Demolition

Six Important Considerations Before Starting A Demolition

The success of running a demolition task, for example removing asbestos, is tied to several important factors. Failure often presents when people fail to take cognisance of these factors.

Demolition is a corrective process that gives room for structural improvements in a house however, it is a really messy process because it reveals many defects in the house including dust, and debris, which may be sometimes overwhelming. Demolition is not only about taking out the old stuff for new stuff rather, but it is also most effective when you can re-use or make profits from the sales of most of the old stuff you take out.

Many people tend to believe that they can make modifications to their homes and they thus consider carrying out demolition on their own without consulting the services of a professional. This may seem like a cheap approach but the prospects of running the demolition successfully are very low.

This article will intimate you with six important considerations that will ensure that the demolition process turns out successful.

  1. Carefully mark out things that you can re-use, sell, donate to people who need them, and mark out the useless things that you will dispose of. Doing this allows you to work around your stuff easily without losing sight of any of the items important to you during the work. It also allows you to set these things apart from your work area.
  2. Plan the demolition procedure before you start. Many people often start out demolition without a plan and this often leads to significant obstacles with time. Planning your demolition ahead allows you take cognizance of every space available even as you map out the best requirements for those spaces.
  3. Planning your demolition gives you adequate insight into what you need to get the job done successfully. Having the right kind of tools is highly invaluable to your work and this is why you must ensure that you get the tools ready before you begin at all, so you can avoid a slow process. Ensure that the tools are also in the work area where they can be easily accessed and for the prevention of accidents.
  4. Safety is the most important focus of any demolition process. Before pulling down the walls, you must ensure that your electrical safety, water safety and other safety concerns are put in place. Failing to take care of any of these beforehand poses great injury and accident risks.
  5. Plumbing, electrical works, load-bearing walls and other important areas of the house requires the guidance of an expert so be sure to call for their help. You can also use the help of family and friends to help with lifting heavy stuff and keeping them safe.
  6. Inform your neighbours so disturbing them during the demolition will not come as a surprise. In some locations, you may need to get necessary approval.

Consulting a professional demolition company is the best option for running a successful demolition process as they will have experts who will work with them every step of the way. If you consider working with one, you must ensure that they are fully certified and you must make sure that your contract and specifications for the job are clearly stated.…

Real Estate

PROPERTY INVESTMENT: NEW OR ESTABLISHED?

INTRODUCTION

Many people considering investing in property face the question of whether to invest in a new or off-the-plan property or established property. The term off-the-plan denotes property bought before completion, often before completion has even started – hence at contract date, buyers can only see the plans of what they are buying rather than the actual, finished product.

The answer is not black and white, as there are advantages and disadvantages to buying an investment property that is brand new and off-the-plan, as well as an established property. It also depends on each property in question, whether you are an overseas investor and your own financial situation, which you could discuss with a financial planner in more detail. My take on this is that you could always buy one of each…a bit like an insurance ‘portfolio’!

Below are some points to consider for both options…

ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN OFF THE PLAN PROPERTY

Buying off the plan property in Australia can have some benefits and in particular, buying off the plan in Melbourne may have added advantages of saving you thousands of dollars in stamp duty!

Stamp duty in Victoria is calculated based on the price of the development at the purchase date (often just the ‘land value’) rather than on completion date – two numbers which can differ significantly!

In all states, there may be reduced up-front costs required to get into the market and often a delay in final settlement payments for some time, while the property is being constructed.

Benefits to Buying Off The Plan include:

• Potential for massive stamp duty savings (in Victoria)
• Negative gearing tax benefits are usually greater for new properties
• Professional quantity surveyors quantify tax deductions – maximising tax benefits
• Delayed settlements – buy now and pay much later once construction complete
• Possibility of using a deposit bond or bank guarantee in place of a cash deposit – so your equity or cash is not ‘tied up’  make an off the plan purchase

Potential Disadvantages:

• Watch for over supply issues into the future when completion is due – check out what else is being built and price points for sales and rental
• Be prepared for everything, including a falling market in future at settlement date. You will have to settle regardless of any movement in value your property has experienced over the time it has been constructed – again research future expected demand and any potential oversupply issues to minimise risk and talk to us as we may be able to help!
• Research the rental market in the area and project forward to the completion date – taking into account any future planned supply, yields and vacancy rates
• Check out the finer details such as the aspect and amount of light, building quality, fixtures and fittings, upgrades available, views – the sorts of things that are not so obvious when sight unseen
• Make note of sunset clauses and double-check the timing with regards to first home buyer grants, if you are a first home buyer and plan to move in within the first 12 months
• Check the builder is reputable and the project is likely to be completed in a timely manner

Click here to see the latest properties for sale through Let’s Get Real Estate!

ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN ESTABLISHED PROPERTY

Buying established property is often easier than buying off the plan property as you can see what you are getting! You can walk around the house and get the ‘feel’ of the place!

Benefits to Buying Established Property include:

• You see what you are getting, ‘lay of the land’, views, aspect, natural light, room sizes, and so on
• You can start receiving cash flow immediately if it rented out or as soon as you find a tenant
• There may be room for improvement and capital gains by way of renovation, subdivision and development (STCA), less likely with brand new
• Often an established area may pose less risk as you are not looking to the future to settle – you are buying in current market conditions and settling in current market conditions, reducing guesswork and research required when buying off the plan and settling in potentially uncertain conditions sometime in the future.

Potential Disadvantages:

• Older properties may need more spent on them for maintenance – if concerned, perhaps get a building inspection (Archicentre) to check it out.
• You need deposit and settlement funds sooner than when buying off the plan
• Less potential for negative gearing tax advantages than brand new – but you could talk to a quantity surveyor as they may help you maximise benefits
• No massive stamp duty savings as with off the plan purchases in Victoria…

Architecture

HOUSE ON THE AUSSIE COST

Aireys is a small coastal town, known and loved for its nature, its peaceful surroundings and spectacular views: the famous Aireys Lighthouse, the Rock Eagle.

The house designed by Byrne Architects is built on three levels: upstairs enjoying the beautiful view, the basement houses three garages, a workshop and a wine cellar. The three bedrooms, the master bedroom and the kitchen area on the ground floor. Large windows bring a different landscape every day.

Inside, the rooms are flooded with natural light. Each piece is an invitation to vacation on the water, like a beach house should be.…

Architecture

COY YIONTIS ARCHITECTS

The “House 3” project Coy Yiontis Architects, located in a street of relatively intact heritage Balaclava in Australia, divides the house in an old part and a more modern. The separation is delimited by a large central courtyard and glazing.

The structure of the original building is revealed as a self-contained cottage. The exterior is lovingly restored to showcase its Victorian character. In this old part, interior spaces were reconfigured to accommodate an office, a library, a living room and a guest room. The volume of the original structure was operated to create a space for grandiose life.


The new building consists of two floors. Built on the back of the property, facing the old house in the courtyard and pool, it is coated wood. Its form of inclined facets evolving in a subtle geometry that forms the envelope and influences the overall plan of the two buildings. On the ground floor of large windows offering dramatic views in every room.…

Magazine

Since ’16, the Architect and Builder Magazine offers a detailed overview of the architecture.

A showcase of architectural creation of a region or a country, it is done with the help of representative building architects, construction, urban planning, the environment and regional planning.

“Architecture in your area” is the witness of men who build today. It thus constitutes the showcase of their creation. Through its targeted distribution, it is also a holder of exceptional efficiency and image carrier for all editors partners, companies, institutions and companies involved.

Contributors

Melbourne based Women at Work Painters

My Blinds Gold Coast