Renovating an old house in Eastlakes
- Type of renovation: House extension, kitchen & bathroom renovation as well as residential access modifications for a NDIS resident to meet Australian Standards AS1428
- Location: 60 Florence Street Eastlakes, Sydney
- Renovation cost: $480,000 – $520,000 inc GST
- Time for completion: From design, approval and final construction it took 6.2 design process took about 6 weeks and construction took 8 weeks.
This old home in Eastlakes needed to be renovated to make it safer for a person with disabilities to live in it comfortably. A disability access ramp, levelling the front and rear access as well as making major living areas larger and easier to access was the primary focus.
This is a Class One residential modification for an NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) resident where the scope of work included initial architectural design development and the submission of approval applications in conjunction with NDIS requirements.
We also had to attain a construction certificate by coordinating with different professional consultants to compile the necessary documentation for the private certifier. These consultants included an acoustic engineer (due to the proximity to a domestic and international airport), a structural engineer, a BASIX report, a geotechnical engineer, and an architectural working drawings team, along with NDIS access consultant documentation.
Once all of the required certifications were secured, we had to very carefully carry out the renovations to meet both the robust NDIS building standards and the Building Code of Australia.
Renovating a house to be suitable for disability access.
A lot of old houses will have steps, lots of separate rooms divided by walls or a long hallway as well as uneven surfaces. It’s possible to renovate a house to be suitable for elderly people or those who require disability access. Ramps, removing walls, levelling the ground or inside the house is possible to achieve the required outcomes.
The scope of work for this old home renovation project
This was a significant residential renovation project undertaken by the Awacon team to create a more accessible and supportive living environment for an NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) participant.
Located in East Lakes, NSW, Sydney, this project involved a comprehensive approach, encompassing design, approval facilitation, and meticulous construction to meet stringent NDIS & Building Code of Australia standards.
The mother of the individual for whom these modifications were undertaken, purchased this property with the specific intention of creating a more accessible and supportive home environment. The extension of the rear of the property was essential in adding significant gross floor area of habitable space, directly addressing the needs of her daughter who has unfortunately suffered from a disability.
This project stands as a testament to the transformative impact of thoughtful and well-executed residential modifications in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with specific needs. It shows what is possible when a builder is engaged to transform elements of a home, even old ones.
Scope of work
We had to take a phased approach, commencing with the initial architectural design development. A crucial aspect of this stage was the preparation and submission of a thorough approval application, undertaken in conjunction with NDIS requirements.
To ensure a compliant and well-documented project, a collaborative effort was required. We facilitated the engagement of various professional consultants, coordinating their expertise to compile the necessary documentation for the private certifier. This comprehensive documentation included:
- Acoustic Building Report: Addressing the property’s location in proximity to a domestic/international airport to ensure appropriate sound mitigation measures were incorporated into the design.
- Structural Engineers Design: Providing detailed structural plans to guarantee the safety and stability of the extension and modifications.
- BASIX Report: Addressing sustainability requirements related to energy and water efficiency.
- Geotech Engineer Assessment: Evaluating the site’s soil conditions to inform the foundation design and construction methods.
- Architectural and Working Drawings: Creating detailed plans and specifications for the construction phase.
- NDIS Access Consultant Documentation: Ensuring all design elements met the specific accessibility needs of the resident.
Following the successful acquisition of all necessary approvals, the project transitioned to the execution and delivery of the construction stage. This phase demanded meticulous coordination.
Renovation timeline and costs:
The initial contractual timeframe for completion was 8 months. Even though there were a number of complexities inherent in meeting the dual requirements of the NDIS standards and BCA we managed to complete it in just 6.2 months which was well ahead of schedule. The cost range was between $480,000 and and $520,000.
Unique aspects
This project presented unique challenges due to the necessity of simultaneously navigating the specific requirements of the NDIS building standards and the traditional Building Code of Australia. This dual governance demanded careful planning and meticulous attention to detail throughout the design and construction phases. Effectively managing the design stage to satisfy both sets of regulations proved to be a particularly intricate task.
This project required the precise and accurate implementation of features such as;
- Disability ramps
- Door handles and grab rails
- Carefully considered shower sizes and spacing
All of this had to be built and installed according to specific requirements and individual assessments.
We understand that hiring a contractor is a big decision. You can put your trust in Awacon – we won’t let you down. We work hard to deliver, we do what we say we’ll do, and we handle the unforeseen issues that crop up with professional efficiency.
There’s no construction challenge too large or too difficult for the Awacon team. Let us prove it to you.
