Drafting/Design

[Dan]

Having just recieved a phenomenal quote for drafting an extension, I am exploring the option of drafting myself.
I didn't expect it to cost so much, I have already pretty much designed it!!!

Anyway, I know it is not a simple job and is quite complex, but it seems straightforward enough. There are plenty of books that help someone DIY.

My question is has anyone here actually attempted this or is it simply best left to an expert.
Will I save money by measuring up myself?

Alternatively can anyone recommend a good (economical) draftsman in Melbourne (Western suburbs ideally).

Cheers

 

[Sunstone]

Dear Dan,

Not an area that I would tinker with myself. How good are you at communicating with private certifiers to make sure that the plans meet the exact dimensions and requirements for council regulations?

Pricing I expect you will find that you pay more for an architect than a draftsman. Any trade can be overpriced. Get another two quotes so that you have something to compare with and then nego the price down where you can.

If time is money then we should use professionals when we need them.

Cheers,

Sunstone.

 

[Kristine..]

Dan

Most of the costs are now taken up with complying with Res Code and with planning requirements of your local municipality.

for example, any new windows must comply that - standing at 1.7m and looking out the window at 55 degrees, slewed 30 degrees either way, there must not be an existing window of an habitable room of a neighbouring property within 9 metres. If there is, your window may be required to be shortened, or higher fences installed etc

There must also be sun and shadow patterns at 3pm on 22nd September

Plus drainage and storm water assessments

Plus energy ratings

Plus compliance with Building Code of Australia

Plus compliance with AS1684(4) Timber Framing code

Plus engineering specifications for load bearing, foundations, lintels etc

Plus other etc as may be required

I can help with a very knowledgeable and modestly priced expert draftsman in Bayswater - if you're interested email me and I'll send you his phone number. Joe is highly regarded and takes pride in his work. Obviously, I can't speak on his behalf, but I know that he is not geographically challenged!!

If you're interested in ResCode, you can read all about it on the Department of Infrastructure www.doi.vic.gov.au website

Cheers

Kristine

 

[khangu]

Dan,

As Kristine has pointed out, there is more to it than just 'drawing' a diagram / plan.

Are you sure you want to deal with all the complications of working out all the details and get run-over by contractors once they see that you are not familiar with the costs and contruction details?

IMHO it's better to use a draftsman to do your simple / conventional extension. Anything more complicated should be left to an Architect who can also inspect and certify the builder's work. In some cases, the Architect may have solutions that will save you money, even with their higher fees.

 

[handyandy]

Hi Dan

If I may ask what sort of $ are you refering to?

Cheers

 

[Dan]

Thanks guys for all the advice, it definately is best left to the professionals it seems.

I've had about 3 quotes over the phone, and although it probably doesn't seem that much compared to an architect, as an owner builder one obviously tries to save as much money as possible..

Fairly small extension, around 150sqm total 2 stories, but the arrangement of the property means that one side is bordered by a lane, one by a corner property backyard, and only one side has an actual house next to it.
Rough figures quoted were similar to this:
Draftsman to come out for 8hrs to work out stuff, around $6-700
Complying with rescode, council stuff etc... around $2000
Drawing up the plans around $3000-3500
Additional $5-600 depending on other factors.
Therefore looking over $6000 before even thinking of council planning fees etc..
My inital shock was due to friends/family etc.. who have had drafting fees of $1100 or around that in the last few years...I guess things have changed dramatically.

Oh well, just have to lump it.

Thanks gang

 

[Lotana]

Dan,

Get at least 3 independen quotes before taking a decision.

Cheers,
Lotana

 

[Dan]

Yep, have done that, might get a couple more for good measure though

 

[Carmel]

One way to find someone is to check some recent applications in your Council (or note recent buildings/developments you like), note some of the names, and then have a friendly wee chat with your friendly local town planner about them. Obviously they can't recommend BUT you'll get an idea of who they respect & find works well with them.

Costs seems a trifle on the high side (but not lots). It's an expensive area though, and yes it is specialised and yes there's all kindsa stuff they have to do & comply with & show they meet.

 

[Michael Yardney]

Hi
If you are in Melbourne let me know. As we put 40 or so projects a year through our panel of architects we get some amazing rates.
I'm not at all interested in geting involved in your extension, but would be happy to allow you to go to one of our architects as a "Metropole client" so to speak and get our wholesale rates - nothing in it for us