The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate is encouraging prospective home renovators, builders and off-the-plan buyers to check out its Build, Buy or Renovate website to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.
Promoting the website, the Directorate said it was important for people undertaking the projects to understand their rights and responsibilities.
“From approvals to builders to final certificates, there’s a lot to consider,” the Directorate said.
“Our Build, Buy or Renovate website is an all-in-one guide for your ACT construction project,” it said.
“One of the first recommendations we make is to write a wish list to capture your building or renovation ideas and requirements before you start searching for places or contractors.”
The Directorate said this would help people, their builders and others engaged on the project to understand their expectations.
It said when developing a wish list, people should consider their lifestyle; the useable area of the site and its features; best use of views and open spaces; the size of the development; storage requirements; quality and cost of building materials; use of natural daylight, solar aspect and energy efficiency; access to active transport, neighbourhood facilities and services; and urban and neighbourhood design impact.
“It is a good idea to prioritise your wish list, as your budget and your site may not be appropriate for everything you want,” the Directorate said.
“Regardless of what is on your list, any new building work will need to meet the minimum standards for safety, health, amenity and sustainability that apply to the work,” it said.
The Build, Buy or Renovate website can be accessed at this PS News link.
