THE DREAM TEAM

TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME INTO THE DESIGN OF YOUR DREAMS, YOU’LL NEED POWERHOUSE PROFESSIONALS BY YOUR SIDE. OUR FIVE EXPERT PANELLISTS DISCUSS THE KEY ROLES IN GETTING IT RIGHT

- KAYLA WRATTENKAYLA WRATTEN

Behind every remarkable reveal in a home renovation – from the revived kitchen to the reimagined garden – lies a team of devoted experts. And for most homeowners grappling with the mammoth task of renovating, extending or managing a new build, confusion can shroud the process of pulling together a winning team. “A renovation is like making a movie; there are so many roles to bring together to make the feature,” says Joe Snell, director of Studio Snell. With this in mind, here’s our guide to the key professionals that you will need to consider for a star-studded cast of your own.

THE ARCHITECT

If you’re building from scratch or undertaking a renovation that involves changing the structure and function of your home, an architect is a must-have. As well as designing and drafting plans, he or she can also act as a project manager (for an extra fee) and oversee the entire process, so be clear on how much involvement you require based on your budget. “Architects listen to your brief and then, with the circumstances of your specific building and site, design a home for your future,” explains Joe. “They are then with you throughout the project to liaise with the builder, the council and other consultants to get the building built.” Finding the right architect should be a renovator’s top priority, so dig deep to discover your ideal match. “Do your research, ask your friends and family for recommendations and always talk to more than one architect,” says Joe. “Interview a number of architects and choose someone you trust.”

THE BUILDER