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Home Renovation Ideas in Gold Coast

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It’s important to blend the old and new, particularly when an home extension is added to a<br />

traditional home extension. A good idea is to extract elements that are still relevant <strong>in</strong> the<br />

orig<strong>in</strong>al section and feature them <strong>in</strong> the new part of the house.<br />

Period items such as pendant lights, recycled boards or fireplace surrounds provide a visual<br />

l<strong>in</strong>k. Replac<strong>in</strong>g old door handles and add<strong>in</strong>g new match<strong>in</strong>g ones is a simple and reasonably<br />

<strong>in</strong>expensive way to add cont<strong>in</strong>uity. And another way to create a cohesive look is to use<br />

similar pa<strong>in</strong>t colours and timber tones <strong>in</strong> the new and old sections.<br />

2. New advances If you are follow<strong>in</strong>g a traditional aesthetic, look for new advances to make<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs easier and cheaper. A good example is pressed-metal ceil<strong>in</strong>gs – it’s now available <strong>in</strong><br />

lightweight alum<strong>in</strong>ium and <strong>in</strong> a range of orig<strong>in</strong>al embossed designs.<br />

Massive advancements <strong>in</strong> digital pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g also make expensive f<strong>in</strong>ishes, like marble, more<br />

affordable. It’s also easier to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the form of porcela<strong>in</strong> tiles. Orig<strong>in</strong>al w<strong>in</strong>dow cas<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

can be replicated <strong>in</strong> the new section, keep<strong>in</strong>g the look but updat<strong>in</strong>g to modern levels of<br />

security and safety.<br />

Also, <strong>in</strong>spect the orig<strong>in</strong>al frames – if the timber is rotted, the glass is th<strong>in</strong> or the putty is<br />

cracked, it’s time to talk to your builder about updat<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

3. Team<strong>in</strong>g up When add<strong>in</strong>g a major extension, an architect can supply the real wow factor,<br />

thanks to their construction knowledge and design prowess. An architect also advises you on<br />

all aspects of build<strong>in</strong>g – undertak<strong>in</strong>g feasibility studies, design<strong>in</strong>g for the site, tender<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

manag<strong>in</strong>g the project team.<br />

Another option is hir<strong>in</strong>g us so that we provide everyth<strong>in</strong>g from the design to the f<strong>in</strong>al<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ishes.<br />

4. Go solo For a small extension, do<strong>in</strong>g your own project manag<strong>in</strong>g is a cost-sav<strong>in</strong>g option, as<br />

long as you have strong organizational skills and plenty of time to research and negotiate. As<br />

a project manager, you can work with a builder who supplies sub-contractors, or you can hire<br />

<strong>in</strong>dependent tradies yourself.<br />

5. Council checks Even a small addition usually requires a development application. Check to<br />

see if there are heritage stipulations – the extension might have to be <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g with the<br />

prec<strong>in</strong>ct’s character, which limits the design, layout, materials and colour palette.<br />

6. Seasonal solutions When an extension is be<strong>in</strong>g built, it’s common to stay put dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

build. Even if there’s no kitchen, a barbecue and friendly neighbours can keep you surviv<strong>in</strong>g

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