Making the decision to undertake renovations or home extensions can be daunting so it is important to follow a pre-defined checklist which can help ensure all the boxes are ticked, helping avoid overlooking some critical elements. This home extension checklist can get anyone on track with their renovation projects. This is also a great opportunity to maximise renovating for profit. 

The Essential Home Extension Checklist 

Permits & Approvals 

Contacting the local council to ensure the appropriate permits and approvals can be acquired is essential prior to building commencement. It is essential that there are no legal issues, neighbour complaints or other concerns to address. 

Council approval is vital, whether an extension is simply pushing out a wall to the roof line or adding a second storey. 

Quotes 

During a new or first project aspiring renovators should never settle on the first quote they receive. They should try to get at least three written quotes on their intended plans and specifications and, where they differ, pay close attention to ensure they are not overlooking something critical. 

Builder 

It is essential that the builder the client has contracted is registered, insured and qualified to perform the work they require. They should seek legal advice, if necessary, when reviewing contracts too, so that they are comfortable and understand everything documented. 

Insurance 

Additionally, the property owners should ensure the home and contents insurance policy is extended if necessary to cover the home extensions and renovations and an appropriate valuation is considered. 

Home Extensions and Property Inspections 

Building inspections are not limited to the purchase of property. It would be wise to organise a professional certifier to conduct a completion or defect report once the home renovation has completed or at least a few months before the contract end date. 

A thorough home extension inspection will check that all work has been completed to the required Australian Building Standards and there are no areas incomplete. Inspection findings can be handed to the contracted building company to rectify any noted defects. 

Inspections are also common prior to the commencement of works to assess the existing condition of the property and report any areas that may require attention before home extensions commence. 

There is so much to think about when undertaking a house extension. As an existing or potential homeowner, making sure you've done your research is of the utmost importance. Seek advice from the professionals and when in doubt seek an inspection from a suitably qualified building inspection company to ensure everything is being performed as it should be.

Whether you are renovating for profit or not, work by unqualified trades can lead to insurance coverage issues and unapproved works can lead to sale contracts falling through.  You can be sure that when the time comes to sell, a thorough pre-purchase building inspection will identify unapproved and shoddy extensions, reducing your property’s value potential and saleability.

Click here to learn more about architectural issues to consider for a future renovation.