Q&A with one of Melbourne's leading builders
Established in 2016 by brothers Peter & Matt, Fernebuilt is a boutique building company specialising in extensions, architectural renovations and new build construction for residential and small-scale commercial projects. They pride themselves on delivering quality, cost-effective, sustainable homes that are built safely and on time (!). We sat down with Pete to talk all things property and how to get the best out of your builder!
1. A quick look through your recent projects shows us you clearly have a strong appreciation for design, how involved in the design process do you usually get with your clients?
In the early years of Fernebuilt we had a considerable amount of involvement as clients didn’t necessarily have architects on board so they looked to us for design input. We would work closely with the client to design and construct as we built. These days pretty much all our work is architecturally drawn and documented before we start leaving not a great deal of designing for us. That being said there are still times when architect, builder and client need to put their heads together to work through things that arise throughout the build.
2. What are some of the common mistakes you see first-time renovators making when planning to renovate/extend their property?
• Not allowing enough of a contingency for the unforeseen that
can arise when pulling apart an old house.
• Communication between client and architect/draftsperson on budget for the project. Often we are pricing renovations that aren’t even close to what the clients budget is.
• Getting excited and carried away with high-end finishes that they can’t afford.
• General lack of knowledge in the overall process of renovating- being misguided
3. Obviously we think you're the best in the biz and everyone should be calling you in, but what would you say are the critical factors people should look out for when choosing the right builder for their job?
• Always best to get three to four quotes, this way you are getting a free and reasonable understanding of the market and price.
• Always be sceptical of the really cheap price!! 9 times out of 10 there will be a reason.
• Do your due diligence on each of the builders pricing your project. A face to face meeting, go and inspect previous projects to see first-hand quality and finish.
4. You guys pride yourselves on delivering projects on time… What are the typical roadblocks that can hold projects up and how can they be avoided?
• Waiting for permits – a way to avoid this is to have an organized architect that has this prepared so that once contracts are signed you’re ready to ‘turn soil’.
• Unforeseen issues - surprises that weren’t considered- for example; rotten stumps in the existing front rooms of a Victorian reno. Unforeseen issues can mean that works have to stop, the unforeseen is assessed by the builder, costed by the builder and submitted for approval by either client or architect. This process normally causes delay. Unfortunately, this one CANNOT be avoided, however, a good builder and architect will and can turn situations like this pretty quickly and efficiently.
• Poor architect, a builder that has too much work. This can be avoided by doing your due diligence on both.
5. We love to buy period homes for our clients, they may be beautiful but they can often come with a long list of issues. If looking to purchase a period home with a view to renovate or extend, can you tell us a couple of key factors buyers should look out for?
• Sound foundations in the area of the house you plan to keep. For example; we do a lot of single fronted Victorian’s where we keep the hallway and the front two rooms, make sure the floor feels firm and if possible check underneath the house. If you have the ability to get a builder to take a look for you even better.
• Check for rising damp; smells and paint bubbling and flaking off. Rising damp normally means there isn’t adequate ventilation under the floor which can be an expensive exercise to rectify.
• Stormwater- check downpipes are hooked up and are discharging away from the house and foundations.
• Weatherboard home will always cost a lot less than brick.
6. What’s your favourite property style to work on?
Tough question to pinpoint just one style. I must say I am partial to a big beautiful double fronted Victorian with slate roof then adding a two-storey modern architectural extension to rear. This is predominantly what Ferne Built specialises in.
Quickfire round!
Polished concrete or timber floors?
Very partial to both but if I had to choose timber floors.
Open fireplaces or Hydronic heating?
Hydronic heating just… can’t beat the ambience of an open fire
Bifold doors or sliders?
Bi-folds
Pitched or flat roof?
Pitched roof always
Outdoor kitchen - BBQ or Pizza Oven?
Can’t beat the good old BBQ
Thanks to Pete and his team at Fernbuilt for answering our burning questions! Buyers can have a tendency to underestimate the cost, time and effort involved in property renovations so it’s great to get an insiders perspective.
We always suggest our clients get a building and pest inspection prior to making an offer on a home to help minimize unforeseen issues. Make sure you consult the experts before embarking on your next DIY project!
Sam Davenport