Who’s Who On Your New Build or Renovation Project: A Comprehensive Guide

The Breezeway Project - New Build in Seaforth

Navigating the maze of professionals needed for a new build or renovation can be overwhelming, especially when some roles seem to have certain overlapping responsibilities! Each specialist brings unique expertise to the table, and the team you assemble will depend on the scope, type and complexity of your project. While you may not need every type of specialist listed, you're likely to rely on several key players. This list is by no means exhaustive but is a quick overview to help you understand who might be involved in bringing your vision to life.

Construction Site - Project Lake View

Site Assessment, Design & Planning

• Site Surveyor:

The purpose of this role is to provide crucial information about the land where your new home will be built. Through detailed surveys, they map out property boundaries, existing structures, vegetation, and the land's topography. This information is essential for architects and builders to design and construct a home that fits seamlessly into the site. Site surveyors also mark out the exact location for the house and other structures, ensuring accurate placement. Their work is fundamental for the successful execution of any residential build and is usually the very first step in a project design.

• Town Planner:

A town planner can be instrumental in the early planning and design process due to their in-depth knowledge of local zoning and development regulations. They can assess your evolving design and plans and identify any restrictions or opportunities, and guide you through the complex planning permit process. A town planner ensures your home design aligns with local requirements and minimises the risk of council objections. Ultimately, their expertise can streamline the entire development process, saving you time, money, and stress.

• Architect:

A residential architect is a design and project management professional who specialises in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable homes. They collaborate closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, budget, and preferences, translating these into innovative and practical designs. Architects develop detailed plans, elevations, and specifications, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. In addition, their role can extend to facilitating the planning approval process, overseeing the construction process, coordinating with contractors, and making informed decisions about materials and finishes. Beyond aesthetics, architects consider factors like energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and site-specific conditions to create homes that are both comfortable and environmentally sound.

• Draftsperson:

A draftsperson is the technical drawer of the construction world. They translate the creative/structural vision into precise, detailed drawings - practical, buildable documents in consultation with the structural engineer. Their work is the foundation for the construction process. In some cases, where an architect is not required, a draftsperson and structural engineer may be all you need to have your building designed and plans ready for approval.

• Interior Designer:

An interior designer plays a pivotal role in residential projects, whether it's a renovation or a new build. They bring a blend of creativity, technical knowledge and project management skills to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and tailored to the client's lifestyle. With expertise in spatial planning, material selection, colour theory, and lighting design, they guide the project from concept to completion, and their services are most valuable when they are engaged at the inception of a project. Interior designers collaborate closely with architects, builders, and clients to ensure that every detail, from layout to flooring selection, paint colours to custom cabinetry, aligns with the overall vision. Their services often include mood board creation, elevation drawings and renders, budget management, and sourcing of finishes and furnishings, ensuring a cohesive and well-executed design.

While the name might be misleading, interior designers can also be engaged for the exterior design of your home. Similar to the above, they will be involved in selecting the foundations of your building’s exterior such as roof material and colour, cladding, paint colours, feature stone, lighting styles, entrance and garage design.

An exterior mood board

• Landscape Architect:

A landscape architect is the visionary behind your outdoor space. They blend art and science to create functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments. Landscape architects consider factors like soil type, climate, and drainage to ensure the sustainability of their designs. They design soft and hard surface zones and structural features, create outdoor living areas, integrate sustainable features, to create a design that will enhance property value and complement the desired lifestyle. By understanding the interplay between architecture and nature, landscape architects transform outdoor spaces into extensions of the home.

• Structural Engineer:

A structural engineer is the backbone of a new home or any structural renovation. Their primary role is to ensure the building's structural integrity and safety. They analyse the architectural plans and design the supporting framework, including foundations, walls, floors, and roofs. Structural engineers calculate the load-bearing capacity of these elements, considering factors like climatic events, earthquakes, and occupancy. They create detailed drawings and specifications for the construction team to follow, ensuring the building can withstand various forces and remain stable over time. Essentially, structural engineers are responsible for the building's structural soundness, making it safe and liveable.

• Quantity Surveyor:

The Quantity Surveyor estimates project costs, creates and manages budgets, and ensures the project stays within financial limits. They can handle the tendering process and negotiate contracts with builders and subcontractors. Additionally, they act as financial watchdogs, monitoring costs, finding cost-saving measures, and providing regular financial updates. Importantly, quantity surveyors identify potential financial risks and develop plans to manage them, such as setting aside funds for unexpected issues that might arise during construction.

• Arborist:

With specialised knowledge in tree biology, health, and safety, an arborist assesses the condition and stability of trees on the property, advising on which trees can be preserved, safely removed, or require specific management during construction. Services include tree health assessments, root protection zone planning, pruning, and, if necessary, obtaining permits for tree removal. An arborist's involvement is often essential for meeting local council regulations.

• Geotechnical Consultant:

A geotechnical consultant assesses the site’s subsurface conditions, providing critical information on soil stability, bearing capacity, and potential issues such as landslides, erosion, or soil shrinkage. Their services typically include site investigations, soil testing, and recommendations for foundation design and earthworks. By identifying and mitigating geotechnical risks early in the project, they ensure that the foundations and structures are safe, stable, and compliant with building codes, ultimately protecting the longevity and integrity of the building.

• Hydraulic Engineer:

With expertise in fluid mechanics, drainage systems, and water management, a hydraulic engineer designs and coordinates the installation of stormwater drainage, sewage, and water supply networks. They ensure that these systems are efficient, compliant with local regulations, and capable of handling the specific demands of the property. Services include designing rainwater harvesting systems, advising on sustainable water use, and ensuring that the site’s drainage does not negatively impact surrounding areas. Their work is crucial for preventing issues like flooding, water damage, and inefficient water use.

• Sydney Water Consultant:

A Sydney Water consultant is typically a licensed and accredited professional who has the expertise to liaise with Sydney Water on behalf of property owners, builders, or developers. This role is often filled by a water services coordinator or a hydraulic engineer with specific accreditation from Sydney Water. These professionals are familiar with Sydney Water’s requirements and processes and are authorised to design and manage connections to Sydney Water’s infrastructure, including water supply, sewer, and stormwater systems. They prepare the necessary documentation, conduct site assessments, and submit plans for approval, ensuring that the project complies with all relevant regulations.

Our Harbour View Home Project, mid-construction with Stratti Building Group

The Construction Phase:

• Builder:
  Predictably, a licensed builder is the crucial figure in any residential construction or renovation project, responsible for the hands-on execution of building plans and overseeing the process from start to finish. Their key responsibilities include interpreting architectural drawings, and as a result we like to engage our builders early on in the design phase of a project, to ensure buildability and budget fit of designs. Your builder will also be responsible for coordinating the work of subcontractors and labourers, and ensuring that the construction adheres to local building codes and regulations. Builders are also accountable for sourcing and procuring materials, managing project timelines, and maintaining quality control throughout the project. This role requires a solid understanding of construction techniques, as well as strong problem-solving skills to address any issues that may arise during the building process.

• Foreman:
  The foreman acts as the onsite leader during a residential build or renovation project, overseeing daily operations and ensuring that the work is carried out efficiently and safely. Key responsibilities of a foreman include supervising construction workers and subcontractors, maintaining schedules, and ensuring that the project adheres to quality and safety standards. They act as the primary point of communication between the crew and the builder or project manager, relaying updates and addressing any concerns that may arise. A foreman must possess strong leadership skills, practical construction experience, and the ability to motivate and train team members, ensuring the project remains on track and within budget.

• Building Certifier:

  A building certifier ensures that all construction work complies with the relevant building codes, standards, and regulations. With expertise in construction law, building codes, and safety standards, a certifier assesses and approves building plans, conducts site inspections at various stages of construction, and issues necessary certificates, such as the Construction Certificate (CC) and Occupation Certificate (OC). Their services are essential for legal compliance, ensuring that the project is safe, structurally sound, and completed according to approved plans. Building certifiers work independently of builders and designers, providing an unbiased assessment to safeguard the interests of both the homeowner and the community.
  

• Project Manager:
  A project manager plays a pivotal role in orchestrating all aspects of a residential construction or renovation project. Their key responsibilities encompass planning, executing, and finalising the project according to strict deadlines and within budget constraints. This includes defining project scopes, managing resources, and facilitating communication between all stakeholders, such as clients, architects, builders, and contractors. A project manager also routinely conducts site visits to monitor progress and address any challenges that might disrupt the project timeline. Strong organisational skills, financial acumen, and an ability to negotiate and problem-solve are essential attributes for a project manager to ensure the successful completion of the project.

And, The Finishing Touch:

• An Interior Stylist

An interior stylist/decorator focuses on purely the aesthetic and decorative aspects of a space. While they may consider functionality and flow to some extent, their primary role is to enhance a room's appearance through the careful selection of furniture, fabrics, colours, and accessories. Interior decorators work within an existing space, adding personality and style through their choices. They often collaborate with interior designers (and many interior designers also style!) to bring a space to completion, focusing on the finer details that create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Essentially, while interior designers create the foundation, interior decorators or stylists add the layers that complete the space.

At Heliconia, we pride ourselves on our working relationships and professional network. One of the benefits of engaging Heliconia at the very start of your new build or renovation project is the access to a reliable and trusted network of specialists. Chat to us today about how we can bring value to your dream home project!