Renovation and extension design

Work out what needs to change

You may need another bedroom, a more practical kitchen or a living area that opens to the garden. Start with the problem you want to solve. Rearranging existing space may be worth considering alongside an extension, especially when the original floor plan leaves rooms disconnected or underused.

Scott's pre-design work considers the site and your brief. For an existing home, that conversation also needs to establish what you want to retain, which parts frustrate you and how the proposed changes will affect the rest of the house.

Connect the new space to the existing home

An extra room changes more than floor area. Consider the route through the house, daylight to rooms you are keeping and the way a new roof or wall meets the existing structure. Outdoor space, access and neighbouring properties also need attention.

The design stage lets you compare these choices before committing to detailed drawings. If you have builder feedback or previous plans, bring them into the discussion.

Drawings and approvals

Once the concept is agreed, the next step is building plans and construction documentation. The proposal may also need engineering, a survey or other specialist information. Confirm who will arrange each item and what the design fee includes.

Sunshine Coast Council advises checking whether building work needs approval before construction. Its building approval guidance is a useful starting point; requirements depend on the actual property and work.

Prepare for a renovation discussion

• Bring existing drawings, a site survey or earlier approvals if available.
• Photograph the rooms and outside areas you want to change.
• Separate essential changes from ideas you could leave for later.
• Explain your budget and whether you hope to remain in the home during building work.

Haven is based in Yaroomba and serves the Sunshine Coast, including Coolum Beach and Maroochydore. Tell Scott about your property to discuss the next step.