So, you’ve decided this summer you’ll finally do it. The kitchen that’s been on your Pinterest board for three years? The “one day” master suite? It’s time. But before you start ripping up floorboards or ordering tapware, there’s that big, slightly scary question: ‍

Where do I start?

James and Alice Pilcher from boutique design and build firm MILEHAM Architects + Builders have helped countless homeowners turn their vision into real life. Their message is simple: the first steps towards your major renovation or knockdown rebuild doesn’t have to, and in fact, shouldn’t, be overwhelming.

As both an architect and builder, James has guided many clients from dream to done.

“Most people reach a pain point in their home that finally pushes them to undertake the big renovation,” says James. “But the enormity of the project often overwhelms them.”

“It’s important to know what the steps are, be realistic, do your research, and get the right team around you” he adds.

YOUR VISION MATTERS

Before a design can be fleshed out, take a breath and really think about what you want and need in your home, what are must- and nice-to-haves, and how these ideas serve your future living goals.

The clearer your vision, the more streamlined the process, and the more cost effective your renovation will be in the long term.

“This is where your personality and priorities come through,” says James. “Understanding why you’re renovating shapes everything, from materials to layout to how you’ll live in your space for years to come.”

BE REAL ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

“It’s really important to be upfront about your budget,” says James. “Clients sometimes hold back a contingency fund thinking they’ll use it later, but that often creates problems. We can only design within your true budget parameters. ”Finding” an extra $50k later on may actually end up costing you more
in redesign fees.”

A good tip to plan out your budget is to allocate around 30% of it towards the cost of council fees, professional consultants (e.g. surveyors, arborists, etc.), landscaping and soft furnishings.

THE ESSENTIAL STUFF

“Coming to your architect with a site survey in hand is good,” says James. “But many architects have survey inclusions they like to work with, or site particulars they need, in order to develop your design. Always check with your architect up front before rushing off to get your survey done.”  

“If we are navigating the project from the beginning, we have more control of the narrative. We know what to push for in inspections and which questions need answering,” adds James.

PROJECT BUILDER VS CUSTOM DESIGN

When undertaking a knock down rebuild, choosing between a custom home and a project home comes down to flexibility, site conditions, and how personalised you want your home to be.

“Project builders offer fixed designs at lower upfront costs,” says James. “They’re ideal for flat blocks and straightforward builds. A custom build, however, is designed specifically for your lifestyle, block, and aesthetic, offering far greater control over layout, materials, and finishes. While custom homes generally require a higher investment, they provide more accurate budgeting, better long-term value, and a home tailored to how you actually live.”

PLAN WELL AND TAKE YOUR TIME

If you’re dreaming of an architecturally designed, custom knockdown-rebuild, allow around 2-2.5 years from first conversation to move-in day. For a major renovation, allow around 18 months.

This, of course, depends on the complexity of your design and local planning requirements.

“Taking time to plan carefully upfront with your architect and builder ensures a smoother build and more streamlined timeline,” says James.

He also advises keeping the project cohesive. “Renovating in stages often costs more in time and money. We build from the roof down to keep everything structurally sound, so “doing the Addition later, will often end up costing you more money overall.”

A WORD ON AI

With AI advancing, some homeowners lean on it for floor plans.

“Aspiring renovators need to be mindful. AI has no understanding of council requirements, structural integrity, or how one small change can affect your floor space ratio,” says Alice.

Build a real partnership based on expertise, knowledge and experience with real projects.

“We love problem-solving, untangling cramped floor plans, and finding clever ways to make spaces work. Lean into the professionals; that’s what we’re here for,” says James.

So if your New Year’s resolution is to finally renovate your home, start with the professionals. Pick up the phone and call MILEHAM. The dream home is closer and more achievable than you think.

1/2 Moore Rd, Freshwater 2096  |  0410 723 203
@mileham.group  |  www.mileham.com.au