Renovate Your Home in Sydney’s Southeast: Insights from Local Draftsman, Adam Lawrence
Thinking of renovating your home in Sydney's southeast? We sat down with Adam Lawrence, local draftsman with over 20 years of experience in the area. Read our Q+A to get his expert advice.
Local Knowledge, Local Results
With over 20 years of experience specialising in ground and first-floor additions for existing homes and semi-detached dwellings in Randwick, Bayside, and Waverley councils, Adam brings a wealth of local knowledge to the table. He honed his skills under the guidance of respected local draftsman Peter Banfield, and has built strong relationships with builders, interior designers, engineers, surveyors, and other key players in the industry. This network, combined with his familiarity with council controls and a few of the council assessing officers that deal with the Development Applications (DA’s), ensures a smooth and successful renovation process for his clients.
Your Renovation Journey Starts Here
Bungalow Building Co.: Adam, what are some of the most common renovation projects you see in Sydney's southeast?
Adam Lawrence: Many families are looking to expand their living space to accommodate growing needs. This often involves adding extra bedrooms or converting older, closed-off floor plans into open layouts that create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas. This maximizes usable space and allows for a more comfortable living environment.
Bungalow Building Co.: What's involved in working with a draftsman on a renovation?
Adam Lawrence: Homeowners are involved throughout the entire process, from the initial brief to finalising the design. Firstly, I would be to meet the clients and get an initial design brief off them, next would be to see what council controls are applicable if it’s a Development Application (DA), or which SEPP controls are applicable if it’s a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Next, would be to design draft/concept plans for the clients to have a look at. The draft plans are tweaked until they are the desired result. Once we have a design our clients love, we'll submit the plans for council approval.
Bungalow Building Co.: What are some key things homeowners should consider before starting a renovation?
Adam Lawrence: Budget is crucial, but don't forget about timelines, council approvals, and design functionality. Come to the table with some initial ideas, but I'm here to help refine them and create a space that works for you. Clients have to take into account the design process, long lead times for council to conduct DA assessments, and factor in builders’ availability and when they can start the job.
Draftsman vs Builder: Why You Need Both for Your Sydney Southeast Renovation
Bungalow Building Co.: Adam, should homeowners go straight to a builder, or is there a benefit to working with a draftsman first?
Adam Lawrence: There are definitely advantages to having a draftsman on your team. Think of us as the bridge between your vision and the final construction.
Bungalow Building Co.: How can a draftsman help ensure the project aligns with my vision and budget?
Adam Lawrence: The draftsman can help the homeowner make sure the plans are designed to be compliant with council controls as well as the National Construction Code. I help the client design a structure that is within budget and achievable whilst also looking aesthetically pleasing. with the can ensure your plans comply with council regulations and the National Construction Code. This means no nasty surprises down the line – your project will be achievable and legal! Plus, I can help design a structure that is aesthetically pleasing.
Bungalow Building Co.: What software or tools do you use to create your draft plans and designs?
Adam Lawrence: I currently use AutoCAD for detailed plans, but I don't do 3D visualisation myself. However, if clients like a more immersive experience, I can recommend some great 3D rendering services.
Bungalow Building Co.: Do you collaborate with other professionals during the renovation?
Adam Lawrence: Absolutely! Communication is key, and I work closely with reliable and local builders, engineers, and other relevant professionals. I confidently send my clients to my network, because I know they will get a good and reasonable service.
Renovation Considerations in Sydney Southeast:
Bungalow Building Co.: Are there any specific council regulations or design considerations to be aware of when renovating in Sydney southeast?
Adam Lawrence: Yes, there are many depending on your site, such as Heritage Conservation areas, Flooding Zones, Aircraft Noise areas. This information needs to be identified early in the design process as it dictates the design. This information can be obtained from acquiring Planning Certificates from the relevant Council.
Bungalow Building Co.: What are some current trends in home renovations that you see popular in the Sydney southeast area?
Adam Lawrence: Definitely sustainable design! I have to do a BASIX certificate for any alterations to a dwelling which is all about designing the building to be ecologically sustainable and help make the building more comfortable without relying on heating or cooling from air conditioning or the like. Many people are looking to install Electric Vehicle chargers as well as Solar panels to store power and use on site or sell back to the grid. Also, I find many clients are obviously after open plan living areas which directly connect to the outdoor areas. With the climate we live in we spend a lot of our time outside, so it makes sense to have a lot of alfresco areas for dining and living.
Homeowner Tips and Recommendations
Bungalow Building Co.: What are some common mistakes homeowners make during a renovation project, and how can they be avoided?
Adam Lawrence: When a client’s vision for the outcome of their home is unrealistic, because it isn’t within their budget. I have designed many projects that the client has pushed for certain things which when it comes to getting quotes from builders, they realise that it is way above their budgets. The problem can arise that the plans have been approved by council and the client cannot afford the design. So, when this happens, we have to amend the plans and submit an amendment back to council which takes time and involves more costs. A good draftsman should know the relevant controls and any restrictions affecting the site which can save time and money further down the track.
Bungalow Building Co.: What advice would you give to homeowners who are considering a renovation project in Sydney Southeast?
Adam Lawrence: I would advise getting a good local draftsman and builder involved in the process. The advantage of this is that they are familiar with the areas and the council saving time and money on complying with the relevant council controls as they know them like the back of their hand. Another good thing about getting someone local is that you can see examples of their work and get testimonials, and if they are constantly getting work in the area, it means they must be doing a good job.
It’s best that you (the client) have a pretty good idea of what you’re after, and that you feel comfortable with the draftsman or designer that you choose to work with. Make sure you know that the draftsman has worked in the area you're renovating and that their past clients were satisfied with the service that they provided.
Need a reliable draftsman for your home renovation? Get in touch with Adam:
Adam Lawrence
LAWRENCE DESIGN & DRAFTING
0417 443 547
www.lawrencedesignanddrafting.com.au
