Renovations are renovations? Not when it comes to the building industry.
Understanding the main differences between a major and minor renovation will help you find the right people in Sydney to help you complete your project.
It may seem obvious, but contacting a home renovation builder for a ‘minor’ job, or a handyman for something that requires some serious structural work, will be a waste of time for both you and them.
So this breakdown aims to give you a better understanding of the different types of project and who may be suitable to approach for each.
Minor Renovations
Minor renovations are generally small-scale updates or cosmetic improvements that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home without making substantial structural changes.
These projects are typically less expensive, require shorter timelines, and often don’t require you to go through your local Sydney council to satisfy NSW State and local planning legislation. Here’s some common examples:
| Project Type: | Suitable For: |
|---|---|
| Indoor painting of your walls and ceilings | Specialist Painter, DIY Enthusiast, Handyman |
| Updating fixtures (taps, lighting, handles) | DIY Enthusiast, Handyman |
| Replacing flooring | Flooring Specialist, Handyman |
| Installing a new kitchen or bathroom | Kitchen or Bathroom Specialist (they will handle ancillary trades) |
| Updating cabinetry | Carpenter, Handyman, DIY Enthusiast |
| Removing a wall | This can be complicated, so best to consult a structural engineer or specialist builder |
| Replacing Roofing | Roofing Specialist |
| Converting Your Attic Into Storage / Spare Room | Attic Conversion Specialist |
As we noted above, these jobs generally don’t require planning permission unless you are substantially changing the layout or footprint of your home. But, if you are unsure, a call to your local council could save you a lot of heartache.
Except for removing a wall, you generally won’t be approaching a ‘Renovation Builder’. And even if you are removing a wall, you should do some research to find a builder who specialises in small jobs – if you don’t, you might have to make a lot of calls before you find someone who will take your job on.
That’s because most of Sydney’s Renovation Builders are set up to work on substantial projects that take months, rather than smaller projects that might take a couple of days or less.
Major Renovations
Having defined minor renovations, it might be obvious now that major renovations involve far more substantial modifications to the home’s structure and layout.
These projects typically need far more planning, a larger budget, take weeks if not months, and require the appropriate approvals from your local council.
| Project Type: | Suitable For: |
|---|---|
|
Adding new rooms on the same level (an extension or "going out") |
Specialist Home Extension Contractor |
|
Adding new rooms via a new level (an addition or "going up") |
Specialist Home Additions Contractor |
| Completely Remodelling Your Internal Layout | Specialist Home Renovations Contractor |
| Knocking Down and Rebuilding Your Home | A 'Knock-Down-Rebuild' Specialist |
The Advantage of Specialisation
What may stand out from the above is how many specialists there are for all the different types of jobs that you might be looking to undertake.
Like in many other industries, becoming a specialist enables companies to become experts in offering exactly the right solutions, and they become much more efficient and effective as a result. In the building industry, that’s especially true.
So, a builder isn’t just a builder. A company that knows all the ins and outs of adding a new level to your existing home, understands and has deeper experience of all the things that have to be looked into to avoid pitfalls that non-specialists might fall into.
It may seem obvious to some, but adding a new level to a semi-detached home, for example, throws up some very specific issues. So, if you choose a builder who doesn’t have experience in this field, it isn’t just a potential problem, it’s a potential disaster.
Looking To Renovate?
We hope the above advice helps shortcut your path to getting the right trades in for the job you are planning.
And as a builder of major renovations, Addbuild stands ready to take your call if that’s the sort of project you have in mind. We’ve been helping Sydney homeowners renovate their existing house to create their dream home for more than 40 years.
As a specialist in major renovations that involve complete remodelling, home additions and home extensions, we have unbeatable experience and know-how having completed over 2,000 projects, all in the Sydney area.
Call our office on (02) 8765 1555 or send us a message using our contact form if outside of office hours.
If you are still researching, have a look at our blog, consumer guide to home improvement and masterclass to get further ideas about every aspect of renovating your home.
Searching for inspiration? Have a look at our feature projects and ‘before and after’ photos.
