A Renovation is an update to an existing building or a return to a new condition. An Alteration is a change to an existing building. An Addition is adding to an existing building. Most people consider any combination of the three to be a Renovation, however.
The design of whatever addition you do can be a difficult process. Because there is already an existing building, whatever you do must compliment what is there. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to imitate the design of the existing building, but any new addition needs to be sympathetic – and this is where a design professional can help you considerably.
A major new factor in renovations is Clause H1 of the Building Code, which deals with energy efficiency. The energy efficiency of the home needs to be at least the same after work is completed as it was before work commenced. So if you’re adding large glass windows or sliders they need to be double glazed now and you may even need to add additional insulation elsewhere. All new building work needs to meet the H1 clause and if you can do improvements to existing building then you should upgrade where possible. Again, your designer will be able to help you through this process.
When the job is a renovation, things to consider include:
· Matching the style and materials already used in the house or adding something that is different (but still, ideally, complimentary)
· Is it time to change elements in the old house, for instance wooden to aluminium joinery; updating bathroom fittings, new tiles
· Adding new technologies, such as Cat 5E computer cable or underfloor heating if replacing tiles (highly recommended)
· Moving walls
· Retro-fit insulation (highly recommended)
· Adding storage (highly recommended)
· Do you really want to match light fittings and bathroomware to the old style prevalent in the house or should you use modern items (or modernise everything)?
And remember, with renovations, there are often hidden problems that only come to light when the wall boards come off.
Bathrooms are particularly susceptible to issues around water leaks, but the Leaky Homes issue in recent years has shown that leaks are not restricted to this area. Poor workmanship in previous renovations or even the original build may have serious implications for the work you’re planning.
These are items you may be mentally and emotionally prepared for, but when the reality hits and your budgets are blown out, things may be quite different. Be aware that there may well be nasty surprises so make sure you have contingency in your budget.
Keeping that warning in mind, renovating or adding to your house can be an exciting and very rewarding exercise. You already know the good and bad points to your home. If you like where you live, then improving the house you already know so well can dramatically improve your quality of life, improve its capital value
The Building Amendment Act 2008 has added some building work to the list of items that are exempt from requiring a building consent; however, any work must still be carried out within the building code. It is strongly recommended that if your level of competency is only average, then having professionals help or finish the job can make a huge difference to the quality of the final job.