The dream house project is progressing nicely
The DIY renovations I have been teasing you with are about to begin in earnest.
While I am happy with the research I have done so far, I am also confident with what I have already learned.
I can tell you that I have decided to build a second storey onto my house. And it is at that point I realised I wasn’t going to be able to get away with a no-budget renovation.
If you want your dream home to remain upright or not have any expensive mistakes, then you will have to spend some money on professionals.
An architect is one of those professionals that I would strongly recommend.
A structural engineer, a plumber and an electrician are the other professionals I’m afraid you won’t be able to get around.
I have, of course, considered using the “chommie of a chommie” approach to plumbing, but ultimately I think getting it right first time, with a guarantee, is the most prudent approach.
Not forgetting that the idea is to learn as much as possible along the way.
I managed to find a young architect who was happy to take my rough sketches and turn them into a professional design, without charging me an arm and a leg.
You will have to do a bit of hunting around to find one.
She was willing to help me go through the municipal application and approval processes, which I believe can be a pain.
The pleasant thing I’m discovering is how many people are prepared to help, advise and teach as you go along.
For example, when I made enquiries about concrete slabs, I learned about a reputable structural engineer, which I decided I would need.
Many will tell you this is not necessary (and perhaps they are right), but I wanted the peace of mind of knowing my house was structurally sound.
I suspect the walls falling down on top of my family in the middle of a stormy night would annoy my partner ever so slightly.
Oh, and I have already started bargain buying things that I know I’m going to need, like the workmen gloves and two trowels I picked up a few weeks ago at half price.
I’ve allowed myself to start getting excited about this, especially now that I believe it is indeed possible to DIY a dream house.