Hey Made_Man,
What size was your granny flat?

Problem with masonry walls are the footings required.
The smallest footings allowable in the AS 4678 – 2002 is still a costly design with a substantial heel and toe.
The interlocking blocks as mentioned earlier, do not require such a substantial footing, as the hydrostatic pressure behind, has better chance of escape.

The biggest mistake people…[Read more]

One thing to note is safety.
We often see many people do their own painting, which involves paint prep.
For your own safety, and that of your family – conduct a simple paint test and check to make sure that the paint already on the walls is not lead based paint.
Sanding of lead based paints allows lead to enter he bloodstream causing all sorts of…[Read more]

The Fox wrote:
If you go back to the beginning of this thread and read it right the way through it is a classic. Well done Richard Taylor I say, who immediately identified what was going on with this thread long before the truth was ever exposed. Egg on your face to the builder though! 

Some of the early comments are perfect examples of how so…[Read more]

As mentioned above, you CAN build for $800 per SQ/M.
We offer Granny Flat Kits that come in below this price!
That said, it does NOT include floor coverings, services, councils etc.
This price will get you a fully compliant Granny Flat to Lock up Stage –
That is internal and external linings, doors and windows are in-
You would still need to…[Read more]

Hello Danviv,
hope your project is coming along as you require.
These prices are fairly accurate, give or take.
Our bathrooms tend to average 12-15k if we supply all of the PC items etc (This inc tiles, vanities, bath, tapware etc etc)
This is for an average sized room withe good quality middle of the road PC items.
I concur with what has been…[Read more]

Don’t know if you have already done the job or not.
It is not load bearing, so you are safe there.
There doesnt seem to be any services visible.
These nib walls are really easy to remove.
We try to keep them intact, as it is easier to transport in a whole wall, tiles still attached etc.
you remove the shower rail, and then you need to start…[Read more]

Get the whole lot re-done.it is the only way to ensure you have a bathroom that will last the distance.Would hate to spend $4k on a partial, only to find out 1-2 years down the track that the joists were rotten and are moving,  and the new floor tiles have started to crack!

Darklord, i doubt you will have the space necessary as you will need to ensure the ceiling meets the fire code as set out in the BCA. This will add a min of 30 odd mm to the underside of the joists (Min)OddysseyYes, it is up to you what you do…..to a pointThe insurance factor is one pointAnother is that when it comes time to re-value your…[Read more]

With Karen here, PaintFloorcoveringsLightingThese are your 3 biggest bang for buck itemsAlso landscaping, amazing what a picket fence, and a bit of landscaping can achieve!  Looking for street appeal!

Hey Amazing Jeffery,The tiles were pretty bad, as they were very drummy.This is THE biggest issue with tiling, doesn't matter how slow and careful you are with the layout, the issue is the preparation. Some types of glue will not adhere properly to some types of waterproofing. The BSA recently held seminars here in Bris to highlight the need for a…[Read more]

Hey Danviv,
Our IP bathrooms normally set us back about 6k to do properly, but then i am a registered builder and being in the game helps alot.
We do many bathrooms for private investors here in Bris, and the average cost is between 10-15k depending on who is supplying the PC items, and the quality of PC items.
It really pays to ask around for a…[Read more]

Have to be careful extending into the garage, as there is one major pitfall.Some builders choose to save money by not laying plastic under the slab in the garage/carports. If this is the case with your property, you may find issues with rising damp, and may have issues getting certificationgood luck

Congratulations Draidis,Good to hear you have purchased 4 units.You have not detailed whether you will be on-selling or renting.The others here have addressed the hard floor vs soft, so i will address the question you have asked in regards to laminate flooring.The great thing about laminate flooring is the ROI. Cost very little and looks great.…[Read more]

If you are looking to take time with our reno's then go for a house or town house.We used to get units and usually reno'ed within 2 weeks, then straight back on the market.As mentioned above, spend money on what can be admired, and create space where you can.There is much more to it, but if you have time, you can do so much more, and keep control…[Read more]

You could patch the holes with Fibre cement sheets and gyprock.You will need to cut the Fc sheet into the same size as the fist holes.Then you get some 2×1 cut them so they are a little longr than the holes, put a few long screws into the timber to hole it and some liquid nails at the ends of the timber. Work the timber into the hole, using the…[Read more]

All these old houses had an alcove for the oven and fire wood.I would definitly redo the tiles in a plain white.The doors and end panels cn be re-done in the same material. Most of your local cabinet makers will quote you on this work.I would also take the opportunity to add a high bench where the sink is, and turn that into a breakfast bar, as…[Read more]

Renovating for profit is a great way to go- If you are educated about the pitfalls.Unfortunately, sooo many things can go wrong with a renovation, and you could find your reno budget blown out of the water in next to no time.Do your due diligence, and maybe start small, like a unit reno or the like to begin with.You will find a wealth of…[Read more]

Do NOT install "Clip Boards"These are known as a "Floating Floor" and although they initially look great and are cheap, your tenants will wreck hem within the first 6 months- Guaranteed.The issue with these boards is that they don't accept water at all. None. Nada. Zipwe lay 1000's of sqm of flooring every year, and floating floors are great for…[Read more]

You could drop it to 2700 high, as two sheets of 1350mm gyprock would get you there,! alternatively, lift the sheets a bit, and install bigger cornice, as was the norm back then, and you could "almost" get to 2900mm high ceilings