitchen Work Triangle” is the secret.
The Kitchen Work Triangle is a principle that aims to determine the most efficient kitchen layout for the cook, delivering both aesthetic appeal and maximum functionality. It places three main work areas and facilities (stove, sink and fridge with the sink in the centre) within proximity to each other providing the shortest, practical distance between them – cutting down wasted steps and enabling the cook to move between them easily when accessing, preparing and cooking food. By default, the Kitchen Triangle also tends to position plumbing and power for cost effective installation.

However, there are more secrets to great kitchen design than the Kitchen Work Triangle. iBuild Queensland know all the trade secrets and have a few more up their sleeves.

Our design experts will work with you on key design elements to ensure:
That the total length of the work triangle is between 4000mm and 6000mm.
The shortest, practical distance between the three main work areas in the kitchen (stove, fridge, sink) is achieved.

• Placement of the things you need within easy reach.
• We cater for special needs and accessibility requirements.
• Island benches are fully integrated into the kitchen design and width of walkways are designed specifically to create a seamless flow.
• No dead spaces, especially in large kitchens. We can work with you to create multiple, individually designed zones and achieve superior storage solutions.
• Create a safer cooking space by positioning at ideal work height (1200mm), maximising workspace, allowing for adequate set down space beside stoves and designing to prevent foot traffic from crossing the kitchen work triangle.
• Ideal location of appliances, power points, extraction fans and lighting.
• Your new kitchen is tailored to your personal style, unique needs, your budget and consider the amount of cooking you’re likely to do.
• The best quality materials, closures, fittings and appliances for every budget.

Call Glenn Martin and Rebecca Martin at iBuild Queensland, the friendly experts in kitchen renovations on 0419 864 877 for a free no obligation quote.
www.ibuildqueensland.com.au
QBCC Licence 1304991 – Master Builders 68500

Property Renovation Tips brought to you by iBuild Queensland

If you’re a renovator you’ll know that the renovating bug is hard to shake. It’s important not to allow enthusiasm to get in the way. The bug can cause us to fall in love with the potential of a property, creating an urge to rescue it and at times overestimate our own renovation skills. This is particularly true when it comes to character homes. Emotional attachment can inhibit clear thinking preventing renovators from using logic and restraint. It can cloud our judgment and our capacity for decision making. Experienced renovators tend to be less vulnerable but even they are not immune.

iBuild Queensland are experts in all types of property renovation. We’ve seen it all. The good, the bad and the ugly. We’ve saved many an enthusiastic renovator from themselves and helped many more to increase the value of their property substantially. With over 40 years in residential and commercial building, we’ve learnt a few things along the way. So, in this series of property renovation tips, we thought we’d share some with you. We’ll look at many aspects of renovating but firstly, our most important property renovation tip is to know your market with one caveat – we’re not financial advisors. You should always consult a trusted, qualified financial advisor who understands your goals and circumstances before embarking on any investment path. So, what’s our first, and arguably most important tip?

Tip – Know Your Market

Be informed

Every renovation project is different offering unique challenges, risks and opportunities. It’s your responsibility to educate yourself and weigh up the pros and cons.

Get quality advice

Talk to experienced local agents, builders, lenders and financial advisors.

Money matters

Be aware of current interest rates and terms on offer for borrowing. Know how much you need, how much you’re likely to make and never make an offer without secure finance.

Compare property investment with other markets.

Property markets change

Yesterday’s business case for investing valuable time, sweat, equity, hard-earned cash or borrowings may not stack up today. Understand supply and demand issues, the general economic climate, government policies, plans, taxes and incentives that may influence the market e.g. First Homeowners Grants, stamp duty discounts, rules on foreign investment, negative gearing, zoning, infrastructure etc.

Know what adds value

Functional, well designed kitchens and bathrooms principles using high quality appliances, fittings and finishes with a timeless colour palette will always add value. These are often the first areas of the home that buyers look so when preparing renovating budgets for kitchens and bathrooms, be generous here. Our team at Queensland Building Solutions are highly experienced in Kitchen and Bathroom design and renovation. Feel free to call us for an appointment to talk through your ideas.

Focus

Choose a few potential suburbs or towns (no more than 5) within a region and get to know them. Location is everything and Google street view is your friend.

Spotting potential

Look for tightly held areas (where demand outweighs supply) and good streets. Rising markets for short term, capital gains won’t always deliver high rental returns. Good long-term, higher rental potential will often deliver lower capital gain. Properties located next to already popular higher priced areas, with good, quiet streets, amenities, schools, transport will usually offer best opportunity. It’s critical to do your research and crunch the numbers.

Watch the market

Attend auctions, subscribe to agent newsletters, read business and financial news reports, follow investment activity of commercial property developers and (not that you probably need encouragement) monitor property listings on sites like www.realestate.com.au and www.domain.com.au. Smart Company reports like this https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/property/

provide a great overview.

Understand the maximum potential sale price and what buyers in the area are looking for so you can avoid overcapitalizing.

Get the feeling

Spend time in your target investment area. Look at other properties. Observe the lifestyle. Join Facebook Community groups and listen to local chatter for insight into the area. Know what your buyers want, what they value and what you can offer.

Call iBuild Queensland

If you’ve got a property renovation project in mind and need quality advice or a free, no obligation quote, call the renovation experts, Glenn and Rebecca Martin at iBuild Queensland today on 0419 864 877

www.ibuildqueensland.com.au

QBCC licence 1304991 Master Builders 68500