new to reno - general advice needed

[Tephra]

Hi All,

Well this is my first post on this forum - it looks like it will be a very useful resource :)

I have just bought a house (old weatherboard victorian) in Melbourne, it needs a lot of work. What I am think of doing is basically moving some of the internal walls, new bathroom + onsuite (for the master bedroom) + an extension at the back (living + kitchen).

It's going to be a lot of work but I'm going to break it up into small chunks as much as I can.

I havn't done anything like this before but I helped mum and dad build their place when I was a kid. So i guess it sort of comes naturally a bit :P

Obvisouly I have a thousand questions but if anyone can offer up some basic advice just to get me started that would be appreciated.

Cheers
Dave

[journeyman Mick]

Dave,
before you go moving any walls check that they're not load bearing. Go up into the the ceiling to make sure there's nothing sitting on them. Draw up plans/have them drawn before you start as this may identify problems before they occur. Don't play with the electricity yourself unless you're an electrician. Have fun,
Mick

[namtrak]

Yep have fun!

Photos are always handy for yourself and here. And make sure you do your homework. There are a few of us that have been logging our renovation process on the forums here. May be worth checking that out - for things not to do.

Maybe get some drawings done by a draftsman to give you some focus.

Cheers

[womble]

I second the draftsman option, gives you something to focus on and they'll help sort out construction issues etc.

[Cobber]

Get some of the bigger building companies around eg Hilles Homes, Extension factroy, Supa Group and pick their brains...you can often get some good ideas from them (although they are expensive and I wouldnt use them.) Also maybe a building designer to give you ideas...you dont need to pay them unless they put some plans together but once again you will get some ideas.

My extension starts today....the back is being demolished today which is good and things are moving. So Im experienced up to this point.

[Bluegum]

Yep as those before have said check with your drafty. i also suggest you check for any asbestos as well, You just never know about it.

[OBBob]

Yep ... think really carefully about bathrooms and kitchens because they are really hard to liv without ... especially in the stress of a lengthy renovation! If you are thinking about an ensuite then consider doing it first so that you have one nice room to enjoy and clean up in after a hard weekends work.

Take heaps of photos ... you always realise afterwads that you didn't take enough! There is so much in a renovation that people never see ... like all the doors and walls you move ... once done no one knows, so you need pics to show all the work that actually took place.

Have fun!