With a housing market so hostile that you might want to wear a bullet-proof vest before you enter it, selling your home has become more a tactical challenge than a typical private transaction. But because there are fewer buyers around, many homeowners are biting the bullet and staying put until the market picks up. Others however are preparing for battle, either by pressing on with the sale or by trying to rent out their home in the interim. There are two reasons why you might consider renovating your home; the …

I recently received a phone call from a solicitor friend,  to help a client, who had just completed his multi – million dollar home on a “cost plus agreement” to sort out the final account with his builder. He was happy with the builders work, just not sure what was fair to pay him!!!
The whole agreement was based on a handshake and he wasn’t sure what costs the 15% ( the plus) was meant to apply.
I nearly fell off my chair!!!! and then phoned the client, and slowly we have …

One of the key things to do when you are embarking on a building, home improvement or renovation project is get clear on what you want first.  No matter how good any builder architect or tradesman appears it pays to get a second independent opinion and review of any plans.
Most people are about to spend a substantial amount of money and often do not know exactly what they are getting and tend to go completely on trust without getting that second opinion. The following story outlines a process I …

If it suits your family situation, it is a very good idea to build your home because you will get exactly what you want instead of when you buy and existing home you will often need to compromise until you carry out a home renovation. However always remember  – don’t be lulled into thinking that the home building cost is only what a contractor quotes you.  there will often be hidden extras. so always ask lots of questions before signing on the dotted line.
So here are a few …