My role: Renovation Strategist, Structural Engineer

The Roadblock: Budget / Design / Construction Methodology Approach

The (Re)Work: An initial meeting with the clients, builder and building design at the scheduled commencement of engineering design uncovered some concerns that we had around the budget for the build (insufficient for the proposed construction); the response to the site assets, aspect, breezes and the overall way that the clients wanted to live in the space. With the engineering challenges in mind, I proposed a concept design that allowed the clients to get back on track and meet their project objectives. We introduced cost-saving measures for the structure of the building by informing the building design to enable more straightforward and cost-effective elements and systems to support and brace the building. By taking an innovative approach to the slab and footing system, we were able to save time and money and provide a more durable and robust response to elevate the home to protect against the coastal flood hazard.

Money Saved: circa $400,000

The Result: The clients love their new design, which has aligned with the target spend for the project, and they are on track to commence construction in early 2024.

My role: Structural Engineer, Renovation Strategist

The Roadblock: Budget / Dysfunctional layout / lack of client buy in / involvement or consultation

The (Re)Work: During the site visit which forms and integral part of our structural engineering design process we identified some elements of the design proposal that the clients were not aware of and that where not part of their thinking for the project, nor accounted for in the project budget. This discovery lead to me reach out to the clients to connect and get an understanding of what they were trying to achieve, what their target spend was for the project and to convey to them what the proposed work actually meant in terms of scope and cost. During our interactions we discussed who the project was for, what worked and didn’t work with their current home and what they were hoping to achieve and how they wanted to live in the space. With all of this in mind I proposed a layout which met all of these criteria and minimised the interruption to the existing dwelling and brought the size of the new construction considerable down, which in turn brought the project back to their original target spend. The success of this project was very much reliant upon identifying the issues and educating the homeowners, advocating for the homeowners, exploring options, bringing everyone back to the table to regroup, re-document and create the design solution that has now been completed.

Money Saved: Circa $350,000

The Result: Liveable renovation, sympathetic to existing structure, natural site assets and the target spend. Gave agency to the clients. The homeowners love their new space.

My role: Structural Engineer

The Roadblock: Construction Methodology Approach / Wind Rating Assessment

The (Re)Work: We applied the provisions of the relevant Australian Standards to identify the allowable wind rating for the site which was a rating lower than the clients had been previously advised. Further to this we presented and alternative approach to the structural system for the building which gave the clients a more cost effective and structurally efficient build.

Money Saved: Circa $100,000

The Result: The clients have been able to achieve a great outcome and improve their family home for which they are thankful for. “They have been able to save us more than just money. It has made our building experience a lot less stressful because of they have been extremely prompt to answer any questions I might have. They are also able to answer complex questions in easy to understand terminology.”

My role: Structural Engineer

The Roadblock: Construction Methodology Approach - Elevated floor framing for flood mitigation.

The (Re)Work: We recommended an alternate solution to creating an elevated floor level to the clients that did not compromise the aesthetic that they were looking for. Incorporating this approach into the design of their new home, not only gave them a more durable and robust building, it also saved them a considerable amount of money in the process.

Money Saved: Circa $50000

The Result: The clients have been able to achieve a great outcome and improve their family home for which they are thankful for.