house renovations and additions

the more the complexity the more we like it

Victorian government stamp duty is a major disincentive to move house. The cost of the stamp duty often exceeds the architectural and other fees involved in any renovation or addition.

With renovation you get an opportunity to modify and extend your home environment so that it meets your own specific needs. Both now and into the future.

Renovation often requires a high level of design expertise. Judgements need to be made about what parts of the existing house are worth keeping and how to arrange the new building works efficiently to make the most of the site.

Equally important is the creation of an addition that fits in with the existing house, where the existing front rooms flow through to any new part at the rear.

heritage advice

finding a balance between conservation and liveability

Works in Heritage Overlay areas involve the adaptation of 19th or early 20th century buildings to meet contemporary needs and amenity expectations.

Yes. A Council Planning Scheme is an overcomplicated bureaucratic system. The process often takes precedence over the outcome. The decision making delays are frustrating.

Detail has a successful strategy for dealing with council planners: fully understand the planning scheme and the specific heritage policies, carefully assess what existing built fabric should be identified as significant, design accordingly and then argue the case when required.

new houses

designed for specific needs using sustainable principles

As the stresses and demands of the outside world become more intense the importance of the quality of our home environment to our well being grows.

Detail combines aesthetics and functionality to design homes that are environmentally sensitive and support their clients changing needs into the future.

Quality is partly the ability to make the most of the opportunities that are presented by each individual design situation. To maximise winter sun while minimising summer heat. To think about the best spot to have Sunday breakfast and where to read the paper. To consider storage for skis, or mountain bikes, or golf clubs.

DETAIL creates home environments intended to stand the test of time: in quality and aesthetics.

multi unit developments

the residential development process is becoming increasingly complex

All council planning schemes in Victoria have 34 standards that are required to be met for multi unit developments. These standards range from overlooking and overshadowing, height limits, side and rear setbacks, car parking and accessways, to site landscaping and permeability.

Consultation may be needed with neighbours or residential groups.

Building permit requirements include fire and acoustic separation between units and meeting a 5 star energy rating.

We offer advice from the first design sketches through to developing the ideas and negotiating the project through the planning process, to drawing up detailed plans for the building permit and tendering to experienced builders, and to bring the project to completion with the administration of the building contract.

design for access

individual design requirements can look good too

There is limited choice for the over 55s for independent housing that is safe and secure. Many existing homes are unsuitable for people with reduced mobility. Housing needs to adapt to accommodate the changing needs of people over time.

There is real need for accessible contemporary housing that meets the needs of people across a range of abilities and ages. This is housing specifically designed for reducing the likelihood of injuries in and around the home and uses design and fittings to reduce crime.

• wide hallways and doorways
• level entries to the house and main living areas
• at least one bathroom/toilet and one bedroom accessible for a person with limited mobility
• level entry shower and wall hung or semi-recessed basin
• simple, logical layout with no obstructions or hazards
• lever door handles and taps
• rocker-type light switches
• adequate accessible storage

building defect advice and reports

get independent advice and an expert witness report

Poor workmanship, cracking, termites, illegal building work, dampness: we’ve seen it all. Too many times. We’ve written many reports for use at VCAT where building disputes are resolved. Get some competent advice before embarking on the time consuming and potentially expensive process of rectification.