DIY blunders cost $380million

Given the number of home renovation shows currently aired on our television screens, it is almost inevitable that homeowners are being inspired to do some renovation work of their own.

In fact, new research carried out by online classifieds portal Gumtree indicates that 75 per cent of Australian homeowners have attempted their own project.

Unfortunately, and perhaps as a result of the cavalier nature of some ‘reality shows’, one in five of those DIY projects ended in a costly disaster, at an estimated national cost of $380 million.

Lack of planning and skills are the major cause of botched DIY renovations across Australia, according to Archicentre, the building design, inspection and advice service of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Archicentre spokesperson Maureen Letter said that the proliferation of TV renovation shows, while good for promoting and inspiring ideas, have also lifted the expectations of homeowners in their own abilities to carry out renovations.

“An estimated $380 million cost of botched renovations is no surprise", she added.

"Many homeowners or investors undertaking a renovation project, which on average can cost between $100,000 and $200,000, will have no detailed knowledge of what is required or the risks involved in not having a plan to design, cost and manage the project.

"This can lead to costly budget blow outs and costly litigation if the project stalls or incorporates major building faults, not to mention the hazards of illegal building."

Ms Letter said it was important for renovators to focus on the objective to add value to their property. By being prepared to think like a developer and by seeking professional help where they had knowledge gaps a better end result could be expected.

Common traps include:
* Having detailed plans drawn up before resolving the final design.
* Failing to check builders’ registration and insurance particulars.
* Undertaking work that does not conform to local, state or national construction requirements.
* Placing themselves and family at risk with an unsafe renovation site.
* Failing to recognise the dangerous presence of asbestos or other toxic materials.
* Paying up front then finding work is left half finished.
* Having difficulty in co-ordinating trades and materials.

Archicentre offers a free Renovators Cost Guide that is updated regularly and available for download from its website.