As APerry said, don’t skimp on the design work. Obtaining a thoroughly resolved design and associated set of drawings will ensure a smoother building process and will be invaluable. A good Architect is worth every penny. Good Luck[thumbsup2]

Thanks for that mate. Does anybody know how/when the following sessions they refered to will become available?

I know it might not be on option for some but many of the Universities have Graduate Diploma courses in property economics which generally have a component of development. I have just finished an architecture degree and after 5 years think I’d much prefer getting into development and project management and am currently looking at a Graduate…[Read more]

Hi Guys,
Moving from Adelaide to Brisbane in late March or April. Look forward to meeting with you all.
Cheers
Daniel

Thanks guys. I haven’t undertaken any reno projects as yet but am considering doing a few next year.

Thanks again[biggrin]

You could also try SketchUp which is a Mac compatible 3D software, its fairly intuitive and good fun. Try it free here http://sketchup.google.com/
[biggrin]

I’m in a similar position as Paul so any input in this discussion is appreciated greatly. I agree that its best to start with a familiar area (for me Adelaide) For my first investment experience it just seems like I’d be in more control, it might be irrational but thats the route I’ll be taking.
What advice do you have Foundation? I’m very…[Read more]

Congratulations on completing the course like many others have thought about doing something like that so thanks for the great insight. Best of luck with your future developments[biggrin]

Why not just use a pencil and scale ruler if only doing floor plans. Once you get used to it you’ll be able to produce drawings quite quickly[biggrin]

I think investors/developers really need to understand the value of using an Architect for their projects and perhaps better understand what differentiates them from draughtsmen. An Architect undertakes 6 years of education on all aspects of Building Design such as design theory, building servicing, materials, planning, sustainability, draughting…[Read more]

I think you would be better off consulting an architect first and then a draughtsman second.
Architects are trained designers whilst draughtsmen are not. Although many draughties have developed a design sensibility over time I don’t think it equates to the training an architect receives and thus the quality of the design may not reach its…[Read more]

Thanks guys, very helpful. It is just for a buy and hold investment so I guess location of the broker isn’t important then. I would however like to talk face to face initially as it will be my first foray into real estate and it would just make me feel more comfortable.

Cheers

Thanks Wake, hopefully there’s something sooner rather than later.

Cheers

This website is great! I’ve just bought the first of Steve’s books and am considering trying to purchase a CF+ investment property. What are my prospects in Adelaide at the moment, have any of you guys been successful recently?
Thanks everybody for their input and patience with yet another newbie [biggrin]

Thanks guys, I was thinking along similar lines. I quite like the inner western suburbs so I think I’ll continue to look around there. The 5-10km ring rule seems sensible and I’m generally familiar with most of the suburbs within this area.
The eastern suburbs seem a bit overvalued, do you think there is still much room for Capital Growth?