Virginia's Story

We met Virginia at Pittwater Council. She was just explaining to the clerk that in order to pass council requirements, the Architectural Design comopany she engaged to design her house in Mona Vale modified the plans in such way that she was losing one bedroom just to be able to have a garage. We offered to check her already approved plans, inspect her property and see if we can find a solution.

PROBLEM

Virginia's house, built in seventies, sits on quite steep land on the lower side of the road. House was built about 2.5 m further from the building line. That is the minimal distance from the front boundary set by Council's Local Environmental Plan. It was important to use existing foundations, walls and most of the framework. Money saved here could be used to extend the house and improve layout of top floor.

SOLUTION

We presented few options on pre-lodgment meeting with a council's town planner. To be able to achieve the best solution for Virginia we negotiated unused part of the land towards the building line to allow positioning of a double carport over the building line.

 

Andie's Story

Andie has a beautiful country style home in Seaforth. However it was time to go with the trend - renovate, expand, as kids are growing and also get that open space feeling shown in so many magazines. Andie engaged an architect. We were called to price already approved plans. The plans were presented professionally.

PROBLEM

The kitchen was set in a dark corner. New planned extension of the living room blocked morning sun to the deck. It also required to build complete new roof above the whole house. This added another fifty to seventy thousand dollars to the budget.

SOLUTION

We refined the concept by better open space layout, more sunlight, better ventilation and a big saving on construction. Andie dismissed approved plans and lodged a new DA with the council.

Peter's Story

Peter built his spacious, modern, 4 bedrooms, two story house to raise his two sons in comfort. That was over 20 years ago.

PROBLEM

Kids are moving out [wife already moved out 3 years ago] and Peter is left with a house too big to maintain. He also misses sound of young kids nearby as most of the neighbors are in similar situation.

SOLUTION

I suggested to Peter an option of creating a duplex [under one title] where he will have his 2 bedrooms home and with a small internal change, have 3 bedroom separate home to rent out. This will allow Peter to travel more [his passion] and have somebody to look after the house while he is away. It will also create an extra income.