E129. Living through a renovation or extension

If you’re planning a renovation or home extension and wondering whether you can survive living through the chaos, this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast is a must-listen. Amelia and Frank dive into the real, unfiltered experience of renovating while still living in your home, from dust, noise, and tradies arriving at sunrise, to decision fatigue, budget blowouts, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with unexpected surprises behind the walls.

You’ll learn the difference between major internal renovations and “bolt-on” extensions, when it’s smarter to move out, how to prepare your home and family for the disruption, and why proper planning can save you thousands of dollars and months of stress. The episode is packed with practical advice from real-world experience, including how to manage timelines, communicate effectively with your builder, create temporary living zones, and avoid common renovation mistakes.

Frank and Amelia also share hilarious and relatable stories from their own renovation journeys, proving that while renovations can be messy and frustrating, the end result can absolutely be worth it.

Listen now and get the knowledge, mindset, and preparation you need before starting your next renovation project.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004.  Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts  do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company.  All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses,  or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

Transcript

E129. Living through a renovation or extension

[INTRO] (0:08 - 0:24)

Hello and welcome to the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, focused on providing valuable information for anyone looking to undertake a new build or extension project. We'll share our tips, tricks and stories from a building designer's perspective.

[Amelia] (0:26 - 0:46)

Hello and welcome to the Building Design, Prime Time podcast. I'm your host Amelia and once again we're joined by Frank Geskus. 

[Frank]

Hi Amelia, where have you been?

[Amelia]

Away.

[Frank] (0:47 - 0:55)

I'm sorry everyone, I've been waiting around for Amelia for seven weeks and she just won't turn up to the podcast. Well, I'll tell you a bit of a lie, I don't even know how to set up all this stuff.

[Amelia] (0:57 - 0:59)

Just face it, you can't live without me.

[Frank] (1:00 - 1:09)

Okay, to put it that way, I'm clueless and you won't show me how it works anyway and I won't remember how to make it work and I'll make an absolute disaster of any podcast.

[Amelia] (1:09 - 1:11)

Well, it's alright because I'm back.

[Frank] (1:11 - 1:12)

You're back.

[Amelia] (1:12 - 1:13)

I'm back.

[Frank] (1:13 - 1:14)

And where have you been?

[Amelia] (1:14 - 1:20)

I've been to Europe, I've been to Italy and France and Spain and it was so terrible.

[Frank] (1:20 - 1:28)

Yeah, you sent me a few things on WhatsApp and I was like, seriously? Oh, it sounded like you had a wonderful time.

[Amelia] (1:28 - 1:32)

I've slowly eaten my way around Europe which has been just awful.

[Frank] (1:32 - 1:33)

But you didn't drink though, did you?

[Amelia] (1:34 - 1:38)

No, the sangria definitely had no alcohol in it.

[Frank] (1:38 - 1:38)

No.

[Amelia] (1:39 - 1:40)

or the wines.

[Frank] (1:40 - 1:41)

And the parties you attended I hear?

[Amelia] (1:42 - 1:44)

Yes, one big party.

[Frank] (1:44 - 1:45)

Which was totally awesome.

[Amelia] (1:45 - 1:46)

It was totally awesome.

[Frank] (1:47 - 1:51)

And we're stuck here. Who approved that?.. I did.

[Amelia] (1:51 - 1:53)

Yeah, you did, it's your fault.

[Frank] (1:53 - 1:59)

Yeah, it's my fault. Alright, we're back into it.

[Amelia] (1:59 - 2:00)

We're back into it.

[Frank] (2:00 - 2:01)

We apologise for being away for so long.

[Amelia] (2:02 - 2:05)

It won't happen probably for a really long time.

[Frank] (2:05 - 2:08)

What do you mean? I'm going to Europe in October. You forgot.

Oh, September.

[Amelia] (2:08 - 2:17)

September. Although not quite as long as what I had. 

[Frank]

No, no, no.

[Amelia]

We'll have to be a bit more organised and just pump out a few extra ones.

[Frank] (2:17 - 2:23)

Yes. So, we're going to talk about living through a reno or an addition to your home.

[Amelia] (2:25 - 2:26)

We've both done this.

[Frank] (2:26 - 2:33)

I've done my own renos and you have too. And it's an experience everyone should try.

[Amelia] (2:33 - 2:40)

I don't know, some people might not be up to the task. And to be fair, it can cause a bit of stress between you, your partner, your family.

[Frank] (2:40 - 2:42)

True. I wouldn't do it if you've got little kids.

[Amelia] (2:43 - 2:43)

Yeah.

[Frank] (2:43 - 2:44)

Definitely would not do that.

[Amelia] (2:44 - 2:46)

Yeah, that can be very, very challenging.

[Frank] (2:46 - 3:32)

Because they always look like, you know, Sammy the Snowman with all the dust and stuff all around. They’re just covered in dust and muck. The house is covered in dust and muck.

You're constantly cleaning. But it always looks exciting. And look, I've spoken about this on the podcast before, but I honestly believe if you find an old house, reno it.

Have a go at this stuff. You know, if you can get it cheap enough, you can do some cool stuff and you've got a basis of a great house in, you know, nicely styled. There's plenty of people doing it.

And the beauty now you've got Instagram and every other platform and there's people doing it and there's some cool ideas. And you don't necessarily have to tear the joint apart, but you can certainly give it a fairly decent birthday inside. And sometimes it's pretty hard work pulling up tiles, kitchens, ceilings, find surprises.

[Amelia] (3:32 - 3:35)

Yes. And that's the thing, you can find surprises.

[Frank] (3:35 - 3:36)

Good surprises. Some are good surprises.

[Amelia] (3:36 - 3:37)

Some are good. Yes.

[Frank] (3:37 - 3:39)

Old newspapers and coins.

[Amelia] (3:39 - 3:41)

Money taped to the back of the drawer.

[Frank] (3:42 - 3:46)

Yeah, you had that one, didn't you? 

[Amelia]

Yeah. 

[Frank]

Old bottles and stuff and dead cats under the floor.

[Amelia] (3:47 - 3:47)

Ew.

[Frank] (3:47 - 3:49)

It does happen, doesn't it?

[Amelia] (3:49 - 3:49)

It does.

[Frank] (3:49 - 3:53)

It's when you find leaking plumbing, that's the worst. 

[Amelia]

Yeah. 

[Frank]

It's filthy.

[Amelia] (3:53 - 3:58)

As soon as anything to do with plumbing or electrical, it's a bit of a pain.

[Frank] (3:58 - 4:06)

Yeah, and I've shared my finding extension cords and stuff like that. I've shared that before. But if you're well prepared, it can be really, really cool. If you're not prepared, man, it can be stressful.

[Amelia] (4:06 - 4:11)

So how do you even plan for this? Because not everyone knows what order you should do things in.

[Frank] (4:11 - 4:36)

Oh, I couldn't agree more. But I think you've also got to define what type of works. Like, you've got your reno where you're going inside and you're giving everything, you know, stripping it out.

Strip out a bathroom, strip out a bedroom, strip out whatever laundry. That's a lot of work because you're double handling. And you don't have a laundry, nowhere to have a shower.

You can't make a kitchen. You've got to make a temporary kitchen. You're living out of your barbecue and your air fryer.

[Amelia] (4:36 - 4:37)

Mm-hmm.

[Frank] (4:38 - 4:39)

Sounds actually pretty good.

[Amelia] (4:40 - 4:41)

Sounds like a batch pad.

[Frank] (4:41 - 4:46)

It does. You know, then you get the bachelor handbag every second day and make your meal.

[Amelia] (4:46 - 4:47)

The bachelor handbag?

[Frank] (4:48 - 4:51)

Haven't you heard that? 

[Amelia]

No. 

[Frank]

Go get a roast chook from the supermarket, the bachelor handbag.

[Amelia] (4:51 - 4:55)

Is that what it is? Oh, far out. I did not know that.

[Frank] (4:56 - 4:57)

Yeah. It's amazing what you do with one of those.

[Amelia] (4:58 - 5:00)

It sounds like you've lived that lifestyle before.

[Frank] (5:00 - 5:01)

Yeah, but I'm married.

[Amelia] (5:01 - 5:05)

Yeah, now you are. No. You were young once, though.

[Frank] (5:05 - 5:15)

Oh, no, I didn't know how to do that then. But now I've seen people do it. I thought, oh, you're a pack of geniuses.

And you get everything cleaned up, bags, zip it up, throw it in the bin when you're done.

[Amelia] (5:16 - 5:16)

Yeah.

[Frank] (5:16 - 5:36)

Oh, it's awesome. But anyway, you've got to consider the different types. So you've got inside, you're renovating, tearing it to bits.

But also you've got extensions. The designer can design you an extension. It's literally a bolt-on on the side of the house. You're extending it. You're making it bigger. And you're not going to do the renos inside the house yet. That is a good way of doing it.

[Amelia] (5:37 - 5:39)

That makes total sense.

[Frank] (5:39 - 6:00)

So you plug it on the side. They're doing all their work outside, doing their thing. And then the last thing they do, they crack a hole through the wall.

Here's the opening, the doorway, whatever it may be. Worst case, might put a few new windows in. That's great. And you can live in the house doing that. But there are a few challenges with that. So let's talk about renos inside.

You're living in filth.

[Amelia] (6:01 - 6:01)

Oh, yeah.

[Frank] (6:02 - 6:40)

We've both done it. The dust. If you're doing it yourself, what not. If you've got builders coming in, don't do it. Just move out. You'll lose all your privacy, all the rest of it.

Builders start at 7.30. Tradies coming backwards and forth, what not. And it's very frustrating when you're living in it. But a bolt-on, you potentially can.

[Amelia]

Yes. 

[Frank]
Because if you keep the fundamental base of the house, and for example, say you're adding on a new living area, a master bedroom, another bathroom, an ensuite, maybe new laundry, and a deck, and alfresco, whatever. And it bolts onto the back of the house.

And you can still live in the house. Wonderful.

[Amelia] (6:40 - 6:40)

Yeah.

[Frank] (6:41 - 7:11)

The inconveniences are, though, they're a smashing away at 7.30 in the morning. 

[Amelia]

The noise. 

[Frank]

The noise, you know. It is what it is. You're just going to have to get up early. You might be an early bird anyway. It doesn't matter. But you've got to get yourself well-organised. There's tradie vehicles everywhere. You've got to be able to get your vehicle in the right spot. There's deliveries. There's trucks. There's all sorts of stuff. Love it when the concrete is, because all the concrete might start at 5.30 in the morning. And you've got a concrete pump going, and you've got five concrete trucks lined up ready to pour.

[Amelia] (7:11 - 7:12)

Yeah.

[Frank] (7:12 - 7:14)

It's only once. It's like ripping a Band-Aid.

[Amelia] (7:15 - 7:17)

Yeah, don't do your work from home day that day.

[Frank] (7:18 - 7:29)

Well, it's only early in the morning. So concreters is get in really early to get it done. I remember when they did my driveway and stuff, and there was a big driveway.

Everything had to be out of the way, ready to go, and they're off. Five o'clock in the morning, they're pouring concrete.

[Amelia] (7:30 - 7:30)

Yeah, right.

[Frank] (7:31 - 8:00)

So, and then they get all the complaints to the council, and they're like the thief and the knife. Then they're gone. 

[Amelia]

It's done.

[Frank]

It's done. It's got to be done. I think if you do the bolt-on arrangement, again, you've got to be well-prepared. Cars, positioning, getting our kids at school, whatever. If you're moving out completely, we'll talk about that later, because that's another whole thing. So the day-to-day challenges, water turned off, power turned off.

Even the simple things like making a coffee could become difficult.

[Amelia] (8:00 - 8:05)

Yeah, that could be very challenging. If you don't get your coffee for the day. I know what you're like.

[Frank] (8:05 - 8:45)

Yeah, that's true. I was with one builder, and we were doing work at a place up in West Launceston, and I used to bring coffee. You want to bring coffee?

Yeah, bring one for the client as well, because I always bring one in the morning. So we used to bring coffees in. So good.

Bring some in for the client as well. 

[Amelia]

Why not? 

[Frank]

Exactly.

So why not? But the builder has to be very clear and honest on how it's going to work in the process and the expectations. I think it's very important.

So you could have concreters coming, you could have sparkies coming, plumbers coming, you know, brickies, other tradies, glaziers, waterproofing guys, all coming and walking all over your site.

[Amelia] (8:45 - 8:45)

Mm-hmm.

[Frank] (8:46 - 8:47)

And they're everywhere.

[Amelia] (8:47 - 8:48)

Exactly.

[Frank] (8:48 - 9:01)

Don't go crook. If they look around, they're not doing anything, because sometimes they're just planning with the builders and process, because you've got to get the timing. There's a time and place for every stage of a build.

And some of them come back so many times.

[Amelia] (9:02 - 9:06)

It could be a matter of even remeasuring or double-checking. 

[Frank] (9:06 - 9:12)

Of course, double-checks. Yeah, you've got the joiner guys come in, double-check everything, the stone top guy, the electrical guy, everyone.

[Amelia] (9:12 - 9:13)

Exactly.

[Frank] (9:13 - 9:15)

And then you've got the emotional side.

[Amelia] (9:15 - 9:16)

That's true.

[Frank] (9:16 - 9:20)

So if you're living in it, it's bloody emotional. It's terrible.

[Amelia] (9:20 - 9:21)

Oh, exactly.

[Frank] (9:21 - 9:27)

You've done it, I've done it, and that was just organizing our own trades. And also, if you're not well-planned, you're going to get decision fatigue.

[Amelia] (9:28 - 9:28)

Yeah.

[Frank] (9:28 - 9:53)

It is awful. This is why having it well-planned, work with your designer. You don't have a list of all your selections, so the builders are very clear on them.

Now, we are actually going to put up an Excel spreadsheet on our website. 

[Amelia]

Yes. 

[Frank]

Which is what we call the Selection Spreadsheet. So you can grab that for free, use it however you like, but it goes through a ton of stuff that you need to make decisions on.

[Amelia] (9:54 - 9:57)

Yeah. And it's important that you have a look at that before.

[Frank] (9:58 - 10:00)

Well, you can start doing it before you engage the builder.

[Amelia] (10:00 - 10:01)

That's exactly right.

[Frank] (10:01 - 10:11)

If the builder knows what type of tile, what colour grout, what shower head, all that type of stuff that needs to go in there, then his life's easier. And guess what? The quote's more accurate.

[Amelia] (10:11 - 10:12)

That's right.

[Frank] (10:12 - 10:31)

So then you've got less decisions during the job. Now, you're still going to make decisions. The rain head's sold out. Rain head, shower head. 

[Amelia]

Yes. 
 
 

[Frank]

Mind you, could be a rain head.

In saying that, you know, the door handle you wanted to match the rest of the house. Oh, they're out of stock. They're not able to get them. The carpet, like in my own house.

[Amelia] (10:32 - 10:32)

Yes.

[Frank] (10:32 - 10:34)

They didn't make the carpet in time.

[Amelia] (10:34 - 10:37)

That's right. I remember you said that.

[Frank] (10:37 - 10:39)

You know, and you relied on it. You didn't check.

[Amelia] (10:39 - 10:40)

Yes.

[Frank] (10:40 - 10:59)

Couldn't make a design change. Anyway, that's when the stress comes in. Budget stress.

And we'll talk about that in another episode where you'll be very clear on your budget, what each allowance has been made for for every product you choose. Because the core shell of the build should be pretty well easily fixed by the builder.

[Amelia] (11:00 - 11:06)

That's right. And then, of course, especially with renovations and additions, you need to factor in your contingency.

[Frank] (11:07 - 11:09)

All the surprises behind the walls.

[Amelia] (11:09 - 11:10)

That's exactly right.

[Frank] (11:10 - 11:12)

The sins of the past. Rotting out bottom plates.

[Amelia] (11:13 - 11:13)

Yes.

[Frank] (11:13 - 11:26)

Leaking box gutters. Oh, I remember one. We had to rip the whole roof off and they pulled the box gutter out and the stain and mould from the overflow, which never came into the build, but was in behind the wall.

It was disgusting.

[Amelia] (11:26 - 11:30)

Yes. Hence your love of box gutters, not?

[Frank] (11:30 - 11:39)

Yep. Don't do it, people. Whatever you do.

What's the building surveyor on YouTube in looking at all the dodgy box gutters? Not worth the pain.

[Amelia] (11:39 - 11:39)

No.

[Frank] (11:39 - 11:41)

Looks sexy? Don't do it.

[Amelia] (11:41 - 11:41)

Yep.

[Frank] (11:41 - 11:55)

It wasn't a good idea at the time. 

[Amelia]

Until it wasn't. 

[Frank]

Yeah, because you don't get up there and clean it. It's like anything. You've got to maintain it. If you don't maintain it, they fail. 

Timeline frustration. This is a huge one. Nothing ever goes on time. Too many variables.

[Amelia] (11:56 - 11:56)

Yes.

[Frank] (11:56 - 12:09)

You could have so many trades that have to come back so many times and, for arguments sake, one might have a foot injury and hurt himself or had a car accident or cut his hand or had a workplace injury and they can't come back and you can't find a replacement. Yeah.

[Amelia] (12:09 - 12:12)

Or weather delays. You have no control over the weather.

[Frank] (12:13 - 12:15)

Yep. Deliveries. 

[Amelia] (12:16 - 12:17)

Yes. Availability of materials.

[Frank] (12:17 - 12:23)

Oh, can't get any more of that. All that type of stuff. And the feeling of over it halfway through.

[Amelia] (12:23 - 12:23)

Yes.

[Frank] (12:24 - 12:29)

I would suggest, from an emotional side, if the builder tells you it's going to take six months.

[Amelia] (12:29 - 12:30)

Allow extra.

[Frank] (12:30 - 12:31)

Plan eight.

[Amelia] (12:31 - 12:31)

Yeah.

[Frank] (12:32 - 12:35)

I'm doing that in my own house. We've discussed it. The builder said, I'm allowing 12.

[Amelia] (12:36 - 12:37)

Okay. 

[Frank] (12:37 - 12:40)

And I said, what? I am preparing you for delays, he said.

[Amelia] (12:40 - 12:41)

Yes.

[Frank] (12:41 - 12:45)

I don't want delays because it is bad for my business.

[Amelia] (12:46 - 12:46)

Well, exactly.

[Frank] (12:47 - 12:48)

The quicker I'm out of there.

[Amelia] (12:49 - 12:50)

The quicker he can go on to the next job.

[Frank] (12:51 - 13:15)

Exactly. Yeah. It is in his best interest to finish it as quickly as possible.

But, as he said, I can't control certain things, so I'm not going to BS you. 

[Amelia]

Yeah. 

[Frank]

So I thought, well, that has prepared me emotionally for that. Do not go to the builder and say, I want it finished by Christmas so I can have Christmas dinner with the family.

[Amelia] (13:16 - 13:20)

And how many times has a builder heard that? A lot of times, I'm guessing.

[Frank] (13:20 - 13:21)

I've heard it so many times.

[Amelia] (13:21 - 13:21)

Yeah.

[Frank] (13:22 - 13:32)

Where their clients complain? They won't change the date. No, I was going to have Christmas dinner there.

He says, well, sorry. 

[Amelia]

It's not finished. 

[Frank]

It's not finished. I'm going to do it anyway. No.

[Amelia] (13:32 - 13:33)

Uh-oh.

[Frank] (13:33 - 13:41)

No. Yeah. So really good planning up front and will help your emotional state be in such a better place.

[Amelia] (13:41 - 13:41)

Yes.

[Frank] (13:42 - 13:48)

And the expectation that it's not going to be finished within six months when in reality it might be 10 months.

[Amelia] (13:48 - 13:49)

That's exactly right.

[Frank] (13:50 - 13:54)

So when should you move out and when should you stay in?

[Amelia] (13:54 - 13:57)

That's a good question. I think if it's a major renovation.

[Frank] (13:58 - 13:59)

Internally.

[Amelia] (13:59 - 14:07)

Internally. Then, yeah, that's probably a time where you do need to move out because otherwise it becomes too inefficient not to.

[Frank] (14:07 - 14:13)

Yep. What about if you've only got one bathroom and you're renovating just the bathroom?

[Amelia] (14:13 - 14:15)

Yeah, that's a problem too.

[Frank] (14:15 - 14:17)

I know someone who just did it recently.

[Amelia] (14:18 - 14:19)

What did they do?

[Frank] (14:19 - 14:23)

Oh, they ran to their other kid's place, another friend's place.

[Amelia] (14:23 - 14:25)

What if they had to go? Well, I hope their toilet was separate.

[Frank] (14:26 - 14:26)

It was.

[Amelia] (14:27 - 14:27)

It was. Oh, that's good.

[Frank] (14:28 - 14:35)

It was, but they actually got that fixed straight away. First, the toilet was working. They got that fixed.

But then they had to tile around it and stuff like that. Makes it harder.

[Amelia] (14:36 - 14:36)

It does.

[Frank] (14:36 - 14:45)

But you've got to consider moving out. Now, the problem is, well, there's less stress and potentially a faster build. But guess what? Moving in with the in-laws.

[Amelia] (14:47 - 14:48)

Oh, that can be a challenge.

[Frank] (14:49 - 14:53)

Yeah, and I' was sharing with you, I did that and it was wonderful.

[Amelia] (14:53 - 14:54)

Yeah, your in-laws were awesome.

[Frank] (14:54 - 15:03)

Yeah, they were fantastic. They are fantastic. So, yeah. Temporary relocation, the cost. I think you've got to build that into it.

[Amelia] (15:03 - 15:20)

You do, and it can be really tricky because, you know, if it's not a huge renovation and you're looking for, say, a rental, it can be really challenging to find something that, you know, if you want only for six months or something, they might want a long-term tenant. So, it does make it a little bit tricky sometimes.

[Frank] (15:20 - 15:23)

Having a caravan, I reckon, would be the go.

[Amelia] (15:23 - 15:25)

Yeah, that's not a bad way of doing it.

[Frank] (15:26 - 15:27)

If you can.

[Amelia] (15:27 - 15:28)

If you can do it.

[Frank] (15:28 - 15:33)

You know, and in Tassie our winters are a bit average, so I'd plan it for summer if I could.

[Amelia] (15:33 - 15:33)

Yeah.

[Frank] (15:33 - 16:03)

So, a caravan could be the go as a temporary fix. Basically what we're saying is, major Reno, internally, move out. 

[Amelia]

Yes.

[Frank]

If it's a bolt-on job, you're putting bolt-ons on the side of your house and whatever and changing things, on the exterior, you've got a far better chance of staying in and it's going to be okay. It's a little bit inconvenient. 

[Amelia]

Yes.

[Frank]

But you can see the progress, you can talk to the builder more and that can be a really good thing. 

[Amelia]

Yes. 

[Frank]

So, how do we make it easier?

[Amelia] (16:04 - 16:05)

Plan effectively.

[Frank] (16:05 - 16:07)

Yep, set realistic expectations.

[Amelia] (16:08 - 16:12)

Yes. 

[Frank]

Plan temporary living zones. 

 [Amelia]

Yeah, that's a good idea.

[Frank] (16:12 - 16:28)

I did that when I did my very first home, especially when it all went south. 

[Amelia]

Yes. 

[Frank]

The Renos went south badly.

Electricity was wrong, plumbing was wrong, redo it all, fix this, fix that. Oh, man. Kept fixing stuff and blew the budget.

[Amelia] (16:28 - 16:29)

Yep.

[Frank] (16:29 - 16:30)

And you don't know what you don't know.

[Amelia] (16:31 - 16:32)

That's exactly right.

[Frank] (16:32 - 16:40)

Yep. Lock in all your decisions early. Locked in.

[Amelia]

Yes. 

[Frank]

Because if you don't, you're going to have variations in your cost.

[Amelia] (16:40 - 16:41)

Yeah, very true.

[Frank] (16:41 - 16:50)

It's bad enough because you're going to find stuff. Like the builder goes, your wall is so out of plumb that the kitchen's going to be a mess, your stone top's going to be shit, so we're going to have to re-stud the wall.

[Amelia] (16:51 - 16:52)

Yeah, right.

[Frank] (16:52 - 16:54)

So put new studs against the existing, get it all straight again.

[Amelia] (16:54 - 16:54)

Yes.

[Frank] (16:55 - 17:07)

Whoops. Dodgy. I had one where the floor was so out of whack, they ended up having to go underneath the house and re-stump and readjust all the floor.

[Amelia] (17:07 - 17:08)

Really?

[Frank] (17:08 - 17:08)

Yeah.

[Amelia] (17:08 - 17:09)

Wow.

[Frank] (17:09 - 17:18)

That was major. But if they didn't, the kitchen, it was just terrible. It could have been really awful when you put an all new kitchen, but then the floor's not right.

It was really not right.

[Amelia] (17:19 - 17:19)

Yeah.

[Frank] (17:19 - 17:23)

A little bit not right's okay, but this was really like skateboard bowl type stuff.

[Amelia] (17:23 - 17:24)

Oh, that's bad.

[Frank] (17:24 - 17:43)

Yeah, because it was not a really old home, but one wall had dropped and piers had stayed and timber flexes very nicely. 

[Amelia]

Yes, it does. 

[Frank]

And the builder who was there in all fairness says, this is terrible, I can't work with this. So they worked out a way, but there was a lot of extra cost in getting it straight. But now the house is awesome.

[Amelia] (17:44 - 17:44)

Yeah.

[Frank] (17:45 - 17:48)

So it's like fixing a bent car and getting it straight again.

[Amelia] (17:48 - 17:49)

Yeah.

[Frank] (17:49 - 17:49)

Got a bent house.

[Amelia] (17:50 - 17:55)

It can be really tricky. I know when we did our kitchen, the wall was out of whack.

[Frank] (17:55 - 17:55)

Yep.

[Amelia] (17:55 - 18:07)

So then when they went to go put the bench top on, it was a bit weird. And then the floor was about 20mm out of whack. So they had to like chock things up and make it all level underneath.

But really it's, you know.

[Frank] (18:08 - 18:13)

Well, it's no different here in the office. While you're away, you notice there was a few renovations done.

[Amelia] (18:13 - 18:14)

There were, yeah.

[Frank] (18:14 - 18:34)

And when we did that, I forgot that the whole thing was out of square by 65 mil. 

[Amelia]

65 mil, that's a decent amount. 

[Frank]

Anyway, I've got to tell the builder that. And when we put some benches back, there's like one end it fits tightly, and the other end there's like a 40mm gap between the bench and the wall. So I've got to get a strip made up. My brother-in-law's sorting that out for me.

[Amelia] (18:35 - 18:35)

Oh dear.

[Frank] (18:36 - 18:39)

But I knew that. I forgot all about it. The thing was all out of whack.

[Amelia] (18:39 - 18:39)

Yes.

[Frank] (18:39 - 18:41)

And that's such a big out of square. There's nothing you can do about it.

[Amelia] (18:41 - 18:42)

That's huge, yeah.

[Frank] (18:42 - 19:07)

It's just a really old building. Communication, I think, is also the key. And if you're on site with the builder, and if he's an awesome guy or girl, you're going to have a wonderful time making coffees.

I had one where there was an old biddy next door who had nothing better to do. She was making savoury scones and all sorts, and bring out pikelets and stuff to all the tradies. It was hilarious.

They thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.

[Amelia] (19:07 - 19:08)

They would love that.

[Frank] (19:08 - 19:12)

They didn't have to bring their own morning tea. They should just bring it out because you just love doing it.

[Amelia] (19:12 - 19:13)

Yeah.

[Frank] (19:13 - 19:35)

You know, and I think that's good too. This comes back down to you interviewing your builder. Is he a great person?

And could you get on with these guys really well? And if so, then stay on site. If you're doing a bolt-on job to your house, it could work great.

And you're actually empathetic to each other's situation, I think it could work wonderful.

[Amelia] (19:36 - 19:39)

I think I need an old person next door to me.

[Frank] (19:39 - 19:42)

Oh, really? Just loves cooking? That's their love language?

[Amelia] (19:42 - 19:45)

Yeah. I need one of those. 

[Frank]

Don't we all?

[Amelia]

Yeah.

[Frank] (19:45 - 19:46)

It's like having your grandma.

[Amelia] (19:47 - 19:47)

True.

[Frank] (19:47 - 19:49)

Not all grandmas are that way though.

[Amelia] (19:49 - 19:50)

True. Yes.

[Frank] (19:50 - 19:53)

So, renovations are only temporary.

[Amelia] (19:53 - 19:54)

That's right.

[Frank] (19:54 - 19:56)

So it's how you plan makes the difference.

[Amelia] (19:56 - 20:01)

That's exactly right. I think we'd better wrap it up. Thanks for listening to the Building Design Primetime Podcast.

[Frank] (20:02 - 20:04)

Gee, I’m glad we're back. 

[Amelia]

Yeah, we're back.

[Frank] (20:04 - 20:04)

Catch ya’s later.

[Amelia] (20:04 - 20:05)

Bye.

[OUTRO] (20:14 - 20:18)

You're listening to the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast.