More detailed planning

Getting things from concept to reality requires a lot more work with Keith getting serious and engaging a structural engineer, happy when we agreed for Janet to do the work. The cellar, given the large dimensions and location close to the new party wall was always going to add to the cost and a stud wall quickly replaced an existing rear wall. A skeleton of steel was required for the 2 storey section and steel planned for the pergola’s and carport. All this fits with what the council glowingly described something like an effective use of space with a contemporary design while retaining and renewing the streetscape to its former glory. A recess on the northern side was added for the hot water system and doubling to give a delineation of old and new.

With each revision of the drawing file and associated pdf’s produced, there was more detail added and a few tweaks were required. Luxuries such as underfloor heating were ditched due to cost and Adelaide’s daily variable climate.

Finishes had to be specified which included bathroom fittings.

Show homes were visited but provided little inspiration, Deb took the day off and was dragged around the short-listed bathroom suppliers and kitchen manufacturers.

Spandek was chosen over traditional corrugated iron to give a sharper look and Paul insisted on Alucobond for most of the other surfaces on the first floor. The ground floor will be bagged concrete blocks. Commercial grade double glazed aluminium windows should ensure optimal efficiency.

While this was being sorted, Paul was building from the plan using Sketchup. If you want to spend many hours in front of a PC, this is the program to use. And yes, you can get carried away but it’s great to get a 3D perspective of what you’re building and what is required. It can be fun, is certainly addictive and gets easier the more you learn.

By June 2016 most of the detail was sorted, planning approval was sought and given and it was time to look for a builder.

At the same time we decided that it would be opportune to get the property from one title to two. For more years than we know, the property has always had separate electricity, gas and water meters. We receive separate council rates and ESL bills. The only thing in common is the sewer. Hennig Surveyors were engaged to assist in getting things onto separate titles and council approval was given with a few proviso’s which should be easily achievable as part of the build process.