The Difference Between an Architect, Building Designer and Draftsperson

When you start a renovation of any kind, you are going to get lots of different advice from different people. There are some very strong opinions about whether to use an architect, building designer or draftsperson. That’s because nobody does the same renovation, so people have different experiences with all these professionals.

As with any profession, there are people who are great at what they do and those who aren’t. There are people who have skills beyond, and below, their training or accreditation. I can’t tell you which of these professionals is right for your home, but I can help you figure it out by giving you some information.

Architect

An architect has the most certifications and licenses, therefore is often the most expensive. They must have a qualification from a university, which usually involves about 5-6 years of study.

For someone to call themselves an architect, they must have finished a degree, completed a minimum of two years experience, then passed an interview and final-exam process. Then they can be ‘board registered’ as an architect. They must also re-register annually, which involves a certain number of additional hours of study each year. An architect has trained for a long time to think deeply and critically about designing your home, both inside and out.

I would generally recommend an architect if:

• You are doing a new build or large extension.

• Your project is more complicated, in-depth or more thoughtful.

• You are adding another level or changing the roof line.

• You are extending a new section over a difficult slope or site.

Building Designer

I think of a building designer as half-way between an architect and a draftsperson. They need some certification, but haven’t had as much training as an architect, and they have more licensing than a draftsperson.

The rules and licensing for building designers vary depending on which state in Australia you are from, but a building designer doesn’t do as much in-depth study as an architect. In most states a building designer has to be licensed to use the title, and the license will determine what kind of buildings they are allowed to work on (eg. homes, apartment blocks, public buildings, etc). 

There are specific TAFE courses you can do to become accredited as a building designer. The course teaches you some parts of design, but it is much shorter than architecture. Many building designers start their careers as a draftsperson, honing their practical drawing skills, then later get the necessary licenses to operate as a building designer.

I would generally recommend a building designer if:

• You are doing a small or medium-sized renovation.

• Your project is small or medium level of complexity.

• Your project involves changing some of the external walls and openings.

• There might also be some changes to the roof, but not very complicated or detailed ones.

Draftsperson

A draftsperson is the least licensed of the three, and therefore usually the most affordable. Currently in Australia, there are no requirements or certifications you need to operate as one. This is great for people who want to be self-taught, but it also means it’s hard to guarantee their level of skill or expertise.

A draftsperson is an expert at drawing home designs. They focus on documentation and delivery of plans. Sometimes a draftsperson will have trained at TAFE, but often they have learned and honed their drawing skills on the job. Generally speaking, a draftsperson doesn’t do any design work. They are specialists in properly drawing clear and accurate building plans. If you intend on submitting to council, you should check your draftsperson has some experience and knows how to do this.

I would use a draftsperson if:

• It’s a small renovation.

• The external walls of the home aren’t changing much.

• You have a simple renovation and/or a simple floor plan.

• You have a really good idea of how you want your home to flow/function, and you feel confident about this.

• You are happy to get really involved in thinking through all the design decisions yourself.

Hopefully this arms you with more information for your renovation. Generally speaking, the size and complexity of your renovation will determine the type of help you need. More in-depth and complicated builds need the problem-solving abilities of people with extra training. And vice versa.

Tile Edges: Should You Mitre Them or Use Trims?

This question comes up a lot, and sadly often after it’s too late. This is what commonly happens: you choose beautiful tiles, your tiler installs them, and you come back later to find he has put a horrible chrome trim across them! I want to help you avoid this, so if you are doing any kind of tiling, read on.

What am I talking about?

Where two tiles come together at an external corner, this edge needs to be resolved somehow. Imagine the front edge of a bath, a tiled step, a window sill, or a shower niche – this is the edge we’re talking about. There are two main ways to resolve tiled edges: mitre the edges or use trims.

Mitred edges

Shower niches showing mitres at the front edges

This is where both tiles are cut at a 45 degree angle so they so they meet together neatly in a right-angle. The edge then has a thin join that looks similar to the other lines of grout. 

I love mitred edges and they are always my first choice. They are stylish, minimal and luxurious. They don’t distract from the tiles themselves. Any good tiler can do mitred edges, but it’s a bit harder and takes a bit longer, so it’s usually an extra they charge for. 

The problem is, many tilers want the easy way out, especially when they are under the pump to finish a job quickly. Which means they often prefer to install trims instead of mitred edges. You might have to be firm to get your mitred edges. Which is why it’s really helpful if you discuss it at the quoting stage, before the job actually starts.

The down side of mitred edges is, because the tile is cut quite thin, it is more prone to chipping. Chipping isn’t such a big issue in something like a shower niche, but it is more likely an issue if you are tiling stairs. So think about your application and the pros and cons. 

Another issue that can come up – if your tiler is not experienced at mitred edges, or reluctant to do them, they might end up being done poorly and look messy. Worse still, they could have a gap that allows water in. So look for an experienced tiler who is happy to do mitred edges. A good tiler will be proud to show you images of their previous work.

Using Trims

Shower tiles with trims on the front edges

If mitred edges are not in your budget, that’s okay. The other options is using trims, sometimes called ‘strip edging’. This is where a strip of plastic or metal is applied to the tile edge to cover it. Trims are available in lots of different colours, styles and thicknesses. Some people make a feature of them by choosing a contrasting colour. Or you can try and match it to your tiles so it isn’t as noticeable.

Often tilers will use standard chrome trims by default, but these aren’t very attractive, so make sure you think ahead and communicate what you really want. And always ask to see a sample of the trim the tiler is thinking of using.

Trims do create a stronger edge and prevent chipping, but remember the trim can get damaged too. It won’t chip like a tile, but when banged and dinged a lot it could look worse than a few tile chips. Especially if you get powder coated trims, because over time, the power coat might start to chip off. This is particularly relevant for stairs, which take more of a beating than say a shower shelf.

The big downside is trims don’t look nearly as refined or stylish as mitred edges.

Conclusion

I much prefer mitred edges for a better aesthetic. Your tiler might try and convince you not to have mitred, telling you trims will prevent chipping, but I think a few chips here and there still look better than trims.

Mitred edging will cost you more, so if you don’t have the budget, that’s okay. But do think about your trims, don’t just settle for standard chrome ones.

And talk to your tiler/builder early, during the quoting phase of the job, so everyone knows what is expected.

Why is Renovation so Crazy at the Moment?

Things have been a bit crazy in the home renovation world lately. But you probably know that!

It has been a tough two years for the construction industry. An overheated market, material and product shortages, extreme pressure on trades, and big price shifts. One word: COVID. I thought I’d shed some light on some of the things that are going on, to help you understand more about what’s going on ‘behind the scenes’.

Price Increases

Timber costs have skyrocketed almost 200% since the pandemic. Usually a stable resource, fresh timber’s international prices have hit unprecedented heights this year. It’s a combination of Covid-related shipping delays and high demand for new home builds in major markets such as the United States and Europe.

There have also been big increases in the cost of steel, plastic, fabrics and packaging. Which then brings up the prices of any products made with these materials. A low AUD/USD conversion rate has caused price increases too. Yep, headaches everywhere!

Lockdown Complications

We all know a lot of businesses had to lockdown, especially at the start of the pandemic. This happened all around the world, which contributed to price increases. In Australia, lockdowns meant builders and trades couldn’t get on site. The rules limiting the number of people on site also caused delays because work slowed down even more.

Timelines are of course effected. The pressure on builders has been immense. Builders who quoted on fixed priced jobs find themselves in a pickle because the cost of delivering that job has unexpectedly increased. Building jobs are usually quoted using standard processes, but when the process gets changed around a lot, the whole thing gets out of whack. 

Supply vs Demand

During the pandemic, the demand for new houses quickly outstripped supply. Many people bought new homes, spurred on by low mortgage rates, the ability to work from home, and of course, needing your own space amid a raging global pandemic. Many people who still had jobs found they actually had extra money – they weren’t spending it on travel or going out – which added to the boom in home renovation.

It’s not just renovations, it’s everything. All over the world there have been dramatic shifts in consumption during the pandemic. People stopped spending on restaurants, movie theatres and travel, and redirected this money to buying record amounts of imported clothing, computers, furniture and other goods.

Shipping Issues

Shipping has also been thrown right out of whack with the pandemic. The cost of shipping a container of goods has nearly tripled over the past year. Ports all over the world have been closed and opened at various times during lockdowns, with workers subjected to lockdowns too. All this disruption causes delays, that cause blockages, that cause even more delays, that cause price rises, and around we go again.

And I shall give an honourable mention to that ludicrous clogging of the Suez canal by the container ship ‘Ever Given’ in March 2021. I found that story really amusing, but boy did it play havoc with the world’s supply chains! 

Product Shortages 

Aside from shipping problems, another issue is some big global manufacturers are currently not selling some building products to the Australian market. They’re just not available. It’s not only furniture, it’s also some building products and supplies (eg. certain tiles, claddings, or tap ware).

These manufacturers are instead focusing on the European and American markets, which are larger than Australia. They are struggling to keep up with demand, so are focusing on products and regions that make them money. Especially given that shipping costs to Australia are really high right now. All of this means that sadly, the Australian market just isn’t their priority right now.

What Can You Do?

As you can see, it’s a bit hectic out there! But it’s not all doom and gloom. I believe things will settle down, it’s just unclear when.

Now is the time to be even more communicative with your builder. Trust is very important. Ask lots of questions to get a sense of what will effect your renovation timeline or budget. Chances are your builder is struggling with the complications and uncertainty too. Some builders have been absorbing and integrating costs, however this is not sustainable for them. Think of your builder as part of your team and you will be able to work through the challenges together.

Plan ahead but also be prepared to be flexible. This has always been my mantra for renovating but now it’s on steroids! You may not be able to have that kitchen bench or tapware you love; it’s just not possible if it isn’t in the country. So be prepared to choose another one.

Choose local suppliers. Materials and products that are in stock – it’s a no-brainer. Shop at suppliers that keep lots of stock. Products made in Australia are a better bet too. Support local as much as you can.

The last thing is, be patient. Sounds boring but this is the reality right now. Be understanding of changes in a constantly changing environment. Be patient with your builder who is trying to manage changing rules and difficult circumstances. Unfortunately hold-ups and complications are unavoidable at the moment, so they need to be factored in.

Engineered Stone and Silicosis

In Australia we are are mad for engineered stone. It has been THE material of choice for bench tops for a long time. It has cornered the market as a durable and affordable bench top option. It’s understandable, because it has many advantages: a huge range of colour and pattern, and many look similar to natural stone, but with better functionality and price.

The ‘New Asbestos’

You may have heard the media lately talking about silicosis. This is a deadly lung disease linked to engineered stone. Hospitals around Australia have seen a rise in new cases of silicosis, and these cases are specifically in people who work with engineered stone.

Silicosis is caused by breathing in tiny pieces of silica, which is a mineral found in many materials, but especially engineered stone, which has 95 percent more silica than natural stone. When these materials are cut, ground, or blasted, the dust is breathed in by workers and it damages the lungs. It is irreversible and deadly. Hence why engineered stone is sometimes called ‘the new asbestos’. 

The dangers of inhaling this silica ‘death dust’ are widely known, and in Australia we have had measures to reduce exposure since the 1930s. Things like powerful extraction fans, water spray systems, and respirators. There are specific masks that tradies must wear and dry-cutting the stone has been completely banned. But sadly, the disease is showing itself more and more frequently. Some cases are even in young tradies in their early twenties!

A Changing Industry

It is changing what was a booming industry. Some groups claim silicosis is entirely preventable through safe workplace practices. While others are lobbying for a complete ban on engineered stone altogether. When lives are at stake, I can see how a ban is feasible, just like the ban on asbestos. There are also currently class action law suits against stone manufacturers. Like with asbestos, this is a slow-burning disease, so the number of cases today could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Pricing of bench tops is therefore affected. Manufacturers have to implement more expensive safety practices, pushing prices up. In Queensland, there have been crackdowns on working conditions with audits and fines. And stone masons are leaving the trade at an alarming rate, meaning those that stay are charging ‘danger money’.

But It’s Not all Doom and Gloom!

These kinds of upheavals mean manufacturers are putting more research and development into alternatives, which is a good thing. And the seriousness of silicosis means more and more renovators are looking for other options. Thankfully there are a lot already available.

Here are some other bench top options that aren’t associated with silicosis:

• Metal bench tops such as stainless steel and also zinc is becoming more popular.

• Tiles. I’ve seen tiles done really well. If you’re worried about all the gout, there are some really big tiles available these days which means fewer grout lines.

• Timber has been around for ages and when sealed properly makes a beautiful bench top. Bamboo is a newer type of timber considered more sustainable.

• Concrete bench tops are also gorgeous. No longer considered purely industrial because you can get so many different aggregates and tones. Note, cutting concrete can contribute to silicosis, but not as much as engineered stone.

• Porcelain sheets are super-durable and heat resistant. And you can get a natural-stone look without the price tag.

• Sintered stone. A newer product with a similar look to engineered stone but it is bonded with heat rather than resins, so it has very low silica content. Dekton, and Neolith are two popular brands. 

• I’ve recently become a fan of recycled glass bench tops. Yeh, I know it sounds strange, but check out Betta Stone. This is an Australian company who use recycled glass to create bench tops that look surprisingly similar engineered stone. They have no silica and are sustainable – double win!

Conclusion

Silicosis is not a pleasant subject, but we should all be aware so we can make informed choices. I hope you have fun exploring other options for your bench tops. You can discover wonderful things when pushed to look beyond the obvious choice. Plus, you can feel good knowing it’s safer for tradies.

Why do People Underestimate the Cost of Renovating?

Guesstimating budgets is common with renovations. We have to, otherwise we couldn’t even start. But so often people lowball their renovation budgets, which is where problems lie. They have the best intentions but underestimate the costs, and by a lot! Even as a designer I sometimes find I’ve underestimated things. 

I don’t mean to scare, quite the opposite. I want to help you understand so you can feel more confident. If you’re aware of the traps then you can try to avoid them. So here are some reasons why I think this happens.

What Your Friends Say

Friends talk to friends about their renos all the time, especially if you ask. The problem is this can give you false confidence. You’ve probably heard it: “We bought the house only five years ago for $1.5 million and now it’s worth double that!” Beware, this kind of comment doesn’t give you the full picture. They probably left out things like stamp duty, council application fees, or the fact their brother is a builder!

I don’t believe people are trying to mislead you, they’re just rounding out the numbers. Renovating is a long game and it’s human nature to forget some of the hassles and costs. Plus, your friend is probably proud of their hard work and results, as they should be. But it’s no surprise it gets romanticised a bit.

By all means, talk to people about their renovations, it’s a great way to gather broad information, but always take it with a grain of salt.

Renovation Shows

It’s all for TV people! It’s not real life! The timelines and budgets are ridiculous. It’s great entertainment, but it’s a long way from real renovating.

Contestants get a lot of support from companies that want to be featured: sponsors provide trades, suppliers give them discounts, and companies donate products. The budgets aren’t real because there are a lot of contra deals. And don’t forget the TV network doesn’t want them to fail.

You can watch these shows for design ideas and inspiration (and of course the drama) but do not think your renovation budget will be anything like theirs!

Planning

Okay, this is a simple statement but it’s a big issue. You have to do a lot of research and careful planning if you want estimate the cost of your project reasonably accurately.

To help your planning, I suggest building a relationship with a builder early. Ask them to look at plans in the initial design stages, rather than at finished plans. This way you find out if your project is in the right budget ballpark before falling in love with it. Don’t put time and money into finished drawings until you know you can afford to build it.

Architects and designers will do their best to work within your budget, but they aren’t the ones building it, so don’t solely rely on them for accuracy. Talking to builders along the design journey is also a good way to meet them, get to know them, and develop a relationship. Getting help from the right professionals early on will help your budget stay on track. 

Things You Can’t See

It’s easy to create a spreadsheet that lists all the pretty things, like tiles, taps, bench tops, pendant lights. The things we can see are easy to understand. It’s the cost of the ‘unsexy’ parts that typically get underestimated. Replacing plumbing, installing insulation, fixing stormwater drains, re-pointing the roof, hiring scaffolding. I think you get the idea: these things often get missed in a budget.

The problem is, if you aren’t an experienced renovator, how do you budget for the things you don’t know about? This is where a good builder comes in. They will let you know all the extra stuff that needs to happen and help you understand why.

It helps so much if you can develop a good relationship with your builder so you can get advice along the way. And ask lots of questions. A good builder will be happy to talk you through. Then you will feel confident you’ve covered all the important (and expensive!) stuff in your budget.

Rose Coloured Glasses

People are so wonderfully optimistic. Which is a good thing, otherwise we wouldn’t ever take risks, but it can cause issues if you’re budgeting for a renovation. We all hope and pray everything goes according to plan. I say this in the nicest possible way: it won’t.

Sorry to be a bummer, but it’ll be far less stressful if you accept this from the start. Even if it weren’t for lockdowns and border closures, things in your renovation will change: it might be stalled by weather, or there’s a delay in deliveries. Perhaps a pipe system fails, or a wall you were going to keep gets destroyed. Work on older buildings in particular can have a lot of unforeseen events. You never know what you’ll get when you open up that old wall.

People often believe these things won’t happen to them, so they don’t budget for it. But something will happen, so always add 20 percent to what you think a project will total when budgeting. And expect the unexpected.

Conclusion

Renovation is full of surprises, but it’s not a good feeling when it’s your budget doing the surprising. Do your research, do a lot of good planning, get advice from professional contractors, and allow for a spare chunk of money.

It’s so important to have a good working relationship with your builder. Get them involved early and invested in your project. A good builder can help you understand your project budget deeply. After all, they’re the person who has to build it, and they can’t do that if you run out of money.

Things to Talk to Your Tiler About

In bathrooms renovations there are lots of different parts that have to come together in the right order. There are details when it comes to tiling too. Often people choose their tiles and then feel like the hard work is done, but there are still things to stay on top of. If you’re doing a larger renovation, many of these will be managed by your builder, but if you’re managing your own tiler, these things are important to think about.

Your Tiler’s Qualifications

Make sure your tiler is qualified. It can make a big difference. A tiler that is well-trained, neat, and professional is going to do a much better job than slap-and-dash. And you're less likely to encounter mistakes or problems. The old rule of ‘you get what you pay for’ applies here. If your tiler’s quote for the job sounds too cheap, then it probably is.

Check Before Tiling

Check everything has been done properly before tiling. Is the plumbing in the right place? Is the electrical were it should be? Has the waterproofing been signed off? Is the heated flooring installed properly? Sounds kinda obvious but these things have to be right before the tiles go over the top.

Pattern and Layout

There are loads of different patterns you can lay your tile in to achieve different looks. You need to communicate this to your tiler. You can show them images or do a little drawing, anything to be clear. Also make sure your tiler knows which tile goes where. Again, seems simple but the last thing you need is your feature tile going on the wrong wall!

Setout

This often confuses people, but if you don’t think about it, you can be disappointed . Setout is different to tile pattern and layout. It means working out the areas to be tiled using actual tile sizes, including the grout width. For example, you might want the wall tap to be centred on a tile, so the tiler has to work out how to start at the floor level to achieve this further up the wall. Or you might have long tiles and you don’t want tiny little cuts in one corner, so the tiler has to balance the setout with half-cuts at each end.

Tile Mix in the Box

Sometimes there are shade variations in boxes of tiles. A good tiler will therefore mix up the tiles from different boxes to spread the variation around. It also helps if all your tiles have come from the same batch. Ask this question when you purchase them and check the batch numbers on the box when they arrive.

Tile Faces

This means how many different patterns are printed on the tiles. For example, a tile that’s designed to look like marble needs more faces to look good because it’s mimicking the variation in natural stone. This can vary from one face on really basic tiles, to up to 30 in premium ranges. You should ask about faces before you buy your tiles, but you also need to talk to your tiler when laying them. Encourage them to separate matching faces for a more realistic look. A tile with only five faces can still look good if it is laid well.

Edges and Corners

Think about this long in advance; before you even sign on with your tiler. I always recommend  mitred edges. They look so much better than metal edge trims! But mitred edges take more effort from the tiler, and therefore they cost more, so you have to make sure this gets included in your quote from the start. 

Grout

It’s often an after-thought but it it’s important because it can really change the look of your room. Use a contrasting grout to emphasise the tile pattern, or match the grout to the tile for a more seamless look. Make sure your tiler is using the right colour grout – check it’s the one you actually specified. Some tiles require more or less grout width. Talk to your tiler about what you want.

How Neat are They?

This is an interesting one because no tradie wants you to watch over their shoulder. But you may have already noticed that good trades clean up after themselves. For a tiler: check they protect your tapware before wiping abrasive grout around it. Cover your bath so they don’t scratch it when they climb in. Another subtle but important thing: ask them not to wash waste down your drains. Grout waste will block your drains and you can imagine what a headache that is, long after the tiler has left site.

Should I Tell the Builder My Budget?

People often ask if they should tell a builder their budget right from the start. Whether it’s a big project or a small one, my answer is always YES! And this goes for working with a designer or architect too.

Your Fears 

Sometimes it’s hard to talk about your project budget. I get it, I really do! As a designer I sometimes find it awkward too. The big fear people have is really common: if you tell the builder the budget, they’ll go and make sure they spend it all! This idea that you’re giving away your competitive advantage. Some people wonder if they could get it for less if they say they have less to spend.

But…

But builders, architects and designers need to know your budget. And they should know it right from the start, when you first meet them and start talking to them. It doesn’t mean you’re stuck with that amount forever, your budget can change, but it’s best to be as honest as you can from the start. I’m going to talk you through why this is a good idea.

The Right Fit

There are a lot of different renovation professionals out there, which means plenty won’t be right for you. You can spend $1000 per square metre or $6000 per square metre – there’s a big range! Some builders are keenly dedicated to the the finest, most luxurious, custom details, and others are good at getting your house done efficiently.

Builders also work in different ways. Some only take on one or two projects per year, some work with specific suppliers, some will only work in certain areas, and may charge a premium if you’re out of area. Talking about your budget helps your builder work out if your project will fit in to their business model. And you get to figure out if they’re right for you too. So, by talking about your budget from the start, you both save time figuring out if you should keep talking.

Budget vs Dreams

Do you want champagne on a beer budget? Don’t worry, it’s pretty common. We wouldn’t be human if our dreams weren’t bigger than our wallets. Builders need to see if you have realistic expectations about the cost of your project, and talking about budget is the best way to do this. I often talk about compromise and how it’s a normal part of home renovations. A big part of building/renovating is working out what you can do within your limitations.

So, it’s important for your builder to know how much you can spend because they can help educate you about what can be done for that price. Builders are often really good at figuring out how to get the most bang for your buck. You’ll get a better quality feedback, and a better result, if you’re honest about your budget upfront, which saves everyone time.

Remember, it’s okay if your budget changes as you come to understand more about what your money will get. I see it all the time. Once homeowners start talking, the designer and/or builder has to educate them about what they can actually have. But this isn’t possible if you don’t tell them your budget.

Are You Ready?

Building or renovating is never quick. A builder has to organise projects that go for many months, maybe years. There are a lot of pieces that need to fall in to place, so builders are booked up well in advance. Not to mention there’s a shortage of skilled trades in Australia at the moment. So, a builder is trying to understand when they might be starting your project and whether it will fit into their schedule. Talking about budget gives them a sense of whether you want to start in six months or six years.

The way you talk about your budget will help too. Some people start talking to builders when they have a full set of council-approved drawings, while others start with just a few ideas. Usually those who have drawings will have done a fair bit of investigation, eg. spoken to real estate agents to get a sense of value in the area, talked to the the bank about refinancing, talked to council about approvals. All this gives the builder a better sense of your timing.

Trust

Renovating or building is a long process, even before the builders start on site. So you want to work with people you TRUST, people you feel you can communicate with. It’s no good to be half way through a project feeling uncomfortable about asking questions, or feeling like you don’t understand what’s happening next.

If you talk about the budget up front, you’re developing a level of trust that’s so important during a build. Showing you’re prepared to talk about budget builds trust and enables your builder to help you with managing how much you spend. And, talking budget upfront makes money-talk more comfortable the whole way through.

Summary

Share your budget up front. Be open and honest about it. This way your designer/builder/architect can work WITH you to get the best outcomes. You’ll get the best advice this way, and save everyone time and energy.