Martina Hayes

Complete Home Renovations Sydney

Achieving a complete home renovation in Sydney

Complete Home Renovations Sydney, making the decision to completely renovate your home is a big deal. It involves a substantial financial committment, and without the correct knowledge and expertise it can be daunting and overwhelming.

No need to be worried though, because we will guide you through from the beginning planning stage to the construction phase and all the way to the final steps of the design. In addition, our own Budget Confidence process ensures that our solutions fit your budget whether being small, medium or luxurious.

complete-home-renovations-sydney
Optimising the layout of your interiors for better functionality

Read on to discover the steps in which to follow when completing a home renovation as well as the services we offer in the Sydney area to help you achieve your dream home.

The steps you need to follow to achieve a complete home renovation Sydney

Planning

Complete home renovations Sydney, a good renovation must start with thorough planning. This is the stage in which you make decisions that will affect the rest of the build and the overall conceptual design. It is in this beginning planning stage that you need to think about and set what it is you wish to achieve in your space, what is essential and what is nice to have.

In this step of the process we can help you with the design and how to best optimise your space.

Floorplan with pencil, scale ruler and colour swatches
A successful renovation starts with a good plan

Learn the potential of your space

We design and provide professional concept plans including realistic 2D and 3D visual representation showing you how your space has the potential to look like as well as function. This provides you with a very clear image of what you’re going forward with in your home renovation. We can start with options and then break them down to perfectly tailor it to your needs and desires.

Drafting Services 2D 3D

What we do for you

When carrying out a complete home renovation it can be overwhelming and with the fast paced lives of Sydneysiders it can be hard to fit everything into your schedule as well as thoroughly going through the process of your complete home renovation. What we can do for you is take the daily stress out of your home renovation. We look after and coordinate the process for you so that you can enjoy watching your dream space come together.

Services we offer to you:

  • Initial ideas on how to get the best out of your space
  • Conceptual visual 2D and 3D designs
  • Coordination of structural engineers, surveyors and other building professionals as required
  • Provision of drawings for council submission (DA) and and/or private certifier (CDC). Learn more on the NSW Planning Portal
  • Comparison of builders quotes. Selection and collaboration with builder
  • Expert kitchen and bathroom designs including detailed plans for joiners
  • Selection of finishes and furniture for your complete home renovation
  • finishes-home-renovation
    Beautifully matched finishes bring out the best of your house

When your renovation is underway we continue on the process by selecting finishes for all spaces including tiles for your kitchen and bathroom as well as the selection of furniture and decorative pieces that will add character to your space, making it truly feel your own. It’s what makes a house a home.

Budget confidence for your complete home renovation Sydney

The biggest concern for Sydney home owners undertaking a complete home renovation is to keep the costs under control. That’s why we have a well proven process in place that keeps track of your budget.

Houses made of dollar notes
Keeping the budget in check is crucial for a successful renovation
  • Advise us on the budget you wish to spend.
  • On this basis we provide at least 2 proposed options. One is your ‘dream design’ containing everything you dream about, the other option includes some compromises you’re happy to accept to keep a lid on the budget.
  • Before committing, we get both priced up for you to make an informed decision on which option to choose.
  • When it comes to furniture and finishes, our recommendations include their purchase prices. This gives you full cost transparency.
  • If you wish to cut back, we can point out areas where you could save some money and where you should not.
  • Only once you are confident with the overall cost, you commit yourself to moving ahead.
  • This way you won’t experience any unpleasant surprises down the track.

Complete home renovations Sydney wrapped up

We coordinate everything from start to finish for the entire renovation process. This takes a lot of pressure off you. Your main task is to decide on the recommendations we present to you.

If you have any questions about your complete home renovation in Sydney, please call me on 0434 498 450 or email to martina@martinahayes.com.au. If you prefer, you can also use this contact form.

Engineered vs Solid Hardwood Flooring

Engineered vs solid hardwood timber floors in your home

What is not to love about timber floors? Timber is long lasting, hard wearing while bringing natural texture into our homes. The question to ask yourself though is do I want engineered or solid hardwood timber floors. It’s a question of engineered vs solid hardwood.

Solid timber vs engineered timber floor

If you’re trying to decide whether to choose a solid timber floor or an engineered timber floor, watch this short video, which explains the pros and cons of each.

Distinguish between engineered vs solid hardwood

Solid hardwood is the term given to timber that is the same solid piece of timber all the way through e.g. spotted gum (below) is solid timber throughout with no interfering layers. There is no other wood mixed, whereas engineered hardwood also known as a floating floor refers to timber that has been made up of various layers, lower grade timber on the bottom and beautiful timber as the top layer that you see.

Solid Timber

Solid-hardwood-spotted-gum
Piece of solid timber, Spotted Gum throughout entire piece

Wearability of solid timber floors

When your solid timber floor shows wear and tear a couple of years into the future, you have the ability to sand it back, therefore exposing the undamaged timber below. Then just add a new sealer on top and your floor will be like new again.

How to install a solid timber floor

A solid timber floor needs a floor underneath for support. This subfloor can be constructed with timber joists.

Timber subfloor joists
Solid timber floor boards to be laid on joists

Subfloor may raise floor level

Joists will raise your overall floor level. That is not a big deal if you’re constructing a new house because you can factor that in right from the beginning. But it’s a tricky thing when you are renovating as you’ll need to cut the bottom of your doors to adjust to the new flooring height.

Australian hardwood species

For many soon to be home owners the go to product is Australian hardwood timber when deciding on their solid timber floors. Popular species are:

  • Blackbutt
  • Brushbox
  • Ironbark
  • Sydney Blue Gum
  • Spotted Gum

But there are many others to choose from. Have a look at Boral who is probably the largest supplier of Australian hardwood floors around.

Engineered timber floor

Engineered timber floor for renovators

Let’s shed some light on engineered timber floors. They are my preferred option when it comes to home renovations for a much smoother transition and factoring.

Engineered timber layers
Engineered timber consists of layers

Many options with floating floors

Don’t get mixed up with laminate. Engineered timber is real timber, laminate is a different medium altogether. With engineered timber you have many options You can choose beautiful Australian species timber as well as from imported timber such as walnut or oak.

Cost of engineered vs solid hardwood floors

Solid timber flooring cost roughly $180 – $260 per square metre, including supply and install. It’s not a cheap option, but it may well be worth it for its beautiful look and wearability.

On the other hand, engineered timber cost roughly $100 – $200 per square metre including supply and install.

Consider bamboo, vinyl and laminate

If you believe, timber flooring is not for you, there are other flooring options to consider. You can also choose to just go with the timber look. Popular options include bamboo, laminate, vinyl and even tiles to achieve the timber look without any wood.

Don’t hesitate to contact me via email martina@martinahayes.com.au or phone 0434 498 450. Or feel free to use this contact form.

Engineered vs solid hardwood comparison table

To see how timber and timber look flooring may work for you, have a look at my comprehensive table I’ve compiled for you.

You can download this table for free. Simply type in your name and email below.

Find an interior architect

Are you looking for an interior architect in Sydney? You might realise that it is hard to find one.

Timber studs in a gabled attic that is being renovated
A home renovation in Sydney is an exciting project to tackle

Use of word Architect

This is because interior architects are not allowed to call themselves interior architects.

Using the word Architect is regulated in Australia. To dive deeper into this topic check out the Architect Registration Board.

But read further if you simply need to have some interior architects’ work done.

Interior architect equivalent

Do you want to

  • renovate your home?
  • remove or relocate interior wall(s)?
  • or get a better interior flow?

Then a qualified interior designer is a great fit for you.

Interior designers do structural work

Find an interior designer who specialises in structural work. They have a thorough understanding of space planning. But more importantly, they have the qualification to change the floorplan of your house.

Furthermore, they also consider technical factors. Think about plumbing, lighting, ventilation and ergonomics.

If you consider a complete home renovation in Sydney, have a look at our unique process with full budget control.

Providing architectural plans

But the interior designer wears many hats.

They are also a draftsperson who draws up architectural plans.

3D plan of bedroom and living area
3D plans help to visualise the new interiors

Wholesome approach for fabulous interiors

Understanding the elements and principles of design, they are proficient decorators, too. They select flooring and furniture, tiles and taps.

Interior designers have this wholesome approach to make an internal space functional and fabulous.

Interior architect’s project stages

In short, an interior designer is a one-stop shop. They accompagny you through every single step of your project.

interior architect project stages
4 steps to a functional and fabulous home

Interior designers transform homes

You need to brief only one person who will get a deep understanding of your dream space.

Once completed, you will love your transformed home that represents your individual personality. Show it off to friends and family!

Questions

If you have any questions, please call me on 0434 498 450 or send an email to martina@martinahayes.com.au. Alternatively, you can fill out this short contact form.

Architect vs interior designer

“What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?”. This is a question I have recently been asked.

If you scratch your head about the same query, have a look at the  comparison below.

Home renovation: Should you hire an architect or better an interior designer
Home renovation: Should you hire an architect or better an interior designer

Architects’ training

Architects go through years of rigorous training. Hence, they are highly qualified in planning and project manage new constructions, such as complex developments or commercial buildings.

They need to be registered at the Australian Institute for Architects. This is the body for the architectural profession in Australia representing 11,000 members.

Some architects specialise in residential projects, such as new home constructions, additions and extensions.

Architect vs interior designer

If building approval is required for your project, architects provide plans and drawings to submit to Council or private certifier. So do some interior designers. They have the skillset to provide you with everything you need to get building approval for your project.

A successful renovation starts with a good plan
A successful renovation starts with a good plan

Interior designers’ training

Qualified interior designers also go through rigorous architectural training. But with a focus on the interiors.

On top of their mind is how to create a fabulous home with a good flow of the layout.

Same as architects, they are trained and allowed to knock down interior walls to open up the space. This is to create this highly desired indoor-outdoor living.

Overlaps architect vs interior designer

When it comes to architects vs interior designers, there are many fields where they overlap.

Both are able to provide you with drawings in 3D. This way you can  walk through your new house to see how it flows, functions and looks before making a final decision. What better peace of mind could you get?

And both consult a structural engineer before removing any walls. This ensures it’s safe to do so.

Interior designer’s specialty

An interior designer’s speciality is to create functional kitchens and bathrooms that look awesome. They are across beautiful tile combinations, stunning kitchen finishes and mesmerising colour schemes. This way everything ties together creating a wow effect for your visitors.

An additional bathroom is on top of renovators' wish lists
Interior designers are bathroom experts

Architect vs interior designer for finishes

Some architects help you selecting the finishes as well, but others don’t wish to go into this level of detail. They might refer you to someone else. You might wish to check with your architect before hiring them.

Interior designer for renovations

Interior designers are a one-stop shop for house renovations. This is what they do:

  • develop the floor plan
  • help you finding the right builder
  • select beautiful finishes and
  • recommend complementing furniture and lighting.

Timber studs in a gabled attic that is being renovated

More information

If you have any questions, just give me a call on 0434 498 450 or send an email to martina@martinahayes.com.au.

You can find more information on house renovation and a video on how to tackle your home makeover step-by-step.

Don’t forget to grab your free information for home renovators

Simply type in your name and email and then click send.

Home Renovation where to start

Time to begin your home renovation where to start

Is your house in need of a sound makeover but have NO IDEA where to even start

Watch this short video, it guides you through your home renovation where to start and a process step-by-step to follow.

Make a Renovation Design check list

First of all, I’d recommend making a list of what you wish to achieve with your upgrade. Include the must-haves, for instance changes to the floor plan to accommodate an open-plan kitchen; or you would like to have an additional bedroom.

Include the nice-to-haves

Also include your nice-to-haves, for instance an ensuite to this additional bedroom. I know it’s not very exciting to create a list, but very helpful down the track to make sure you don’t lose sight of your original goals. And it’s a great document to brief your building designer.

Home renovation design

Explore your floorplan options

Your building designer will discuss the brief with you and explore your floor plan options. If you believe an architect is an overkill for the scope of your project, you might wish to consider going to a building designer or an interior designer.

Find the right builder for your home renovation

Once you have the final floor plan, it’s all about finding your builder. Get at least three builders’ quotes in and compare them thoroughly. Then make up your mind which builder works best for you.

Council approval (DA) or CDC?

Then it’s about getting council approval, if you need approval for your project at all. Alternatively to the Development Approval (DA) by the council, you might be eligible for a so-called CDC, a Complying Development Certificate issued by a private certifier. If your house is located in Sydney, check out whether you are eligible for this fast track approval. But don’t be worried, we will help you with that.

Selecting finishes and furniture

Once you have approval for your home transformation to go ahead, it’s all about the fun stuff. You will be choosing the bathroom tiles, the kitchen benchtop and other finishes. We will also develop a colour scheme for both your interiors and the house facade.

If you intend to renovate your home, have a look at our guide for complete home renovations in Sydney. It includes our very own budget confidence process, that keeps your budget in check.

If you want to get the next video straight to your inbox, please type in your email address at the very bottom of this page.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions in regards to your home renovation design.

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