How we have helped clients
Build or renovate
Below are real ways we have helped clients build their homes and problems we have solved.
City Beach Project
Backstory
Anita and David – Bought their block with fantastic ocean views, then reached out to an architect to design the home. The Archtiect charged $20,000 but delivered a poor result. With complicated roof lines, limited views from important living areas. even a 4 car garage blocking a portion of the view.
They thought it was the best they could do so reached out to 3 builders and got prices back of the $2.5M mark. It was a lump sum figure with no break downs. Frustrated they google building advice and found us.
How we helped
First we had a look at the plan and saw it was severely lacking. We then created a hand sketch at no cost and redesigned it to be more efficient, bigger, better uses of space, better use of the block and taking a better advantage of the view. The fee for design was a fraction of the original.
Once the home was signed off we shortlisted 2 builders that we felt were better value for money. David and Anita agreed. We got the prices back and they saved $700,000. This got them a better home, specification and price tag.
Woodland Project
Backstory
Brad and Kristen – Had a home they were renting out with the plan to demolish it, to build their dream home. The block slopped severely at the front, then was fairly flat in the middle. They had great views to the city that they wanted to take advantage of. They had spoken to two well known builders and paid a design deposit to each one. One builder came back way off brief with a plan that had undercroft garages and was about $400,000 over their budget. The other came in $200,000 over their budget. When they pulled it back to their budget the home was boring and basic. They felt lost. Talking to their business partner, they referred us to see if we can help.
How we helped
We met with Brad and Kristen and met on the block, we gave them an alternative suggestion. We designed up and different style of home that takes in the front views and also works well with the land, saving them money. The overall price came $50,000 over their budget but they could make this work. In the end it was a great design and exceeded their wants and needs.
Stirling Project
Backstory
Angus and Liz – had spoken to 4 different builders all recommending completely different plans, all saying they were the best and to build through them. They were getting confused and wanted to help. They google building advice and we came out to see them.
How we helped
First went through each plan and gave our opinion on each and the builders. The issues in none were perfect. We recommended starting again and design them a home that met their brief and lifestyle. We took a fresh brief created a concept plan, took a small design fee and created the first concept. After we had nailed the design 4th version we shortlisted builders and got 3 prices. They choose one and built. their home.
Result
Winner 2024 MBA Best Contract Home between $380,000 – $450,000
Ocean Reef Project
Backstory
These clients are shy so we will call them Brad and Sam. Brad and Sam were looking to do something with their investment home to make it their forever home. They were leaning towards renovating and had a drafting friend draw up some plans as a favour. They were stuck and referred to us.
How we helped
The plans they had made would not have passed shire requirements with major overlooking and light and ventilation minimums being ignored. On tops of this the renovations would be incredibly expensive. IBA does both building and renovating so we are neutral but in this case we highly recommended they demolish and build new. It will be slightly more expensive but with a much better outcome.
We designed up a great home and they love it.
