Homeowners call me all the time saying, ‘We want kick off our second-storey renovation, but we don’t know where to start.’ My answer is always the same: You need one experienced builder who can handle both the design and construction. Here’s why:
When different professionals work in isolation, things go wrong — expensively wrong. You end up with designs that don’t fit, engineering that doesn’t align with the structure, or approvals that don’t reflect real-world constraints.
For instance, I recently met a homeowner who had spent nearly $40,000.00 on various consultants. She had a designer, a surveyor, and an engineer — each working independently.
Upon reviewing the plans, I realised something shocking: The approved design didn’t even fit her block. The surveyor had made an error, but because no one had connected the dots between all the professionals, she was left with an approval that was completely useless.
Her only option? Start over.
This isn’t a rare story. I see it all the time. That’s why I always recommend working with a builder who can take care of both the design and construction. It’s the simplest way to save time, money, and stress.
Here are my four top reasons why:
1. Your Design Will Actually Work
The biggest issue I see with separate designers and consultants is they create plans without considering the build itself. A designer might create something that looks amazing on paper but is impractical, too expensive, or even structurally impossible. When your builder is involved from the start, they ensure the design is not only beautiful but also functional and cost-effective.
2. Faster Approvals & Fewer Delays
Dealing with council approvals is one of the biggest headaches in a second-storey renovation. If multiple consultants are involved, you’ll spend months stuck in a cycle of back-and-forth paperwork. But when you have one builder handling everything, changes get made on the spot, approvals move faster, and you avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Fewer Budget Blowouts
When separate designers and consultants work in isolation, unexpected costs pile up fast. I’ve seen homeowners get a design they love, only to find out later it’s way over budget. A builder who designs and builds keeps the budget in check from day one, ensuring there are no nasty surprises.
4. A Smoother, Stress-Free Experience
Renovating should be exciting, not stressful. But when you’re juggling different professionals, you’re left playing project manager — coordinating schedules, dealing with miscommunications, and fixing costly mistakes. With one builder handling everything, you have a single point of contact who takes care of it all, making the entire process seamless.
My Advice? Don’t Let Your Second-Storey Renovation Get Lost in a Sea of Consultants
I’ve seen too many homeowners waste time and money trying to coordinate different professionals, only to end up with a project that’s over budget or doesn’t even work.
The best thing you can do? Find one trusted expert who can manage the entire process from start to finish. That’s how you get a stress-free second-storey renovation that actually works.
Of course, a smooth build requires more than just the right team — it takes the right knowledge, too. That’s why I’ve created a helpful guide to ensure your entire project goes off without a hitch:
Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s packed with practical insights to help you navigate the process without stress or costly mistakes.
Edward Family Homes is a proud partner of APB and HIA.
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