Old Bones Or New Beginnings?

Cronyn began in the industry as a floor and wall tiler with a particular passion for stonework. With nothing to lose and knowledge to gain, he set his sights on furthering his education and broadening his horizons. “Out of ignorance, not knowing enough about the construction industry, I studied and completed my Building Diploma,” he recalls. Now, with years of experience and a highly involved accreditation under his belt, he commits himself wholeheartedly to every job with the skills and attention to detail necessary. “I like to immerse myself in each project from the preparation stages, right through to completion, meaning I am onsite and heavily involved throughout the projects,” he promises.

When it comes to the clients unsure of whether to renovate or rebuild, Cronyn advises that early communication is the best method to ensure expectations are met. “We begin with a discussion of what the client’s needs and visions are and whether the existing footprint is conducive to their desired outcome,” he identifies. Several other factors however, come into play when making the right decision for your project. Cronyn breaks down all the elements that require consideration.

REASONS TO RENOVATE

Renovations are a popular choice for clients whose homes possess a footprint they do not wish to change. Another reason a homeowner may opt for a renovation, is if the home has historical elements they wish to preserve. “If an existing home has certain qualities and attributes that should be respected depending on the period of time that they were constructed, or the layout works for the client, but needs to be extended, then a renovation is most favourable. But if the entire design needs to change considerably, I suggest rebuilding,” he advises.

Renovating a historical home provides you with a sophisticated, opulent space that cannot be replicated with an entirely new build. Cronyn reiterates, “if you decide to renovate a home with character, it is important to pay respect to the existing architectural features by designing and constructing items that complement and reflect those. This will make the project timeless and retain its class.”

Another reason to choose renovation over rebuilding is to maintain not only historical features, but elements within the home that are personal and beloved by the inhabitants. “In my experience, this happens a lot with unique features, as its almost paying homage to the existing architecture,” he says. In summation, for historical building and homes with personality that deeply connect with the owners, renovation is the perfect choice. However, old buildings are also at risk of structural issues that need to be accounted for. “The major influence would be the structural integrity of the existing building and whether the new structure can be supported by this,” he explains.

REASONS TO REBUILD

For many clients, rebuilding is the go-to option. It allows the space to be completely reimagined, which in many cases, provides more value to the overall project. “People often assume a renovation is cheaper, when in fact it can more expensive. This is contributed to by the deconstruction process, the changes made and then the make good. Typically, a full knockdown and rebuild would be the most cost effective if there are to be major changes to the original design,” he emphasises.