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Polls Renovating Design Dilemma

Two Storey. Units or home?

16 days ago

We have recently purchased a small two storey beach shack in need of intensive TLC. Stripped to the frame, we now have the option of two units or a home. Your thoughts?

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Comments (5)

oklouise
16 days ago
first check what's possible with local council, what is the length and width of the block, where is the house placed on the block, describe the local climate and how far from the beach or other holiday locations, share a site plan and google earth view of the roof, what is the existing house built out of, what needs replacing and some photos would help and do you mean two separate units for rentals or a family home plus granny flat or? but what did you buy the property for?
dreamer
16 days ago
I would also ask the question, what was the main purpose for purchasing the property, an occasional beach house for holidays, or to live in yourselves, or to rent out? I would also contact a real estate agent and ask them. Is there the market in your suburb for smaller homes with small land component, or large family homes on a full block? It would also depend on your budget and long term plans for your investment.
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First of all. Family portraits? Old Masters? Snaps of people at Birthday parties, small children? Black and white or colour? What kind of frames are they in? Are you prepared to spend money on the display? Are you trying to hide them or make a feature of them? I personally hate family photos scattered about! Besides the light damaging them, there’s the family pecking order which always exists. Who gets the best spot? My solution used to be the back of the toilet door when the kids were small. I cut them all out and assembled a collage, but with age they grew yellow and faded. Now I have a large photo which my 3 kids had done for me as a Mother’s Day gift just after they left home. It’s in a plain black and silver frame and it’s in black and white. It’s right opposite my bedroom door in the hallway. If you are a visitor, unless you visit the loo you would not see it, and even then its probably not that noticeable. I think we need more information to help you.
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Hi Rachelred, I would also go to your local council planning department to check the zoning (you can also do this online by internet searching 'planning maps online' or 'planning schemes online' in Victoria or 'planning portal' in NSW etc). If you were in Victoria (which you may not be) the Victorian government for example now has a minimum requirement of 25% garden for Neighbourhood or General Residential zones for lots 400m2-500m2, and your 3m clearance at the back might be tight to meet this requirement. Each council may be different. Other things to consider are budget; single level is less expensive as you don't need to construct the stair, stair void and additional circulation and is better for younger families or assisted living. Consider also flexibility for changing family needs and zoning; 2 levels work really well when you have teenagers or young adults and can give them some privacy/responsibility with their own living/study/bedroom zone (and still want them to live with you!!). 2 stories may also work better depending on the orientation of your block. I would strongly advise hiring an architect or designer for such a small site - they can certainly help you make all these decisions and provide preliminary options with corresponding cost estimates. Good Luck.
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bigreader
16 days ago
You could do a property where they aren’t equal size. The bigger for you. The smaller for rental. Plus set it up so it can be one property when you need the additional space.
Liza O'Donnell
Original Author
16 days ago
Thank you everyone. This is an investment property that we had intended so our two sons could live in it with the potential of one of their friends as well. My husband is a carpenter - should have mentioned that! The property was cheap but in bad repair with asbestos removal involved. Location is awesome being located about two hundred meters from the marina and side boundary to crown park land.
wendyec
15 days ago
You will also need to check with council( if you haven’t already) to see if you require planning permission to convert to 2 units and whether this is likely to be granted

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