Home Renovation Process

Our Design and Build Process

STAGE 1: EXISTING DRAWINGS

To initiate the design process, our team conducts an internal measurement of the existing residence. This enables us to create accurate CAD drawings, which are essential for planning from the initial sketch phase (Stage 3) and beyond.

We coordinate these plans with the survey conducted in Stage 2 to ensure precision around boundaries, ridge heights, neighbouring property details, and other critical factors. This meticulous approach ensures the accuracy of planning extends to the entire home, including its external areas and facades.

By taking these steps, we can provide our clients with detailed and accurate plans, leading to a successful and efficient design process. .

STAGE 2: SURVEY

The design team will coordinate with a Registered Surveyor to conduct a detailed survey. This survey provides essential information, required to establish the context of the existing structure a where the structure sits on the land. Paired with the Stage 1 existing drawings, enable accurate planning across the entire site, both inside and out. By taking this approach, we ensure that every aspect of the site is considered in the design process, leading to a successful outcome.

Our commitment to accuracy and attention to detail allows us to create plans that meet your needs while complying with all relevant council regulations and requirements.

Design development sketch of a roof garden and terrace house

STAGE 3: DESIGN BRIEF AND INITIAL SKETCH PLANS

During this stage, we begin by meeting with you to record your specific requirements and ensure that we have a clear understanding of your vision for your renovated home. This allows us to create a design that meets your functional and aesthetic needs. Based on this briefing discussion, our design team prepares initial concept plans that align with your brief. Before proceeding to the next stage, we review and obtain your approval on the initial concept plans.

In cases where we anticipate that certain aspects of the plan may be contentious with council regulations, we may seek early feedback to assess the feasibility of the design. We believe in transparency and will keep you informed of any planning risks, so your expectations can be managed accordingly.

Side elevation sketch of a terrace home with rear studio

STAGE 4: CONSTRUCTION COST PLAN

The early stages of our process can be overwhelming for clients, but they are crucial to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the project’s overall cost before proceeding with the design. Our team creates a construction cost plan based on the initial concept plans developed in Stage 3. This cost plan helps you make informed decisions about the scope of your project and any necessary adjustments to the plans to ensure affordability is considered.

We keep you well-informed of cost estimates from the outset, so you can proceed with design confidently. The cost plan is used as a benchmark throughout the interior design stage to ensure your choices align with the budget. This means that you can make informed decisions during the interior design stage with a full understanding of the cost implications. The cost plan is updated regularly as the design progresses through the stages.

STAGE 5: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Not all projects require this stage, but for those that do, our team focuses on developing the building envelope and its architectural style. This is particularly relevant for homes where external modifications extend beyond the rear elevation and can be seen from public areas or neighbouring properties. To give clients a clear understanding of the project’s overall appearance, this stage produces CAD plans, elevations, and sections that describe the building’s envelope for review. Additionally, the team may provide one or two external perspective sketches to help visualise the result.

STAGE 6: DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION (DA) DOCUMENTATION

In this stage, our team focuses on developing the initial concept plans or design development plans with the appropriate level of detail necessary for your council application. It’s worth noting that not all projects require a Development Application, and in some cases, a Complying Development Certificate may suffice.

Our team can offer advice on the best approach based on your requirements.

STAGE 7: CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE DOCUMENTATION

We refine our plans once we receive development consent from the council. This involves incorporating additional detailing for construction, any conditions of consent, and coordinating with necessary consultants, such as structural and hydraulic designers. These refined plans, along with other documentation required by the development consent, are compiled by our team and provided to the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) that we assist in appointing. The PCA issues the construction certificate and oversees the project’s construction in collaboration with our team.

STAGE 8: INTERIOR DETAILING AND FINISHES/FITTINGS SPECIFICATION

This stage is an exciting and crucial step that sets the tone for the final look and feel of your home. Typically, it starts after Stage 5 and runs in parallel with the assessment of your development application. This way, we can be as efficient as possible in preparing for the construction phase of your renovation. Our team will present you with an initial selection of finishes and fixtures that align with your aesthetic brief. We source all the samples and present them to you in our office, saving you significant time in terms of sourcing and reviewing.

Once this stage is completed, our design team will have fully documented your renovation, and all finishes and fixtures will be scheduled for easy reference during construction. With this, we are now ready to move to the construction stage!

STAGE 9: DESIGN ADVICE DURING CONSTRUCTION

Throughout the construction phase, our design team stays actively engaged and collaborates closely with our construction team on your project. We carefully review final shop drawings for windows, doors, and joinery to ensure that they align with the design. Our team is available to address any queries or concerns that arise on-site, and we may attend site meetings with you to discuss the progress of our designs. This ensures that our vision for your home renovation is realised to the highest standard possible.

STAGE 10: MAINTAIN BY MODIFY

At Modify, we provide landscaping and maintenance services should you require ongoing assistance in maintaining the appearance and value of your house or investment property. Our services are designed to keep your property looking its best, ensuring that it retains its value over time. With our team of skilled professionals, you can rest assured that your property will always be well-maintained, allowing you to enjoy its beauty for years to come.