Renovation Collaborative

Learn How to Renovate Smarter: Architect Stephanie Skyring introduces her online learning guide, Renovation Collaborative

Architect Stephanie Skyring introduces Renovation Collaborative, her new online learning guide designed to help DIY renovators find their way through the entire house design and construction process.The Renovation Collaborative website includes 11 Online Courses, podcasts with industry experts and a private community.Stephanie explains why she created Renovation Collaborative and how it can help you get the best results and value for money in your next renovation or new build project.KEY POINTS SUMMARYArchitect Stephanie Skyring created her Complete home design guide, Renovation Collaborative to help DIY renovators and to inspire a greater commitment to environmental design. Created over the past 2 years, the Renovation Collaborative website contains online courses and other easy to follow, practical resources to help you get the best results and value for money for your renovation or new house project. What's offered on the Renovation Collaborative website?11 Online courses guide you through the entire design and construction process. Each course can be read in about an hour and contains valuable attachments such as template letters, documents and materials selection advice. The design courses are supported by a live online classroom where you can ask questions. The Renovation Collaborative Community allows you to have your questions answered by Architect Stephanie Skyring and a community of like-minded renovators.Renovation Collaborative also offers a range of free resources, including: Course 1. Environmental Design: The Common Sense Basics you didn't know, Podcasts, and Practical ideas on social media. Why is Renovation Collaborative is different to other online renovation courses?Stephanie has 20+ years of Architectural experience in her practice Skyring Architects. She shares industry expert knowledge and The Environment is a core focus.Renovation Collaborative helps you make informed decisions, saving you time and money. The podcasts share industry expert knowledge in a practical, usable format. It's designed for busy people. All the information is put together in a very concise format to save you time and get you the answers you need and the home you want..Environmental design that is accessible for all budgets is a critical component. The courses and all the resources focus on how to improve climate-responsive design, orientation, natural light, connection to the outside, and energy efficiency. Smart ways to do the simple things and transform your house through design, not through cost. There are solutions for everyone, for any budget.TIMESTAMPS01:12 Stephanie explains why she created Renovation Collaborative03:33 Find out about the courses and resources available.06:04 Renovation Collaborative is very different to other online renovation courses.06:48 Cut through the huge amount of info online and provide reliable advice.08:38 What inspired the Podcasts09:41 Designed for busy people, concise information is offered in a variety of ways.11:02 Environmental design ideas, accessible for all budgets are a critical component.12:58 Find answers to your home design and construction questions14.26 How to get started.WANT TO READ MORE?Looking for more information on design, construction costs or environment? You can find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website.Listen to the full podcast or get the transcript PDF edited into Q & A.If you're short on time, sign up for the Weekly Wrap Newsletter and get the concise podcast summary delivered straight to your inbox.You'll also find 11 easy-to-read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.www.renovationcollaborative.com.auIN THE NEXT EPISODEStephanie dives into the cost of house construction in Brisbane in 2024 to help you work out whether to Renovate or Sell.RESOURCE LINKSStephanie is interviewed by Jane Clark from Vie Marketingwww.viemarketing.com.auCONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for listening to the podcasts.www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/GET IN TOUCHThe podcasts are about finding answers to your questions. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions, ideas, or feedback. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/contact/

Renovate or Sell in 2024-2025? – Season 1. Introduction & Programme

Are you going in circles trying to work out whether to renovate or sell? Do you need more information about current costs to help you make the right decisions? In my first podcast season, Renovate or Sell, I tackle costs head on. I interview five trusted industry insiders to find out the latest information:about the cost of house construction, from a Building Cost Estimator and a Quantity Surveyor,about the cost of houses, from a Real Estate Agent,about home loans, from a Mortgage Broker, and about the right amount to borrow, from a Financial Adviser.Each of these professionals has a wealth of knowledge to help you make the right decisions. I also find out what they can do for you, and how to move forward with their services. I demystify the process so you can stop going in circles and achieve your dream home sooner.Join me every Tuesday to get up to date with what's happening in the industry and find out whether to Renovate or Sell in Australia in 2024.Australian Architects can claim their formal CPD hours for these podcasts.MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. SEASON 1. PODCAST PROGRAMMEEp 1. Season 1 TrailerEp 2. How much does it cost to renovate? Ask a Building Cost EstimatorGuest: David Knight, Total Estimating Services www.totalestimatingservices.com.auEp 3. Building cost questions? Ask a Quantity SurveyorGuest: Flavio Costanzo, Flavio Costanzo and Associates. Quantity SurveyorsEp 4. What are Square Metre Rates?Guest: Flavio Costanzo, Flavio Costanzo and Associates. Quantity SurveyorsEp 5. Current renovation & construction costs 2024-2025: Brisbane, SE Queensland, Northern NSW, AustraliaGuest: David Knight, Total Estimating Services www.totalestimatingservices.com.auEp 6. Renovation design brief and budget questions? Ask a Real Estate AgentGuest: Tim Douglas, Place West Estate Agents, Paddington, Brisbane. www.placewest.com.auEp 7. How much do houses cost in 2024-2025? Brisbane and Australia Guest: Tim Douglas, Place West Estate Agents www.placewest.com.auEp 8. How much can I borrow? Ask a Mortgage BrokerGuest: Richard Jefferies, Newbridge Home Loans www.mynewbridge.com.auEp 9. What's happening with home loans and interest rates in 2024-2025?Guest: Richard Jefferies, Newbridge Home Loans www.mynewbridge.com.auEp 10. Borrowing Finance: How much is too much in 2024-2025?Guest: Tim Ward, Ward & Co. Wealth www.wardandco.com.auTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:19 I interview 5 trusted industry insiders to get the latest cost information01:14 Current cost of residential construction01:31 Current cost of houses01:48 Home loans and borrowing finance02:05 How much is too much to borrow?02:37 ‘On the Tools’ podcasts contain practical informationFULL TRANSCRIPTAre you going in circles trying to work out whether to renovate or sell? Do you need to know more information about current costs to help you make the right decisions? Welcome to the Renovation Collaborative podcast where I demystify everything about home design and construction. I’m Stephanie SkyringIn my first podcast season, Renovate or Sell in Australia in 2024, I tackle costs head on. I interview five trusted industry insiders to find out the latest information:About the cost of construction,About the cost of housesAbout home loans, andAbout the right amount to borrow.I ask the right questions to help you find the answers you need, saving you time and money.The interviews follow a logical process to help you work through your cost questions.I start with the current cost of house construction to help you understand what your design ideas or house plans might cost. I interview the two types of specialists who provide independent construction cost advice: a Building Cost Estimator and a Quantity Surveyor.Once you have a rough idea what your design ideas might cost to build, the next step is to confirm if your ideas are feasible. I talk to a Real Estate Agent about what’s happening with the price of houses in Brisbane and all around Australia in 2024.The next step is finance. Understanding the amount of money you can access is a critical first step to help you understand the size of the renovation you can build, or the house you can buy. I talk to a mortgage broker to find out the latest information about getting a home loan in Australia in 2024So once you know how much you can borrow…the next question is how much should you borrow? The incredibly high costs of construction, and real estate in many Australian capital cities is leaving many people shackled to more debt than they can pay off in their lifetime.In my final episode, I talk to a financial advisor about borrowing finance and how much is too much in 2024?These five professionals have an incredible wealth of knowledge to help you make the right decisions. I capture their knowledge in two types of interviews:‘Latest info’ is covered in the main Renovation Collaborative podcasts. You’ll find out what’s going on in 2024 and 2025.‘On the Tools’ podcasts focus on what the featured specialist can do for you, and how to move forward with their services. I demystify the process so you can stop going in circles and start moving forward.Action Summary At the end of each interview I wrap up the key points so you are clear on how to move forward. I’ve been an architect in practice for over 20 years, but I still learned so much in my interviews with these five experienced industry experts. I know you’ll enjoy this series whether you are a home renovator just starting out, an experienced construction industry professional or someone who simply loves learning about design and construction.Join me every Tuesday and find out whether to Renovate or Sell in Australia in 2024.RESOURCE LINKSwww.renovationcollaborative.com.auRenovation Collaborative Social Mediawww.instagram.com/renovationcollaborative/www.facebook.com/renovationcollaborativewww.linkedin.com/company/renovation-collaborativeGET IN TOUCHThe podcasts are about finding answers to your questions. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions, ideas, or feedback. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/contact/

How much does it cost to Renovate? Ask a Building Cost Estimator - David Knight, Total Estimating Services

Do you need to know more information about the cost of house construction to help you decide whether to renovate or sell?You might typically think of obtaining building cost advice from a builder, but did you know that’s not the only option? You can also obtain independent advice on how much it will cost to build your house plans or even your design ideas, from a Building Cost Estimator and a Quantity Surveyor.Welcome to the Renovation Collaborative ‘On the tools’ podcast, where I interview industry experts to find out practical insider info and save you time and money. My name is Stephanie Skyring. I'm an Australian architect with 20 plus years of experience helping people create better, more environmental homes on any budget.In the first four episodes of this Season, starting today, I focus in detail on house construction costs.In today's ‘On the Tools’ episode, you’ll find out practical information about working with a building cost estimator; what they do, what their services cost and how they can add value to your next renovation or new build project. I talk to highly respected building cost estimator David Knight from Total Estimating Services in Brisbane.Join me every Tuesday for Season 1. and find out whether to Renovate or Sell in Australia in 2024. Australian Architects can claim their formal CPD hours for these podcasts.MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS00:00 Introduction01:19 What does a building cost estimator do on a typical house project?02:12 What is the difference between a building cost estimator and a quantity surveyor?03:38 On what size residential projects are cost estimators most commonly used?04:31 What is included in a building cost estimate?05:23 Where does your material and labour price information come from?06:06 What are the benefits of obtaining cost advice from a cost estimator over a builder?10:15 At what stage should I get a cost estimator involved?14:41 What do a building cost estimator’s services cost?17:00 Can building cost estimators provide advice Australia wide?18:35 How would I get started with a building cost estimator’s services?19:32 Key points summaryKEY POINTS SUMMARYWe covered so much helpful information in this interview. However, there are three key points that I want you to know:1. The benefits of obtaining independent cost advice from a cost estimator (or a Quantity Surveyor):It’s impartial and obligation free.You get a very comprehensive cost breakdown, so you can work out what to change to lower your costs (assuming you will probably want to!)2. Obtaining cost advice early in the design phase is critical to ensuring your budget and design brief align. Preferably at two key stages:Concept (Sketch Design) Stage: As soon as you have a rough floor plan to determine if your ideas are feasible. This is when you decide whether to renovate or sell.Developed Design (DD) Stage: When you have more developed floor plans and elevations to ensure you are still on track. This costing must happen before you seek Town Planning Approval (if required for your site) or finalise engineering.This is such an important process to follow to avoid cost blowouts in this incredibly expensive construction market.3. For anyone obtaining a price from only one builder: The value of obtaining a cost estimate at Tender Stage to provide an essential education about what’s included (and excluded!) from your builder’s price. This should be a very open process to be discussed with your proposed builder before he prepares his tender price to ensure the costs can be compared.NEXT EPISODEIn the next episode, you’ll find out what a quantity surveyor does, and get further insights into building costing that will add value to your residential project, whether you’re an owner, an architect, a building designer or a builder. I’ll talk to Flavio Costanzo, from Flavio Costanzo and Associates, Quantity Surveyors and Building Cost Consultants, in Brisbane.RESOURCE LINKSTotal Estimating Serviceswww.totalestimating.com.auGET IN TOUCHIf you've got any comments or questions or there's any topic you'd like to know more about, please send me an email at hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au.

Building Cost Questions? Ask a Quantity Surveyor - Flavio Costanzo, Flavio Costanzo & Assoc.

Did you know that a quantity surveyor can give you independent building cost advice on your house plans and ideas, and help you decide whether to renovate or sell?Welcome to the Renovation Collaborative ‘On the tools’ podcast, where I interview industry experts to find out practical information to help you renovate smarter. My name is Stephanie Skyring. I'm an Australian architect with 20+ years of experience helping people create better, more environmental homes on any budget.In the previous episode, I spoke to a building cost estimator. In today's episode, you’ll find out how a quantity surveyor can also provide you with independent building cost advice. You’ll get further insights into building costing that will add value to your residential project, whether you’re an owner, an architect, a building designer or a builder.I talk to highly respected quantity surveyor, Flavio Costanzo from Flavio Costanzo and Associates building cost consultants, in Brisbane.Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS00:00 Introduction01:16 What is the difference between a quantity surveyor and a building cost estimator?06:42 At what stages of the design process would a quantity surveyor provide costing advice?11:13 Do you provide cost estimates at the tender stage for builders?19:06 When you are putting together an estimate, where do the material and labour prices come from?20:01 What are the benefits of obtaining independent building cost advice from a quantity surveyor?20:39 Can a quantity surveyor give advice for the whole of Australia or are they more locally based?21:17 Key Points SummaryKEY POINTS SUMMARYWe cover so much useful information in this interview, however there are three critical points that came out of the discussion:1. The first point was that quantity surveyors (QS) and building cost estimators come from different backgrounds, but when it comes to residential costing they work in very similar ways. Either one can provide the cost education you need. You just need to find someone local.Although I did not cover it in this episode, the costs for a quantity surveyor's services are very similar to those of building cost estimator. I covered a building cost estimator’s services and costs in the previous episode.2. The second point was again about the critical importance of obtaining costing advice early in the design phase, to ensure your budget and design brief are aligned, before you go too far. Ideally this should happen at two stages:First at the concept design stage when you have just got rough floor plans, to confirm your ideas are even feasible.The second stage, if you proceed that far is at the detailed (developed) design stage, when you have floor plans and elevations and a bit more information. But you haven’t gone to Town Planning and you haven’t gone as far as getting full engineering done. You may have partial engineering if you need that information based on your design. This is so important, I just can’t stress this enough.3. The third interesting point is that both quantity surveyors and cost estimators provide costings for builders at tender stage. Many builders don’t have the time or inclination to prepare their own tender estimates. It’s important to note that all builders will have their own suppliers and buying power, and this will lead to a different final tender price outcome. IN THE NEXT EPISODEYou’ll find out all about square metre rates - What they are, how they are calculated, and why building cost professionals hate them! I’ll be talking again to Quantity Surveyor Flavio Costanzo from Flavio Costanzo and Associates, Building Cost Consultants, in Brisbane.RESOURCE LINKSFlavio Costanzo and Associates. Quantity Surveyors and Building Cost Consultantshttps://au.linkedin.com/in/flavio-costanzo-6165b22aGET IN TOUCHIf you've got any comments or questions or there's any topic you'd like to know more about, please send me an email at hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au.

What are Square Metre Rates? - Flavio Costanzo, Flavio Costanzo & Assoc.

If you are trying to figure out how much your renovation ideas will cost, you will have come across square metre rates. But what are they?In this episode I investigate square metre rates in detail. You will find out what they are, how they are calculated, and why building cost specialists hate using them!I talk to highly respected Quantity Surveyor, Flavio Costanzo, from Flavio Costanzo and Associates, in Brisbane.Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARYWe cover so much information in this podcast but I just want to stress the three most important points:1. If you're ever quoted square metre rates, make sure you find out what they include, because that can just be so variable and everyone has a different interpretation.2. Square metre rates may or may not include verandas or bits and pieces attached to the house, but they never include work outside the house.So make sure you allow to add all of this on to your building cost work. This includes things like driveways, cut and fill, complex footings, pools, pool houses, landscaping, fences. All of those things need to be added onto your construction cost.3. Both the quantity surveyor and the building cost estimator really didn't like using square metre rates because they're so variable and it's hard to get a really accurate result.INTERVIEW QUESTIONS00:00 Introduction01:00 What are square metre rates?02:10 Where do square metre rates come from?03:28 What is included in square metre rates?08:30 What is Rawlinsons?10:55 What is excluded from square metre rates?13:44 What are typical items that make square metre rates higher or lower?16:09 Key Points SummaryIN THE NEXT EPISODEIn the next episode, I find out how much it costs to build in Brisbane and South East Queensland in 2024 and the forecast for moving into 2025. I will be talking square metre rates, so it's really important that you take on board everything that we've covered today in this interview.RESOURCE LINKSFlavio Costanzo and Associates. Quantity Surveyors and Building Cost Consultantshttps://au.linkedin.com/in/flavio-costanzo-6165b22aGET IN TOUCHIf you've got any comments or questions or there's any topic you'd like to know more about, please send me an email at hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au.